Special Representative Mariani (right) during his meeting with Amandurdy Arabov, the Director of the National Institute of Democracy and Human Rights under the President of Turkmenistan, 13 April 2015COPENHAGEN, 14 April 2015 – The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly's Special Representative for Central Asia, Thierry Mariani (MP, France), held a series of constructive bilateral meetings in Ashgabat on 13-14 April, discussing a broad range of domestic and regional issues with Turkmen and international officials.
In his meeting with Akdja Nurberdiyeva, the Chairperson of the Mejlis (parliament) and the Head of Turkmenistan's Delegation to the OSCE PA, Mariani emphasized the importance of strengthening interparliamentary co-operation and thanked the Mejlis for hosting a seminar this week on the work of the PA. The sides also discussed Constitutional reform, recently adopted legislation on public rallies and the proposed creation of the post of ombudsman.
Special Representative Mariani also suggested bringing together parliamentarians from all five Central Asian states for a conference to discuss ways to enhance intraregional connectivity. Chairperson Nurberdiyeva expressed interest in the proposal and further expressed the government's interest in hosting other OSCE PA gatherings.
Mariani also met with Amandurdy Arabov, the Director of the National Institute of Democracy and Human Rights under the President of Turkmenistan, for a discussion on the Institute's modalities; its work with Turkmenistan's citizens, including procedures for dealing with legal and human rights-related complaints; and the Institute's efforts to promote best legislative practices.
The Special Representative met with officials from the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA) to consider border security issues, particularly regarding Turkmenistan's frontier with Afghanistan; energy and water issues; and the UNRCCA's recently adopted Programme of Action for 2015-2017.
The OSCE Centre in Ashgabat also hosted Mariani, who was joined by Roza Aknazarova (MP, Kyrgyzstan), the Сhairperson of the OSCE PA's Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and Environment, for an in-depth briefing on its activities and newly initiated projects. The Special Representative praised the Centre's increased activity.
During his visit Mariani also met with the National Red Crescent Society of Turkmenistan, chaired by Maral Achilova, which has worked with the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat on several projects. The Special Representative was briefed on the Society's key activities, including its efforts to fight tuberculosis and other diseases in the country, its psychological support services and its first aid training program.
