CrisisWatch is our global conflict tracker, an early warning tool designed to help prevent deadly violence. It keeps decision-makers up-to-date with developments in over 70 conflicts and crises every month, identifying trends and alerting them to risks of escalation and opportunities to advance peace. In addition, CrisisWatch monitors over 50 situations (“standby monitoring”) to offer timely information if developments indicate a drift toward violence or instability. Entries dating back to 2003 provide easily searchable conflict histories.
Major reshuffle in oil and gas sector with dismissals of state oil company head Saparmamed Valiev on corruption charges and Orazmuhammet Atageliyew, chairman of Turkmen Geology State Corporation, resulting in postponement of Trans-Afghan gas pipeline talks. Former bodyguard of President Niyazov appointed deputy PM. Turkmenistan downgraded its involvement in CIS to “associate membership”.
Former Deputy PM Yolly Gurbanmuradov sentenced to 25 years imprisonment for misappropriation of state property, bribery and other crimes. President Niyazov met Chinese Vice Premier Wu Yi in Ashgabat; signed 7 bilateral cooperation agreements, including $24m preferential credit toward Turkmenistan’s oil and gas industry.
Former Deputy Prime Minister Yolly Gurbanmuradov charged with embezzlement and conspiring with foreign intelligence services to sell oil and gas illegally; arrested and rumoured to have been killed. Speculation continued over worsening health of President Niyazov after he reportedly required assistance to walk on Moscow visit.
Major government shakeup led to removal of several high-ranking officials, including Deputy PM for fuel and energy Yolly Gurbanmuradov, seen as potential rival to President Niyazov. Begench Beknazarov, relative of imprisoned Turkmen opposition figure Boris Shikhmuradov, arrested in Ashgabat in connection with November 2002 assassination attempt on Niyazov.
President-for-life Saparmurat Niyazov declared presidential elections for 2009, pledged not to run. But his totalitarian grip on Turkmen society continued to tighten: in latest move, government refused to extend licenses of international shipping firms, severing one of last remaining links with outside world.
In latest public health disaster, President Saparmurat Niyazov ordered closure of all hospitals country-wide save those in capital, Ashgabat.
President Niyazov announced intention to end child labour; observers questioned whether ban would be implemented given large-scale use of child labourers in cotton picking and other industries (see Crisis Group report below). Meanwhile, French construction firm Bouygues signed contracts worth $230 million to build new developments in Ashgabat.
No relevant news. Country remains most closed in Central Asia.
Government declared “triumph of democracy” following 19 December parliamentary elections, despite absence of opposition candidates. Moscow-based opposition cited low turnout as sign of discontent with regime. UN General Assembly adopted resolution condemning human rights situation. Turkmen ambassador in Brussels arrested on return to Ashgabat.
OSCE said Turkmenistan not planning to invite international observers to monitor 19 December parliamentary elections. Country remains most closed in Central Asia.
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