During the break of the national forum, Natalya Drozd, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat made a speech at the press-conference, where she answered the questions of representatives of domestic and international printing and internet media, television and radio channels
- First of all, I would like to congratulate Turkmen people and Turkmenistan on the completion of this important labour intensive process. The serious and large work of the Constitutional Committee and other participants of the constitutional reform of the country was carried out during two years of development of the project of new edition of the Main Law of Turkmenistan. Transformations, aimed at consolidation of democracy and constitutional right, are the main target wich would be achieved by the constitutional reform. It goes with saying that the Committee and all participants of the reform made a lot for successful completion of the process. The draft of new edition of the Constitution was prepared and brought to national consideration. As a result, numerous suggestions, which were thoroughly analyzed, were received from the population. Today, we took part in national activity, which is a historical event that concluded this important process. Head of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed the Constitution today.
The organization that I represent renders support to the states members of the OSCE (57 states including Turkmenistan) in reformation of national legislation. In this particular case, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights prepared recommendations and comments and sent it to the Government. We hope that they will be useful. I would like to highlight that the OSCE and our Centre are willing to continue rendering utmost aid and support in these subjects. We hope for expansion of further cooperation under our mandate, the OSCE credentials.
- Few words on the opportunity of implementation of international norms in national legislation, please.
- It worth remembering that it is important to adopt the document, having developed it on the basis of international norms and standards and of course of the world practice. But what is most important is a process of implementation of the given law. I hope that the process of actual fulfilment of international obligations for undertaken on domestic level will be also successfully realized. We are willing to render support to Turkmenistan in this direction.
- What is your opinion on prespectives of development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the OSCE.
- I am absolutely confident that perspectives of cooperation of Turkmenstan with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe are very good. Being the representative of this competent organization in Turkmenistan, I speak with proud about it. We develop cooperation in the directions fallen under our credentials in political, economic, economic and ecological spheres and in human dimensions. Good relations are being developed in all these directions. We have number of projects, which are being succesfuly implemented in cooperation with our Turkmen partners. Range of other perspective directions is also planned. I hope that our relations will be developed under the OSCE mandate in all spheres of joined work.
- I would like to congratulate the Head of the State and Turkmen people on Kurban Bayramy and coming national holiday, the 25th anniversary of the Independence of Turkmenistan. This is very important events. I will take part with pleasure in all celebration events dedicated to the anniversary of your Motherland.
***
Ms. Jacinta Barrins, The Premanent Representative of the UNDP in Turkmenistan:
- It is a great honour for me take part in the session of the Council of the Elders of Turkmenistan as the UN Permanent Coordinator. This day will enter the history as today President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed the Law of adoption of the Constitution of Turkmenistan in new edition. during current session, we listened to the information on the achievements of your country for the last quarter of the century and first of all, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate the Head of the State and all Turkmen people on the forthcoming 25th anniversary of the Independence of your young state. I also congratulate all citizens of the country on Kurban Bayramy holday.
It was very interested to meet numerous achievements of Turkmenistan for the last quarter of the century as well as to recall the presentation and adoption of the Resolution on the Neutral Status of Turkmenistan by the United Nations General Assembly. The status of permanent neutrality of your state was taken into account during the amenments of of new Constitution. It is pleasant to realize that this Resolution, approved the UN general Assembly would promote the establishment and support of friendly relations not only with neighbours in the region but with all countries of the world as well.
The UN Development Programme had an honour to send its comments and to designate our proposals for the draft of new Constitution. I would like to congratulate president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the fact that peoples of Turkmenistan were given opportunity to express their opinion about such important document as the Main Law of the state. It was declared during last year session of the Council of the Elders and after, the suggestion were published in local press.
Thus, many interested citizens of the country were given opportunity to express their opinion. Numerous of different comments from representatives of political parties, non-governmental organizations, educational nstitutions and other organizations were received. Of course, we hail such approach, giving opportunity to the people to take active aprt in development of new edition of the Constitution.
***
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russian Federation in Turkmenistan Alexander Blokhin:
- As it was mentioned by repected Mr. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in his historical speech at the Council of the Elders, the adoption of new edition of the Constitution of the country is the event of great importance in the life of the state. Principles, providing social provision of the population, expanding authorities of local administrations and providing human rights which are important directions in development of the state, what is proven by the world practice, occupy special place in the Main Law of the country.
Current agenda of the Council of the Elders included subjects initiated by the President of Turkmenistan of successes achieved by your country for the years of independence, fulfilment of set targets for social and economic development. It goes without saying that their discussion increased the importance of national forum.
For many years, I have been working in the structures of local administration. I am confident that improvement of the Main Law of the country in accordance with national principles and international practice has a great importance in improvement of wellbeing of the people and in the structure of governmental management. At the end, I would like cordially congratulate the President of Turkmenistan and all Turkmen people with adoption of new edition of the Constitution of Turkmenistan during the session of the Council of the Elders that is the most important event in state and social life. I wish President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and all Turkmen people firther successes and prosperity.
***
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of People’s Republic of China in Turkmenistan Xiao Qinghua:
- Today’s session of the Council of the Elders, held in the year of the 25th anniversary of the independence, has great importance for development of your country. Taking this opportunity, I would like to congratulate respected President Gurbanguly Berdimuhameeov and all Turkmen people on successful conduct of this consequential event. Subject of economic transformation in the country were reviewed during current session. New edition of the Constitution of Turkmenistan preserves fundamental provisions of previous version of the Constitution on one hand and supplements and amends it with account of large-scale reforms in the state on another hand. Being close friend and strategic partner of your country, Chinese people expresses his sincere admiration of these achievements and will continue to support the way of independent development taken by Turkmen people. We are willing to take all efforts for intensification and consolidation of friendship relations and mutual cooperation. I am confident that Chinese – Turkmen partnership is expected by wonderful future.
New edition of the Constitution of Turkmenistan will also play important role in consolidation of legal foundations of the state, in successful realization of social and economic reforms in the country.
***
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Republic of Italy Marco Mancini:
- I am happy to present here at this crucial day for all Turkmen people. This is indeed historical event for Turkmenistan. Young independent country adopted new edition of the Constitution during the Council of the Elders. This is very important step in intensification of democratic reformations, which will lead to improvement of social, cultural and economic life of Turkmen citizens on the way of steadfast development of the country. I would like to make specia accent on the fact that special roles in steady development of the country and intensification of democratic reforms are played by the representatives of the structures, which provide reliable security of the population and attract your attention to new articles of the Constitution, developed on the basis of international legislative norms and standards.
Large number of letters of suggestions from the citizens of Turkmenistan were received during two years of hard work of the Constitutional Committee and members of the Committee took great efforts for improvement of the Main Law. I consider this as advanced step forward to the future. Referendum for the Constitution issues will be held in next spring in Italy. I know how actual this subject for the whole country. I wish all the best to the people of Turkmenistan and express the gratitude to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for this measure aimed at expansion of reformations, modernization of economy and comprehensive support of Turkmen people. Undoubtedly, this is very important directions in political activity of your national leader. He promised new Constitution to the people and kept his word. I think that this is very important moment in biography of Turkmenistan and its Leader.
***
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan Chung Tae-In:
- I am happy to be the witness of this historical event undertaken in Turkmenistan. It is a great honour for me to be invited to the session of the Council of the Elders. Being the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan, I know your country very well and see the similiarity of cultures of two peoples as well as languages related to Altay language family. It is very interesting that the Councils of the Elders for taking of historical important decisions was held in Korea as well as in Turkmenistan. I am happy to find such similiarities between our peoples.
Today, I am a witness of adoption of new edition of the Constitution of Turkmenistan. The 25th anniversary of the Independence of your country is being celebrated in this year. At the same time, idnices of economic growth, political authority of your country and national Leader in the world community were considerably increased in Turkmenistan for all these years. The Constitution of Turkmenistan was considerably improved corresponding to the modern realities. Korea adopted its Constitution in 1948. Since then, we made several amedments of the Main Law. Like the Turkmen people, we undertook all measures for improvement of social and economic development of our country.
I am confident that Korean – Turkmen relations will continue to be developed, resting upon historical and cultural similiarity of two friendly peoples. I believe that Turkmenistan will make way forward in progressing advancement to the future of the country.
***
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Republic of India to Turkmenistan Nagendra Prasad:
- The current event proves the fact that Turkmen people makes amendments of the Constitution, which meet the demands of modern days for peaceful and creative life and prosperity of the people as well as for support of friendly relations with all counties including neighbouring states. Friendship relations, which are being constantly consolidated, are established between India and Turkmenistan. I hope that our partnership will continue to bed developed, based on cooperation including owing to the project of construction of TAPI gas main, which as described in detail by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov during today session of the Council of the Elders. I am confident that transnational gas pipeline Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India will serve to prosperity of not only your country but to the whole region.
***
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Turkmenistan Valentin Shevalyov
- The adoption of the Constitution is epochal event for any country. Turkmenistan was one of the first countries that after gaining of the Independence, adopted the Main Law of Independent State in May of 1992. Ukraine, for example, adopted its Constitution only in 1996. Undoubtedly, the time runs fast forward and our modern world is being rapidly developed. It has to be responded. It was promptly undertaken by Leader of your country Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov as modern time requires the modernization of the Main Law.
I would like to comment on beautiful words said by the President of Turkmenistan during the historical session of the Council of the Elders: “ the Constitution is honour of the State!” I was touched by the concept of “honour of the State”. Of course, I am proud and happy that, being a member of diplomatic corp, I became the witness of adoption of such important document as the Main Law of the country. It is a matter of great honour for me.
I would like to express gratitude to the leaders of Turkmenistan, respected President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for the great attention to us. We feel the involvement into great activities in Turkmenistan.
- First of all, I would like to congratulate Turkmen people and Turkmenistan on the completion of this important labour intensive process. The serious and large work of the Constitutional Committee and other participants of the constitutional reform of the country was carried out during two years of development of the project of new edition of the Main Law of Turkmenistan. Transformations, aimed at consolidation of democracy and constitutional right, are the main target wich would be achieved by the constitutional reform. It goes with saying that the Committee and all participants of the reform made a lot for successful completion of the process. The draft of new edition of the Constitution was prepared and brought to national consideration. As a result, numerous suggestions, which were thoroughly analyzed, were received from the population. Today, we took part in national activity, which is a historical event that concluded this important process. Head of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed the Constitution today.
The organization that I represent renders support to the states members of the OSCE (57 states including Turkmenistan) in reformation of national legislation. In this particular case, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights prepared recommendations and comments and sent it to the Government. We hope that they will be useful. I would like to highlight that the OSCE and our Centre are willing to continue rendering utmost aid and support in these subjects. We hope for expansion of further cooperation under our mandate, the OSCE credentials.
- Few words on the opportunity of implementation of international norms in national legislation, please.
- It worth remembering that it is important to adopt the document, having developed it on the basis of international norms and standards and of course of the world practice. But what is most important is a process of implementation of the given law. I hope that the process of actual fulfilment of international obligations for undertaken on domestic level will be also successfully realized. We are willing to render support to Turkmenistan in this direction.
- What is your opinion on prespectives of development of cooperation between Turkmenistan and the OSCE.
- I am absolutely confident that perspectives of cooperation of Turkmenstan with the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe are very good. Being the representative of this competent organization in Turkmenistan, I speak with proud about it. We develop cooperation in the directions fallen under our credentials in political, economic, economic and ecological spheres and in human dimensions. Good relations are being developed in all these directions. We have number of projects, which are being succesfuly implemented in cooperation with our Turkmen partners. Range of other perspective directions is also planned. I hope that our relations will be developed under the OSCE mandate in all spheres of joined work.
- I would like to congratulate the Head of the State and Turkmen people on Kurban Bayramy and coming national holiday, the 25th anniversary of the Independence of Turkmenistan. This is very important events. I will take part with pleasure in all celebration events dedicated to the anniversary of your Motherland.
Ms. Jacinta Barrins, The Premanent Representative of the UNDP in Turkmenistan:
- It is a great honour for me take part in the session of the Council of the Elders of Turkmenistan as the UN Permanent Coordinator. This day will enter the history as today President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed the Law of adoption of the Constitution of Turkmenistan in new edition. during current session, we listened to the information on the achievements of your country for the last quarter of the century and first of all, I would like to take the opportunity to congratulate the Head of the State and all Turkmen people on the forthcoming 25th anniversary of the Independence of your young state. I also congratulate all citizens of the country on Kurban Bayramy holday.
It was very interested to meet numerous achievements of Turkmenistan for the last quarter of the century as well as to recall the presentation and adoption of the Resolution on the Neutral Status of Turkmenistan by the United Nations General Assembly. The status of permanent neutrality of your state was taken into account during the amenments of of new Constitution. It is pleasant to realize that this Resolution, approved the UN general Assembly would promote the establishment and support of friendly relations not only with neighbours in the region but with all countries of the world as well.
The UN Development Programme had an honour to send its comments and to designate our proposals for the draft of new Constitution. I would like to congratulate president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the fact that peoples of Turkmenistan were given opportunity to express their opinion about such important document as the Main Law of the state. It was declared during last year session of the Council of the Elders and after, the suggestion were published in local press.
Thus, many interested citizens of the country were given opportunity to express their opinion. Numerous of different comments from representatives of political parties, non-governmental organizations, educational nstitutions and other organizations were received. Of course, we hail such approach, giving opportunity to the people to take active aprt in development of new edition of the Constitution.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russian Federation in Turkmenistan Alexander Blokhin:
- As it was mentioned by repected Mr. President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov in his historical speech at the Council of the Elders, the adoption of new edition of the Constitution of the country is the event of great importance in the life of the state. Principles, providing social provision of the population, expanding authorities of local administrations and providing human rights which are important directions in development of the state, what is proven by the world practice, occupy special place in the Main Law of the country.
Current agenda of the Council of the Elders included subjects initiated by the President of Turkmenistan of successes achieved by your country for the years of independence, fulfilment of set targets for social and economic development. It goes without saying that their discussion increased the importance of national forum.
For many years, I have been working in the structures of local administration. I am confident that improvement of the Main Law of the country in accordance with national principles and international practice has a great importance in improvement of wellbeing of the people and in the structure of governmental management. At the end, I would like cordially congratulate the President of Turkmenistan and all Turkmen people with adoption of new edition of the Constitution of Turkmenistan during the session of the Council of the Elders that is the most important event in state and social life. I wish President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and all Turkmen people firther successes and prosperity.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of People’s Republic of China in Turkmenistan Xiao Qinghua:
- Today’s session of the Council of the Elders, held in the year of the 25th anniversary of the independence, has great importance for development of your country. Taking this opportunity, I would like to congratulate respected President Gurbanguly Berdimuhameeov and all Turkmen people on successful conduct of this consequential event. Subject of economic transformation in the country were reviewed during current session. New edition of the Constitution of Turkmenistan preserves fundamental provisions of previous version of the Constitution on one hand and supplements and amends it with account of large-scale reforms in the state on another hand. Being close friend and strategic partner of your country, Chinese people expresses his sincere admiration of these achievements and will continue to support the way of independent development taken by Turkmen people. We are willing to take all efforts for intensification and consolidation of friendship relations and mutual cooperation. I am confident that Chinese – Turkmen partnership is expected by wonderful future.
New edition of the Constitution of Turkmenistan will also play important role in consolidation of legal foundations of the state, in successful realization of social and economic reforms in the country.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Republic of Italy Marco Mancini:
- I am happy to present here at this crucial day for all Turkmen people. This is indeed historical event for Turkmenistan. Young independent country adopted new edition of the Constitution during the Council of the Elders. This is very important step in intensification of democratic reformations, which will lead to improvement of social, cultural and economic life of Turkmen citizens on the way of steadfast development of the country. I would like to make specia accent on the fact that special roles in steady development of the country and intensification of democratic reforms are played by the representatives of the structures, which provide reliable security of the population and attract your attention to new articles of the Constitution, developed on the basis of international legislative norms and standards.
Large number of letters of suggestions from the citizens of Turkmenistan were received during two years of hard work of the Constitutional Committee and members of the Committee took great efforts for improvement of the Main Law. I consider this as advanced step forward to the future. Referendum for the Constitution issues will be held in next spring in Italy. I know how actual this subject for the whole country. I wish all the best to the people of Turkmenistan and express the gratitude to President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for this measure aimed at expansion of reformations, modernization of economy and comprehensive support of Turkmen people. Undoubtedly, this is very important directions in political activity of your national leader. He promised new Constitution to the people and kept his word. I think that this is very important moment in biography of Turkmenistan and its Leader.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan Chung Tae-In:
- I am happy to be the witness of this historical event undertaken in Turkmenistan. It is a great honour for me to be invited to the session of the Council of the Elders. Being the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Republic of Korea to Turkmenistan, I know your country very well and see the similiarity of cultures of two peoples as well as languages related to Altay language family. It is very interesting that the Councils of the Elders for taking of historical important decisions was held in Korea as well as in Turkmenistan. I am happy to find such similiarities between our peoples.
Today, I am a witness of adoption of new edition of the Constitution of Turkmenistan. The 25th anniversary of the Independence of your country is being celebrated in this year. At the same time, idnices of economic growth, political authority of your country and national Leader in the world community were considerably increased in Turkmenistan for all these years. The Constitution of Turkmenistan was considerably improved corresponding to the modern realities. Korea adopted its Constitution in 1948. Since then, we made several amedments of the Main Law. Like the Turkmen people, we undertook all measures for improvement of social and economic development of our country.
I am confident that Korean – Turkmen relations will continue to be developed, resting upon historical and cultural similiarity of two friendly peoples. I believe that Turkmenistan will make way forward in progressing advancement to the future of the country.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Republic of India to Turkmenistan Nagendra Prasad:
- The current event proves the fact that Turkmen people makes amendments of the Constitution, which meet the demands of modern days for peaceful and creative life and prosperity of the people as well as for support of friendly relations with all counties including neighbouring states. Friendship relations, which are being constantly consolidated, are established between India and Turkmenistan. I hope that our partnership will continue to bed developed, based on cooperation including owing to the project of construction of TAPI gas main, which as described in detail by President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov during today session of the Council of the Elders. I am confident that transnational gas pipeline Turkmenistan – Afghanistan – Pakistan – India will serve to prosperity of not only your country but to the whole region.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Turkmenistan Valentin Shevalyov
- The adoption of the Constitution is epochal event for any country. Turkmenistan was one of the first countries that after gaining of the Independence, adopted the Main Law of Independent State in May of 1992. Ukraine, for example, adopted its Constitution only in 1996. Undoubtedly, the time runs fast forward and our modern world is being rapidly developed. It has to be responded. It was promptly undertaken by Leader of your country Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov as modern time requires the modernization of the Main Law.
I would like to comment on beautiful words said by the President of Turkmenistan during the historical session of the Council of the Elders: “ the Constitution is honour of the State!” I was touched by the concept of “honour of the State”. Of course, I am proud and happy that, being a member of diplomatic corp, I became the witness of adoption of such important document as the Main Law of the country. It is a matter of great honour for me.
I would like to express gratitude to the leaders of Turkmenistan, respected President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov for the great attention to us. We feel the involvement into great activities in Turkmenistan.
