United States Mission to the OSCE

Response to Statement by Turkmenistan

Delivered by Deputy Representative Douglas Davidson
to the Permanent Council, Vienna

June 12, 2003

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, and thank you Ambassador Kadyrov for the information you provided.

Despite what you have told us here today, we still harbor serious concerns about the plight of prisoners in Turkmenistan. We repeat our call that the Government of Turkmenistan permit immediate access to all prisoners.

We believe it is imperative, especially if Turkmenistan is troubled by conflicting reports about prisoners, that the ICRC and other humanitarian organizations be allowed to visit prisoners, including those convicted as "Betrayers of the Motherland."

The United States, and others in the international community, are very disappointed by Turkmenistan's decision to re-impose exit visas, especially as we had been so pleased when they were repealed not long ago. We urge the Government of Turkmenistan to immediately lift its exit visa regime, as this contributes only to Turkmenistan's further isolation.

The lack of religious freedom and undue restrictions on Non-Governmental Organizations in Turkmenistan are long-standing concerns of my government. Freedom of belief, along with freedom of expression and freedom of association, are fundamental to the strength and sustainability of any society.

Non-Governmental Organizations contribute to a vibrant civil society and often perform essential humanitarian and development tasks. Here again, we feel that Turkmenistan is only hurting itself, and its reputation in the world community, by not allowing NGOs and civil society to flourish.

Mr. Chairman, we welcome the statement by our Turkmen colleagues today as a sign that Turkmenistan wishes to continue active engagement with the OSCE. We thank them again for Ambassador Kadyrov remarks, and ask that our concerns be conveyed promptly to Ashgabat.

Thank you.