Turkmenistan

NGOs Denied Legal Status

The government of Turkmenistan appears to be taking the easiest route to controlling the country’s non-government organisations, NGOs – denying them registration.

Turkmen-Iran Free Trade Zone Withers

Hopes that business and cultural links would be boosted have been dashed by lack of interest from both Turkmen and Iranian governments.

OSCE Urged to Mind its Own Business

Turkmen Official Makes Jumbo Mistake

President Saparmurat Niazov sacks his ministers and other senior officials so regularly that news of another dismissal is hardly news at all.

Record Harvest Comes at a High Cost

President Saparmurat Niazov has announced a record harvest of 3.5 million tons of grain, but farmers in Turkmenistan say the figure does not reflect the truth.

Government Shake-Up Seen as Pointless Exercise

The Illusion of Democratic Rule

No Surprises From Local Elections

Turkmenistan's Tightly Controlled Election

Candidates for the December 3 elections to district (etrap) and municipal councils underwent a dual process of screening by local government and the Ministry of National Security, MNB.

Free Gifts Come at a Cost

Citizens of Turkmenistan are sceptical about President Saparmurat Niazov’s announcement that they will continue receiving free electricity, gas, water and salt until 2030. In reality, the limited scale of these benefits means people pay for all these thin