Rare small-scale protest of market vendors against limits on their working hours in east 1 Nov; police issued warnings but did not intervene.

Country held its first ever naval drills in Caspian Sea early month, amid ongoing tensions over ownership of sea and Azerbaijan military build-up. U.S. Peace Corps announced stopping all activities in country by Dec 2012.

Authorities 19 June accused Azerbaijan of “provocations” by coast guard over disputed Kapaz/Serdar oil field in Caspian Sea, warned against attempts to explore zone.

State media 24 May announced creation of “Entrepreneurs Party” to challenge one-party rule. Officials 23 May signed agreement with Pakistan, India to build gas-pipeline President Berdymukhammedov 18 May amnestied 1,000 prisoners to commemorate country’s adoption of constitution.

Authorities 27 March said 2 new political parties to be established “soon”. During 15-16 March hearing of UN Human Right Council, officials announced release of Parliament Speaker Ovezgeldy Atayev, held on domestic abuse charges since 2006.

President Berdymukhamedov won 97.14% of votes in 12 Feb election, securing 2nd 5-year term; turnout reported at over 96%.

President Berdymukhammedov registered 3 Jan as candidate for 2nd term in 12 Feb elections; vote only 2nd since independence allowing more than one candidate. Revised list has 7 candidates running against president; all from govt ministries, state bodies; all have expressed support for president’s policies. Officials rejected application from independent candidate; no opposition parties. OSCE 3 Jan said will send limited assessment mission but no observers. President 9 Jan started campaign, pledged to turn Turkmenistan into “industrial power”, spoke of need for new political parties, independent media. Parliament 11 Jan passed law defining legal process for formation of political parties, rights, responsibilities.

Govt press service 21 Dec reported 7 candidates to run for presidency against President Berdymukhammedov in Feb elections; all belong to ruling Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, country’s only party chaired by President.

German FM Guido Westerwelle 17 Nov visited Turkmenistan, met with President Burdymukhamedov, discussed political, economic issues, regional security, Afghanistan, rights. Gold-plated statue of former President Niyazov, removed in 2010, reinstalled 31 Oct on outskirts of Ashgabat.

RFE/RL correspondent Dovletmyrat Yazkuliyev sentenced 5 Oct to 5 years jail, for allegedly encouraging relative to attempt suicide. Rights groups say conviction retaliation for Yazkuliyev’s coverage of July explosions at Abadan weapons depot; following international criticism Yazkuliyev granted presidential amnesty 26 Oct. Parliament 25 Oct conferred title of “Hero of Turkmenistan” on President Berdymukhammedov.