During the meeting with William Joseph Burns, the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, who has visited Ashgabat on July 10-11, President of Turkmenistan gave his consent on the use of the capital’s airport for landing and refueling of American transport aircrafts heading to Afghanistan. According to “Nezavisimaya gazeta” newspaper, military transport aircrafts as C-5 and C-17 will be landing and refueling in Ashgabat’s airport. According to the newspaper, American aircrafts will be able to refuel not only in Ashgabat, but also in the airport of Mary city, which was reconstructed in 2006.

Moreover, during the meeting with W.J. Burns, Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov has confirmed his consent, which he gave in February of 2009 in Tashkent, on the transit of non-military NATO cargoes through the territory of the country. According to the newspaper, the Turkmen route is of special importance to Washington...

The national parliamentary elections have taken place in Turkmenistan. The State Information Agency reported that by the closing of poling stations at 6 PM, the number of those voted was estimated at more than 2.5 million people, which makes up almost 94% of the total population. The data is said to be only preliminary, but the elections were already recognized as successful.

This year Turkmen citizens could also vote while abroad. Twenty seven polling stations have been opened in embassies and diplomatic missions to accommodate thousand of compatriots currently abroad...

Turkmenistan is celebrating the 17th anniversary of its independence today. The events timed to mark the holiday include a military parade, horseracing at local track, a governmental concerts, a grand show at the Olympic Stadium, and traditional fireworks. The main festivities are being held in the country’s capital of Ashgabat, while low-key events, including concerts and parties are being organized in other settlements.

On October 27, 1991, the Supreme Council of Turkmen Soviet Socialistic Republic passed a law on independence and foundations of state structure of Turkmenistan. Since then the country celebrates this important event every year on 27 and 28 of October.

Turkmenistan is getting ready for the parliamentary elections on December the 14th. Yesterday the country’s President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov approved a law on the national voting regulations. These include the creation of 125 constituencies across the country and elimination of political parties from the process, allowing only independent candidates to run for the seats.

The new parliamentarians will be elected for a term of five years and assume their positions upon the announcement of the voting results in the press. According to Berdymuhamedov, the upcoming election campaign should be conducted in strict compliance with the law and without any limitations in the activities of international observers.

President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov chaired a special field session of State Emergencies Commission. The head of the state visited Turkmenabat in order to learn first hand about the situation in the eastern regions of the country, reports State Informational Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH). Because of the uncharacteristically cold winter, Amudarya River has frozen - this caused the river’s water level to rise and created a threat of floods and possible failure of hydro-technical constructions. Right after the arrival, the President was reported about the situation and measures taken at President’s orders for prevention of possible complications: river banks were reinforced and necessary equipment delivered. Because of the measures taken, the water level has decreased, however danger of floods still exists. Special military units are ready to conduct explosive works for liquidation of ice blockades...

Delegation led by the head of the EU Working Group on East Europe and Central Asia Daria Bavdaz-Kuret has arrived to Turkmenistan with an official visit. The delegation also includes EU Special Representative for CA Pierre Morel and European Commission Representative Gunnar Wiegand, informs state informational agency of Turkmenistan (TDH)...

Turkmenistan.ru agency published a statement made by the press-service of Turkmen MFA, concerning rebuttal of information released in media about cancellation of natural gas export to Iran...

Turkmen President is in Brussels, Belgium, with a three day work visit to the Headquarters of European Union, reports State Informational Agency (TDH). One of the main topics of negotiations is the cooperation in fuel and energy sphere.

The second summit of Caspian states is beginning its work in Tehran, Iran. The Presidents of Turkmenistan, Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Iran will participate in it, reports State Informational Agency of Turkmenistan, TDH.

The results of the work, which was done in 5 years after the first meeting of Caspian states’ heads in Ashgabat in April of 2002, will be discussed at the summit. Also, the presidents will determine the ways for further expansion of cooperation. The agenda includes the whole complex of important issues, first of all connected with the elaboration of legislative status of Caspian Sea, activation and expansion of regional cooperation, rational joint use of rich resources, conservation of biological variety and protection of the unique natural reservoir of world importance. Important political document is being prepared for signing at the summit. It is the final Declaration, which will set the list of principals on the conduct of Caspian states and will become political direction in Caspian affairs, until the Convention on the legal status of Caspian Sea will be developed. The Summit will enable thorough exchange of opinions about the questions of cooperation in different spheres in Caspian region, including the measures to maintain peace, security and stability.

Denomination is expected in Turkmenistan in 2009. The new national currency will be released, informs Turkmen National Information Agency (TDH). The new national currency banknotes at value of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 и 500 manats were presented on Thursday on TV during “Vatan” news program. All of the banknotes are valued three times less than ones in current circulation.