Re-engaging Turkmenistan on the human dimension

ASHGABAT, 8 June 2001 (OSCE) - OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Geoana, raised a number of national and regional issues in meetings he had with Turkmen President, Saparmurat Niyazov, Turkmen Minister of Foreign Affairs, Batyr Berdiyev, and the Parliamentary Chairman, Rashid Meredov.

"We had an extensive exchange of views on the security environment in the region", commented Mr. Geoana at the close of his meeting with the president. The OSCE Chairman-in-Office and the president shared common concerns about these problems compounded by the growth of organized crime, drug trafficking and religious fundamentalism throughout the region.

Among various issues discussed were the establishment of a free and independent media; the need for a strong civil society; the protection of rights of persons belonging to national minorities; the abolition of exit visas and removal of internal travel restrictions. A particular emphasis was laid by Mr. Geoana on the importance of good governance and transparency, and the need to secure a strong civil service as a means of strengthening the internal stability of the country. "I believe a step has been made towards re-engaging Turkmenistan on the human dimension of the OSCE", said Mr. Geoana who announced that several concrete proposals will be agreed upon in the near future.

Discussions also touched upon economic and environmental issues. Mr Geoana commended progress made in the environmental field and encouraged Turkmen authorities to implement ratified agreements such as the Aarhus Convention.

The visit to Ashgabat was the final stop in a four-country tour by the Chairman-in-Office to Central Asia.

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