A new report with opinion poll by ETG
Shortly after the death of Turkmen President Niyazov and the stabilization of the new leader K. Berdymukhamedov many international experts, analysts and politicians announced the news about a huge gas field in Turkmenistan with an estimation of 7 mio. cubic meter. This gas field was named "Osman" in the international scene.
Because of "Osman" the international community showed and shows a great interest in Turkmenistan, high-level members of Western Governments try to redefine their strategy towards Turkmenistan by implementing new negotiations with the Turkmen President and his administration. But still one question could not be answered, wich was already asked during the presidency of Turkmenbashi: Can the West and international companies trust Ashkhabadand its informations on a huge gas and oil field in Turkmenistan?
For this reason, ETG had the chance to interview a high-level member of the Turkmen administration, responsible for gas and oil exploitation. In addition, ETG decided to carry out an opinion poll, concentrating on the possible gas and oil ressources in Turkmenistan. ETG only questioned people who live near "Osman", mainly in the area of Turkmenkalinsky, Yolatinsky and Takhtabazarsky Etrap, all part of the Mary Velayat, interviewing former workers of MURBA and JUWURB, family members of workers in the gas industry, teachers and farmers.
In order to cover ETG expenses, the report will not be free of charge. You may order the report here (via paypal).
Police said he was arrested on February 19 in the Black Sea port city of Varna following notification by Interpol.
Khajiev's supporters said his arrest was politically motivated and demanded his immediate release.
The Watan party said in a statement that Khajiev's family was constantly persecuted in Turkmenistan. Khajiev's sister, RFE/RL reporter Ogulsapar Muradova, died in prison in Turkmenistan in 2006 after a trial described by international human rights groups as unfair.
Watan accused Bulgarian authorities of "deliberately cooperating with one of the most repressive dictatorships in the world." It asked the European Union to pressure new EU member Bulgaria to stop what it called an "illegality."
The main question is why Khajiev, who already stayed in Bulgaria for a longe time, has been arrested by the country's authorities. ETG sources state that the Turkmen President Berdymukhamedov personally sent a request to the Bulgarian Government for arresting and detaining him to Turkmenistan.
Nazarbayev was key-speaker of a reception, invited by "Deutsche Gesellschaft für Auswärtige Politik" und "Ostausschuss der deutschen Wirtschaft". Both German institutions tried to do everything to give the Kazakh President a warm welcome. Unfortunately the opposition members did their best to destory the nice admosphere. They circulated "an alternative presentation of the situation in Kazakhstan" to the incoming participants of the event. After Kazakh officials were informed about the protest, they called the police for arresting the demonstrators. Realizing that German law does not allow arrests because of criticizing Presidents, members of Kazakh Secret Service tried to possession of the flyers. Afterwards, they took photos of the opposition members.
ETG was asked to publish the paper on its web-site. Interested persons can download the flyer here.
Turkmenistan was, and
remains, one of the most isolated societies in the
world. Under President Niyazov, who died in December
2006, it was nearly impossible for independent
observers, NGOs and analysts to collect information
about the views, opinions, or thoughts of the Turkmen
public. Except for a few Western European embassies and
the OSCE Mission in Turkmenistan's capital, Ashgabat,
no Western observers could stay in the country, and
journalists were ultimately forced to leave.
Unfortunately, the political situation did not change
with Niyazov's death. In fact, it got worse. This was
evidenced in the recent Ovadan-Depe prison massacre,
where Turkmen special forces suppressed a riot in a
closely-guarded prison camp outside Ashgabat, leaving
23 people dead. The massacre put to rest any hopes for
a positive transition in Turkmenistan and showed that
the junta, which seized power a month ago, is
determined to continue the reign of terror. Hoping to
legitimize their rule, the junta has scheduled to stage
an election on February 11, 2007, which analysts agree
will be a farce.
Because of Turkmenistan's seclusion, it was and remains
difficult to get an impression of the electorate's
public opinion. ETG is proud to present one of the
first polls, which was supported and supervised by our
organization. With the assistance of our correspondents
in Turkmenistan, ETG-sponsored pollsters were able to
interview over 1,100 individuals from every region in
the country.
If you are interested in receiving an electronic copy,
please contact us.