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04 ASHGABAT 1028
Date/DTG:
Nov 12, 2004 / 1208512 NOV 04
From:
AMEMBASSY ASHGABAT
Action:
RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC ROUTINE
E.O.:
12958
TAGS:
AORC, TSPA, PREL, PGOV, EAID, OSCI, TX
Captions:
srnSITl'o'E
Subject:
TURKMENISTAN, CIVIL SOCIETY AND UFOS
R 1208512 NOV 04
FM AMEMBASSY ASHGABAT
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5085
INFO RUCNCIS/CIS COLLECTIVE
RUEHVEN/USMISSION USOSCE 1267
RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 0905
RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS
RUEAI IA/CIA WASHDC
RUEKDIA/DIA WASHDC//DHO-2/REA/NMJIC-J2//
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
RUCAACC/USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL//CCJ2/HSE/CCJ5//
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//J5/RUE//
BT
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ASHGABAT 001028
SDISITl',1E
DEPT FOR EUR/CACEN (RUBIN)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AORC, TSPA, PREL, PGOV, EAID, OSCI, TX
SUBJECT: TURKMENISTAN, CIVIL SOCIETY AND UFOS
REF:
A) Ashgabat 989 (NOTAL)
B) Ashgabat 406 (NOT AL)
C) Ashgabat 291 (NOTAL)
D) Ashgabat 234 (NOTAL)
ODdOITl~E OUT UtdGLAOOIFIED - PLEASE HANDLE ACCORDINGLY
Summary
1. ~ Yes, UFOs. Somehow, over time, the Union of
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UFOiogists of Turkmenabat has established a reputation as
a reliable NGO partner for a variety of activities from
assisting with small and medium businesses, to
distributing humanitarian assistance, to assisting NGOs
with registering under the 2003 NGO law. The UFOiogists
have developed a good rapport with local authorities,
they say, and are able to accomplish their tasks because
"everyone is interested in UFOs." The UFOiogists next
initiative is to publish an independent newsletter, the
first in independent Turkmenistan.
2. ~ In the appearances-are-deceiving world of
Turkmenistan, it almost seems fitting that one of the
USG's most reliable implementers is equally committed to
looking for life on another planet. End Summary.
UFOs in Turkmenabat
3. ~ On November 5, DCM and USAID Director met with
the Board and interested members of the Union of
UfOlogists (UOU) of Turkmenabat, Lebap Welayet
(province). The Union of UFOiogists is working on an
$8,532 grant to assist other local NGOs navigate the NGO
registration process of the new NGO law (reftels). The
UOU was the first NGO to register after independence in
1992 and was the first independent NGO to reregister
successfully under the new 2003 NGO law.
4. ~ Though the Union first was established to
pursue the study of life on other planets, over time its
activities became more "practical," Board members told
the DCM. Members of the Union have attended
international UFO fora and published on the subject, but
most members assured the DCM, they had limited or no
interest in the subject at all. UOU President Ovezberdy
Muradov said the Turkmen military and government
authorities had consulted him about mysterious
occurrences in Turkmen airspace, but he said there had
been no confirmed sightings of UFOs in Turkmenistan.
Peace on Earth
5. ~ Instead, the Union has attracted a local brain
trust of lawyers, scientists, computer experts,
accountants, teachers and others who had joined together
to "do good things." Pointing to their mission statement
in English, Russian and Turkmen hanging on the wall of
their office, members assured the DCM that any assistance
they provided would fit their mission. According to
their statement, the UFOiogists "help spread the ideas
about the struggle for peace and human coexistence on
Earth and in the Universe." Because of their diverse
activities, the UOU has become an umbrella organization
with at least nine member organizations running
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activities from sport, to youth, to business consulting.
The Union has over 1000 members including some individual
members from other welayets.
Registering Small and Medium Businesses
6. ~ Members told the DCM they first started the
"practical" side of their work shortly after independence
by assisting small and medium-sized businesses register
with local authorities. According to the UOU President,
during the '90's the Union assisted 187 enterprises in
registering ranging from farmers unions to joint
enterprises to a shoe factory. The UOU told the DCM all
ASHGABAT 00001028 002 OF 002
this consulting was done pro bono. The Union made money
over the years, however, by running for-fee computer,
accounting and other "non-traditional" courses such as
UFOiogy and massage.
7. ~ UOU President Muradov told the DCM the Union
had been successful in this effort because it had the
respect of local authorities. According to Muradov,
"everyone is interested in UFOs" and local authorities
were eager to assist and also learn more about UFOs. The
Union also regularly ran UFO-related seminars and talks,
which were well attended.
8. ~ In addition to commercial work, the UOU
obtained experience in humanitarian goods distribution
when it became a partner of the State Department funded
CHAP humanitarian assistance program administered by
Counterpart International. UOU facilitated humanitarian
assistance to refugees from the civil war in Tajikistan
and also with Afghan refugees. Muradov said the Union
was eager to continue with such work, should the need
arise.
Assisting NGOs
9. ~ Because of their established track record and
their success in re-registering after the austere 2003
NGO law was passed, USAID, through Counterpart
International, is considering a $15,000 grant to assist
the UOU with internal capacity building. The grant
passed the local grants committee and has been forward to
the regional committee for consideration. The UOU
already has successfully registered an NGO and is working
on the registration documents of four others.
Next, an Independent Newsletter
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10. ~
USAID was presented with a grant proposal by
the UOU for a $30k grant for printing equipment for the
UOU to establish its own newsletter. Though printing of
independent media is illegal in Turkmenistan, the UOU
assured DCM it already had advance approval from local
authorities because a license was needed for anything
over 1000 copies and the UOU only planned to publish 999
copies. UOU members said the content of the newsletter
would be nonpolitical and only would describe the
activities of the Union. If members wanted to make
additional copies, the UOU told DCM, "that is up to
them." Eventually subscribers would be charged for the
newsletter, which would then become self-sustaining,
according to the UOU plan. USAID has requested that the
UOU submit a stronger, more cost-effective proposal.
11. ~ The UOU also is considering opening chapters
in other welayets because "our services are in so much
demand."
Comment
12. ~
Crazy? Like a fox; and worthy of USG
attention and support. End Comment.
13. (U) Minimize considered.
JACOBSON
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#1028
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Signature:
JACOBSON
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Dissemination Rule:
Archive Copy
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