The U.S. commends Ambassador Ullman for the fine work he has performed during his tenure as Head of Mission. It is unfortunate that he has had to inform us that the Center has been able to achieve "no substantial progress" in human dimension issues. We are also disappointed that the Government of Turkmenistan has been unable to conclude a memorandum of understanding with ODIHR.

We agree with Ambassador Ullman that it is essential that the Center work closely with NGOs, and we appreciate Ambassador Ullman’s assessment of the obstacles established by Turkmen authorities that inhibit NGO registration and activities. We call on Turkmen authorities to take steps to facilitate the registration of NGOs and to allow them to function in all areas of society.

We regret that the December 12 elections to the Turkmen Parliament did not approach even a minimal standard for free and fair elections.

Only government-selected candidates competed, and the government-controlled media carried no free discussion of the issues.

It is clear ODIHR made the right decision in not sending even a limited assessment team to Turkmenistan, citing: "Grave concerns that the electoral system falls far short" of its commitments as a participating State.

These elections are only further evidence of the increased government control and repression in Turkmenistan in recent months.

Acts to undermine religious freedom in Turkmenistan as described in the center’s most recent report including 1) The demolition of an Adventist Church in Ashgabat; 2) The arrest and incarceration of a Jehovah’s Witness; and 3) The continued harassment of small religious communities are also in contravention of Turkmenistan’s OSCE commitments.