Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst
BI-WEEKLY BRIEFING VOL. 16 NO. 03 05 FEBRUARY 2014 Contents
Analytical Articles
CENTRAL ASIAN QUALMS ABOUT EURASIAN UNION MOUNTING 3 Stephen Blank
TURKISTAN ISLAMIC PARTY INCREASES ITS MEDIA PROFILE 7 Jacob Zenn
AZERBAIJANIS VOLUNTEER IN SYRIA CONFLICT 11 Emil Souleimanov
KYRGYZSTAN WANTS TO KEEP ITS WHOLESALE MARKETS IN THE CUSTOMS UNION 15 Jamil Payaz
Field Reports
RELEASED VIDEO SHOWS GEORGIA'S FORMER INTERIOR MINISTER DEMANDING CORPSES 19 Eka Janashia
PROTESTS IN KYRGYZSTAN AGAINST CUSTOMS UNION ENTRY 21 Arslan Sabyrbekov
KAZAKHSTAN ADOPTS NEW FOREIGN POLICY CONCEPT 23 Georgiy Voloshin
TURKMENISTAN ANNOUNCES ACTION PLAN TO HOST 2017 ASIAN INDOOR & MARTIAL ARTS GAMES 25 Tavus Rejepova THE CENTRAL ASIA-CAUCASS ANALYST
Editor: Svante E. Cornell
Associate Editor: Niklas Nilsson
Assistant Editor, News Digest: Alima Bissenova
Chairman, Editorial Board: S. Frederick Starr
The Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst is an English-language journal devoted to analysis of the current issues facing Central Asia and the Caucasus. It serves to link the business, governmental, journalistic and scholarly communities and is the global voice of the Central Asia-Caucasus Institute & Silk Road Studies Program Joint Center. The Editor of the Analyst solicits most articles and field reports, however authors are encouraged to suggest topics for future issues or submit articles and field reports for consideration. Such articles and field reports cannot have been previously published in any form, must be written in English, and must correspond precisely to the format and style of articles and field reports published in The Analyst, described below. The Analyst aims to provide our industrious and engaged audience with a singular and reliable assessment of events and trends in the region written in an analytical tone rather than a polemical one. Analyst articles reflect the fact that we have a diverse international audience. While this should not affect what authors write about or their conclusions, this does affect the tone of articles. Analyst articles focus on a newsworthy topic, engage central issues of the latest breaking news from the region and are backed by solid evidence. Articles should normally be based on local language news sources. Each 1,100-1,500 word analytical article must provide relevant, precise and authoritative background information. It also must offer a sober and analytical judgment of the issue as well as a clinical evaluation of the importance of the event. Authors must cite facts of controversial nature to the Editor who may contact other experts to confirm claims. Since Analyst articles are based on solid evidence, rather than rumors or conjecture, they prove to be reliable sources of information on the region. By offering balanced and objective analysis while keeping clear of inflammatory rhetoric, The Analyst does more to inform our international readership on all sides of the issues. The Editor reserves the right to edit the article to conform to the editorial policy and specifications of The Analyst and to reject the article should it not be acceptable to our editorial committee for publication. On acceptance and publication of the edited version of the article, The Central Asia-Caucasus Institute of The Johns Hopkins University-The Nitze School of Advanced International Studies will issue an honorarium to the author. It is up to the individual author to provide the correct paperwork to the Institute that makes the issuing of an honorarium possible. The copyright for the article or field report will reside with the Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst. However, the author may use all or part of the contracted article in any book or article in any media subsequently written by the author, provided that a copyright notice appears giving reference to the contracted article’s first publication by the "Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, Central Asia-Caucasus Institute, The Johns Hopkins University, Nitze School of Advanced International Studies."
Submission Guidelines: Analytical Articles require a three to four sentence Key Issue introduction to the article based on a news hook. Rather than a general, overarching analysis, the article must offer considered and careful judgment supported with concrete examples. The ideal length of analytical articles is between 1,100 and 1,500 words. The articles are structured as follows: KEY ISSUE: A short 75-word statement of your conclusions about the issue or news event on which the article focuses. BACKGROUND: 300-450 words of analysis about what has led up to the event or issue and why this issue is critical to the region. Include background information about the views and experiences of the local population. IMPLICATIONS: 300-450 words of analysis of the ramifications of this event or issue, including where applicable, implications for the local people’s future. CONCLUSIONS: 100-200 words that strongly state your conclusions about the impact of the event or issue.
Field Reports focus on a particular news event and what local people think about the event. Field Reports address the implications the event or activity analyzed for peoples’ lives and their communities. Field Reports do not have the rigid structure of Analytical Articles, and are shorter in length, averaging ca. 700-800 words.
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Svante E. Cornell Research Director; Editor, Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst Central Asia-Caucasus Institute & Silk Road Studies Program Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies, The Johns Hopkins University 1619 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, USA. Tel. +1-202-663-5922; 1-202-663-7723; Fax. +1-202-663-7785 Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, 05 February 2014 3
CENTRAL ASIAN QUALMS ABOUT EURASIAN UNION MOUNTING Stephen Blank
The current Ukrainian crisis has focused attention on Russia’s drive to construct a Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) and a customs Union as part of it. But Ukraine is by no means the whole story, as reservations if not resistance to the project mount in Central Asia. Both Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have taken steps to resist Russian encroachments and to raise the price of their admission into this union. In January 2014, Kazakhstan's government launched a plan to re-privatize the crucial Kazakh banking sector, partly in order to shield it from the tactics used by Russian banks to buy up equity in distressed banks under EEU guidelines. Kyrgyzstan also displays an increased desire to force Russia to bargain for Kyrgyzstan’s adhesion to the Customs Union and EEU.
BACKGROUND: Russia continues to August 2013 and has not met since maintain that the door is open to all then. Pro-Kremlin analysts like Central Asian states, particularly Alexander Knyazev accused Bishkek of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, to join both trying to preserve a criminalized projects even though their economy of Chinese contraband (thus contributions would be minimal and inadvertently giving away a prime might result in a transfer of resources reason for the union, namely excluding from Russia to these countries. But Chinese commerce) and Afghan while Kyrgyzstan could according to narcotics. By November 2013, Kyrgyz its own government not enter the President Almazbek Atambayev stated Customs Union before 2015, it is that 2015 might be too early for entry. apparently not happy with the Kyrgyz delegates are demanding the proposed road map. It clearly feels the right to maintain low WTO-style tariffs conditions advanced for its joining the on almost 1000 goods imported Customs Union do not sufficiently mainly from China so that it can then guard the interests of the state and has re-export them. This shuttle trade directed its negotiators to uphold exceeds Kyrgyzstan’s 2008 GNP by those interests. The road map was almost 100 percent. At the same time, completed without Kyrgyz agricultural sectors are divided over participation and approved by the the benefits of joining because chicken Eurasian Economic Commission farmers who export see access to a without the Kyrgyz government’s large market, whereas crop farmers approval. fear the invasion of cheaper or Although those statements opposing protected crops from Russia if not the road map were made in December Kazakhstan. Car dealers will also face a 2013, the intergovernmental working doubling of prices for imported cars. group on Kyrgyzstan's entry rejected But it is clear that Kyrgyzstan is the proposed roadmap already in demanding large subsidies before Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, 05 February 2014 4
Clearly, Moscow is unwilling to grasp that if it wants a union structured along EU lines as Putin has claimed, it will have to pay for it handsomely and for a long time. Russia instead seemed to think it could dictate terms and impose terms of trade on poor small states like Kyrgyzstan and even upon much stronger states like Kazakhstan. Therefore, it apparently failed to entry into the Union, US$ 200 million reckon with the potential of opposition annually for five years. This sum may from these states, let alone with the be more than Moscow is willing to pay, reality of having to subsidize but Kyrgyzstan has stuck to that Kyrgyzstan for years. demand and its experts reckon it also Moreover, as the late Alexandros needs US$ 215 million to build border Petersen has pointed out, based on his infrastructure that complies with the discussions with Chinese traders, they Custom Union’s rules. At the same do not see these Russian moves as time, many new entrepreneurs are representing a serious threat to their more interested in exporting to the growing ascendancy in Central Asian global market than merely to the markets. It is hence debatable whether customs union. And the Kyrgyz or not the Customs Union and EEU can political party Reform has now achieve their economic and opposed the Customs Union for geopolitical goals. In that case, Moscow leading to higher prices and ensuing would end up with the worst of all social tensions. worlds, a Customs Union of little or no IMPLICATIONS: It is clear that for economic benefit and long-term Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to join the subsidies of poorer states to keep Customs Union and EEU, Moscow will them in its political orbit. have to subsidize them generously for Unfortunately this outcome bears an a long time. Although this was the case uncanny resemblance to what the with the new EU members, it clearly Soviet bloc had become by the 1970s does not appear to be part of Moscow’s and to a system of relationships that calculations. The attempt by EEU was an instrumental feature in its bodies and intergovernmental groups collapse because it was unsustainable. to dictate terms to Kyrgyzstan without This does not mean that Russia lacks its participation extends the concerns the means to force these states into the voiced by Kazakhstan and its President Union or will not attempt to do so. Nursultan Nazarbayev in 2013 and Indeed, the evidence to date suggests sheds a revealing light on just how that Russia will readily use whatever unlike the EU these organizations are. coercive tactics it possesses for that purpose. In 2010, Russia raised its energy tariffs on Kyrgyzstan to a level Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, 05 February 2014 5 that provoked the revolution of that Under the circumstances, it is hardly year, unseating the truly criminalized surprising that many independent Bakiyev ruling clan. But the point is Russian economists have argued that that coercing Kyrgyzstan and the Customs Union and EEU will presumably Tajikistan as well into provide little or no benefit to Russia joining the customs union and EEU and that it makes equally little sense in gains little or nothing for Moscow, economic terms. On the other hand, as especially if it cannot stop the flood of Moscow’s pressure on Armenia and Chinese goods that now compete Ukraine shows, it does represent a successfully against Russian products geopolitical program par excellence, in Central Asia. Coercion is namely the extrusion of EU influence unprofitable because it only leads to in the West and Chinese commercial ever larger subsidization of non- and economic power in the East. competitive “Putinized” economies in a Another geopolitical motive is to vain effort to retain them in a weaker ensure that the states around Russia version of the Soviet system or bloc. resemble it in terms of their Moscow would then be reaffirming the governmental and economic structure. truth of Marx’s observation that when But that socio-economic-political history repeats itself the first time it is structure has already led to a dead a tragedy and the second time a farce. end, acknowledged by leading However, it is unclear whether members of the Russian government. Moscow grasps this logic. Its policy has CONCLUSIONS: It is hardly been driven by the idea of a revived surprising that we see revolutionary version of the Russian or Soviet upheavals in Kyiv and mounting empire and key members of the elite, opposition from governmental and like Sergei Glazyev, seem to be private sectors in Kazakhstan and animated by the idea that one can Kyrgyzstan. Until now, Moscow has make a reformed Marxist economy been deaf and blind to these protests work somehow. But this may yet help or to the need to put its own house in plunge the area comprised by the order. But the delusion that it can Customs Union and EEU into ever refashion something like the old greater political instability because empire at tolerable economic-political these states’ ability to compete costs by repression and subsidies globally and economically will have suggests what Einstein described as been fatally compromised. This insanity, namely doing the same thing warning applies to Russia as well. If over and over again and expecting Russia cannot grow using its current different results. If this is and remains growth model, which even members of the case, then not only will the Kazakh, the government acknowledge, how can Kyrgyz, and Ukrainian objections to it afford to sustain a neo-imperial these unions be disregarded, Russia policy that inevitably leads to long- will also (and quite literally) have to term or ever growing subsidies of the use force or the threat of it to induce poorer members? acquiescence in its grand design. Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, 05 February 2014 6
AUTHOR’S BIO: Stephen Blank is a Senior Fellow with the American Foreign Policy Council. Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, 05 February 2014 7
TURKISTAN ISLAMIC PARTY INCREASES ITS MEDIA PROFILE Jacob Zenn
One of the main objectives of terrorist and other non-state militant groups, especially those which are significantly weaker than the states they oppose, is to win the narrative. The Turkistan Islamic Party (TIP), an Uighur-led and Pakistan- based militant group, in its own words seeks to “liberate East Turkistan [Xinjiang] from its Communist oppressors.” Although the TIP has carried out few attacks in China, it is a frequent contributor of anti-Chinese and anti-American propaganda to al-Qaeda online forums. The TIP’s praise of several high-profile attacks by Uyghurs in China in 2013 has placed the TIP in greater spotlight than ever before in its role as a mouthpiece for the Uighur militant cause.
BACKGROUND: Since its emergence said that his fighters did not have “any in 2006, the TIP has mostly been a organizational contact or relations propaganda wing for anti-Chinese with al Qaeda or the Taliban … Maybe Uyghurs who fled from Afghanistan to some individuals fought alongside Pakistan after the U.S. invasion of them on their own.” Similarly, Uyghurs Afghanistan in 2001. The TIP, captured in Afghanistan and then however, traces its legacy to Hassan detained in Guantanamo Bay denied Mahsum, a Uighur who served time in knowing about “ETIM,” which was prison in Xinjiang for his role in probably because no such group attempted uprisings against the existed, although some did admit Chinese government in the 1990s. knowing Mahsum or his successors. After his prison term, Mahsum took Mahsum was killed in a Pakistani army exile in Afghanistan, where he became raid on an al-Qaeda compound in the leader of other anti-Chinese exiles. South Waziristan in 2003. His The group that Mahsum led has been successor was Abdul Haq-Turkistani, referred to as the "East Turkistan who ran some militant training camps Islamic Movement" (ETIM), but there in Afghanistan before 2001 and then is no primary source evidence to led Uighur fighters in Pakistan until he support that any such group ever was killed in 2010 in a U.S. drone existed. Rather, the Uyghurs under strike in North Waziristan while in a Mahsum were subsumed under the vehicle with the Taliban. It was under Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan Abdul Haq that the TIP was formed (IMU), as per a directive from Taliban with a media wing as sophisticated as leader Mullah Omar, or they received any other in the al-Qaeda network. Its refuge in al-Qaeda camps run by first video was called “Jihad in Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan but Turkistan” and released in 2006. had no formal name. Consistent with Future videos, however, were this, in an interview in 2002, Mahsum produced by the TIP media wing, Islom Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, 05 February 2014 8
networks also include some organizations in Turkey and Central Asia. Second, there are a number of Uighur organizations in Turkey, which are likely more closely tied to militant Uighur groups in Pakistan or to formerly Turkey-based Uighur militant Awazi (Voice of Islam) and discussed groups, such as the East Turkistan themes such the history of Muslims in Liberation Organization (ETLO). The China, the “crimes” of the Communist ETLO’s former leader said in 2003 that Chinese against Uighur culture, women his group would seek to achieve “East and Islam, and broader themes, such Turkistan independence” by “peaceful as “liberating” Palestine. Since 2012, means,” but that the formation of a the TIP has also co-issued videos with military wing is “inevitable.” The TIP’s the media wing of the Islamic claims to be supporting the Syrian Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), which rebels with “humanitarian aid,” TIP is called Jund Allah Studios. materials that appear on the websites In 2008, The TIP also began publishing of Turkish Uighur organizations, and its quarterly Arabic-language the existence of Turks fighting with the publication under the editor Abdullah TIP in Pakistan and Uyghurs fighting Mansour, which is called “Islamic with the Syrian rebels suggests that Turkistan” and is now in its 13th there may be some lingering edition. After the death of Abdul Haq’s connections between Uighur militants successor, Abdul Shakoor Turkistani, and Turkish organizations. These in 2012, Mansour emerged as the TIP’s organizations in Turkey, however, leader. Since 2012, the TIP has issued rarely receive international media increasingly frequent videos praising coverage, despite China’s concerns attacks in Xinjiang, which is not about them, but they may be surprising given that Islamic influential among some of the tens of Turkistan’s editor, Mansour, is also thousands of Uyghurs in Turkey. now the TIP’s leader. Third, the TIP represents a minority of IMPLICATIONS: There are several Uighur organizations around the world networks of pro-Uighur organizations in that it promotes Jihad against China, outside of China. First, there are openly affiliates with al-Qaeda and Uighur organizations that peacefully supports suicide attacks against U.S. advocate for greater Uighur autonomy troops in Afghanistan and on Chinese in Xinjiang and more religious and security forces in China. It has even cultural freedoms in China. These released videos and photos of its organizations are mostly based in attackers training in Afghanistan- Western countries in Europe and the Pakistan border region before they U.S., including the World Uyghur carried out attacks in Xinjiang, such as Congress in Germany, but these Memtieli Tiliwaldi, who was involved Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, 05 February 2014 9 in a car-ramming of Han pedestrians international jihadists who either on the eve of Ramadan in October donate funds to the TIP or other 2011, and Nuruddin, one of the TIP’s Muslims who join the preexisting six “Turkish martyrs,” who carried out Kazakhs, Turks (including Kurds), a suicide operation against NATO Uzbeks, Russians, and Uyghurs in the forces in 2013. TIP. However, in 2013 the TIP is for the CONCLUSIONS: With the emergence first time gaining international media of Abdullah Mansour as the TIP leader, coverage alongside the pro-democracy the TIP now has a media-savvy and pro-human rights Uighur representative, who will likely be more organizations, such as the World effective than previous TIP leaders in Uyghur Congress. This is affording the issuing propaganda in defense of what TIP a voice to represent the Uyghurs, he calls the “Uighur mujahedeen.” At which used to be exclusively the the same, with the U.S. and NATO domain of Western-based Uighur troop withdrawal from Afghanistan in groups. For example, the TIP got much 2014, the TIP and its allies in the IMU, of the media attention after a suicide whose spiritual leader Abu Zar al- attack in Tiananmen Square in October Burmi claims China will be the next 2013 was carried out by an Uighur “number one enemy,” may experience husband, wife, and mother, who were less pressure in Pakistan and may be reportedly seeking revenge against able to launch a new wave of attacks in China for the government’s refusal to Xinjiang or possibly deeper in “inner allow the family to build a mosque in China,” such as Beijing or Shanghai. Xinjiang. Reuters and the Guardian This would afford the TIP even more of reported Mansour’s claim that the a pulpit to spread its message and attack was a “jihadi operation” and the present its version of the Uighur result of an Uighur “awakening” after narrative in international media. This sixty years of Chinese oppression. would force China to not only defend Since 2013 was the most violent year against attacks operationally, but also in Xinjiang and more Uyghurs are to develop a coordinated counter- starting to take arms against the narrative to neutralize the potential Chinese government it is possible that impact of TIP’s violent messaging to even if the TIP does not directly Uyghurs in Xinjiang, ethnic Turks in command attacks, it will become the Central Asia, and Muslims around the mouthpiece for militant-minded world. Uyghurs. The TIP, therefore, will AUTHOR’S BIO: Jacob Zenn is an increasingly shape the narrative of analyst of Eurasian and African Affairs Uighur grievances and opposition to for the Jamestown Foundation and the Chinese government in Xinjiang. non-resident research fellow of the Xinjiang would therefore become more Center of Shanghai Cooperation closely associated with other “jihadist Studies (COSCOS) in Shanghai. He theatres” like Kashmir and Palestine testified before the U.S. Congress on and may attract more attention from Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, 05 February 2014 10
Islamist Militant Threats to Central Asia in February 2013.
Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, 05 February 2014 11
AZERBAIJANIS VOLUNTEER IN SYRIA CONFLICT Emil Souleimanov
Recently, frequent media reports of Azerbaijani citizens involved in the Syrian civil war have sparked a renewed interest in the possible impact of Arab revolutions on this post-Soviet country. Even though Azerbaijani authorities have sought to remain silent on the matter, news from both the South Caucasus and the Middle East suggest that Azerbaijani volunteers have increasingly been participating in the civil war hundreds of miles away from their homeland. Upon their return in Azerbaijan, they might pose a serious threat to the internal stability of the nation of nine million, located at the crossroads of Turkey, Iran, and Russia.
BACKGROUND: The sectarian divide crackdown on political opposition in in Syria distantly resembles that of the country has led to a considerable Azerbaijan, though in reversed form. weakening of secular parties, many of Formally, the majority of Azerbaijanis, which have gradually lost support estimated at around two thirds, adhere among the population either due to to Shiite Islam. Around a third of their collaboration with the regime, or Azerbaijan's population, historically due to the incompetence and frailty of concentrated in the country's northern their leaders. Second, even though the provinces, profess Sunni Islam. majority of Azerbaijanis are Ethnically, Sunni Islam prevails among characterized by a high degree of Azerbaijan's Lezgin, Avar, and a secularism, Islam as a cultural number of demographically weak phenomenon still continues to play a minorities, scattered across the role in the lives of a segment of country's border with Dagestan. Yet Azerbaijanis, which holds particularly importantly, even though the vast in the countryside. Third, given the majority of Azerbaijanis self-identify increasing appeal of political Islam as Muslims, they have been heavily worldwide, a certain part of secularized following the seven Azerbaijani youth has found itself decades of Soviet rule, with Islam attracted by the revolutionary constituting a rather part of ethnic ideology of (militant) Salafism with its identity. In a number of surveys, fighting spirit, as well as its declared Azerbaijanis have demonstrated a quest for establishing a fair Islamic general lack of interest in religious state based on the principle of piety, matters. solidarity, and welfare. Even so, the role of religion has Importantly, while the majority of increased in Azerbaijan recently, given Azerbaijanis have remained a number of factors. First, the massive disinterested in religious affairs, parts Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, 05 February 2014 12
the regime forces. According to some estimates, up to three hundred Azerbaijani citizens, of whom a large part is composed of ethnic Azerbaijanis, have been participating in jihadist units, concentrated primarily in the Al Qaeda-affiliated al- Nusra Front and Jaish al-Muhajireen wal-Ansar units.
Operating largely in alliance with the of the country's radicalized Muslims troops of the Islamic State of Iraq and have recently attracted support – the Levant, Azerbaijani jihadists have given their confessional allegiances - been located predominantly in Syria's from either Iran or Dagestani jihadists. northern provinces on the borders Evidence suggests that while the with Turkey, specifically in the country's Shiite radicals have been provinces of Idlib and Aleppo. Given recruited into Tehran-backed their command of Russian, they form Hezbollah units (see the 02/08/12 separate units with jihadists from the issue of the CACI Analyst), Sunni North Caucasus, Central Asia, and the radicals have been advancing the idea Volga-Ural area. Abu Yahya al-Azeri, a of a Salafi state in Azerbaijan that renowned jihadist of Azerbaijani might be associated with the virtual descent who was killed in combat last theocracy in the North Caucasus, the year, had been a close associate of the Caucasus Emirate, that is waging a war Chechen jihadist commanders Abu against the Russian domination of the Umar al-Chechen and Salahuddin al- region (see the 05/02/12 issue of the Chechen and appeared with them on a CACI Analyst). number of video tapes. Even though radicals from among Up to one hundred Azerbaijani Shiites Azerbaijan's Sunni and Shiite are also reported to have travelled to communities have been weakened as a Syria in recent months, forming the consequence of a massive crackdown core of some Iranian Azerbaijani- by Azerbaijani law enforcement, they manned combat units that have been still represent a security concern in the fighting the civil war on the side of the country that is disproportionate to al-Assad regime. It appears that a their share of the population. significant part of Azerbaijani Shiite IMPLICATIONS: The ongoing volunteers traveling to Syria is participation of Azerbaijani citizens in comprised of the students of Islamic the Syrian civil war fits well with this theology, concentrated in the Iranian recent trend. Azerbaijan's Sunni cities of Qom and Mashhad. While the radicals have been travelling in majority of Azerbaijani jihadists seem relatively large numbers via Turkey to to be emanating from the country's Syria in order to become part of north, as well as Baku, and some areas international jihadist brigades fighting to the northwest of the country, Shiite Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, 05 February 2014 13 radicals recruit predominantly from authorities have sought to remain the Absheron peninsula and the neutral, issuing appeals to the Syrian Lenkoran area, which has traditionally people to end the violence and find a been regarded as the focal point of peaceful solution to the conflict. This pro-Iranian Shiite radicalism. can only partially be explained by The pattern of recruitment of diplomatic considerations. Attempts to Azerbaijani volunteers is of particular overthrow what they consider interest. Azerbaijani jihadists travel to legitimate governments, the spread of the Syria battlefield individually, the color revolutions in the post-Soviet largely relying on their own means and space a decade ago, as well as the Arab join jihadist units upon arrival, based spring and its armed repercussions, on their personal contacts or support have raised concerns in Baku over the provided by Turkish, North Caucasian, prospect of revolutionary tendencies or Syrian jihadists. in the Azerbaijani public, among which By contrast, Shiite radicals from discontent with the regime is on the Azerbaijan seem to be benefiting from rise. Preoccupied with the local protest an established scheme of recruitment movement, Azerbaijan's government and support run by Iranian authorities. has apparently underestimated the They are transported to the war zone threat of Azerbaijani citizens traveling and grouped into various fighting units to Syrian battlefields. by Iranian authorities, who most likely The last time Azerbaijanis voluntarily provide the volunteers with initial joined a distant war was in the Russo- military training. This assumption is Turkish war of 1877-1878, when supported by the fact that bodies of Azerbaijani Sunnis supported the Azerbaijani Shiite fighters from Syria Ottoman fellow believers, while are dispatched to Azerbaijan from Iran, Azerbaijani Shiites joined the Russian a practice that requires the approval of Army to combat Sunni "infidels." While Iranian authorities. Azerbaijan's social landscape has A number of influential Shiite leaders changed considerably, the Syria war known for their pro-Iranian illustrates that these faded divides sentiments, e.g. Elshan Quliyev, Elshan might be revived in certain Mustafaoglu, and Ilgar Ibrahimoglu, circumstances. Should hundreds of have decried the jihadist interference Azerbaijani volunteers, imbued with in the war as yet another sign of U.S.- war-generated determination, armed backed efforts to overthrow the pro- with military experience, and Iranian Alawite Assad, a natural ally of worldwide contacts succeed in all Shiites. Still, the country's pro- returning to their homeland once the regime (Shiite) clergy led by sheikh war is over, they might pose an Allahshukur Pashazade has refrained enormous threat to Azerbaijan's from taking a stance in the Syria internal security. conflict. Both sides are very likely to increase CONCLUSIONS: From the very start pressure on the authorities to regain of the civil war in Syria, Azerbaijani control over Nagorno-Karabakh even Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, 05 February 2014 14 by military means. The jihadists would most likely align themselves with Dagestani insurgents and their Azerbaijani allies, causing turmoil in the country's northernmost areas, and thereby amplifying Azerbaijan's vulnerability to pressures from its northern neighbor. On the other hand, Shiite veterans would reify the standing of the country's radical Shiite centers as Iran's fifth column. Even though regime change in the country would be unlikely given the lack of popular support in Azerbaijani society for religious radicals, they might still challenge Baku's authority or engage in clashes among themselves. For a certain segment of Azerbaijani youth, they already represent a viable alternative to the regime. AUTHOR'S BIO: Emil Souleimanov is Associate Professor with the Department of Russian and East European Studies, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. He is the author of Understanding Ethnopolitical Conflict: Karabakh, Abkhazia, and South Ossetia Wars Reconsidered (Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan, 2013) and An Endless War: The Russian-Chechen Conflict in Perspective (Frankfurt am Main: Peter Lang, 2007).
Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, 05 February 2014 15
KYRGYZSTAN WANTS TO KEEP ITS WHOLESALE MARKETS IN THE CUSTOMS UNION Jamil Payaz
Kyrgyzstan has slowed down its accession to the Russia-led Customs Union after the Eurasian Economic Commission disregarded its request to include special preferences in Kyrgyzstan's roadmap. With an economy immensely benefiting from the transit of Chinese goods to the wider region, Kyrgyzstan is asking that its wholesale bazaars, Dordoi, Karasuu, and Madina, be granted free-trade-zone status and other support for the first years of its membership. However, it remains to be seen whether the Union members will eventually concede to Kyrgyzstan’s conditions, as free-trade-zones would undermine the Union’s very idea of protecting its market.
BACKGROUND: Kyrgyzstan’s worth mentioning that the official wholesale markets grew large thanks figures tend to underreport the actual to low tariffs with China. Dordoi, figures due to cross-border smuggling located near Bishkek, primarily serves and corruption. Nevertheless, a World wholesale customers from Russia and Bank report suggests that up to 85 Kazakhstan, whereas Karasuu, located percent of goods in these bazaars are near the Uzbek border in southern re-exported. The share of the Dordoi Kyrgyzstan, provides affordable goods bazaar alone amounts to one third of to buyers from the Fergana valley the country’s GDP. across the Uzbek and Tajik borders. In In addition, the abundance of cheap Bishkek, the Madina bazaar where Chinese materials has spawned many ethnic Uyghurs run their sales thousands of sewing shops near these outlets, sells textile and accessories for bazaars. These clothing manufacturers, the country’s robust garment providing employment to youth, industry. especially young women, were able to The contributions of these bazaars to boost demand for “Made in Kyrgyzstan's economy cannot be Kyrgyzstan” brand clothes in Russia overestimated. Deputy Minister for and Kazakhstan, with the whole sector Economy Danil Ibrayev says these generating about 7 percent of the markets provide direct and indirect country’s tax revenues. Rough employment to one fifth of estimations suggest that 15 percent of Kyrgyzstan’s labor force. Bishkek’s one-million-population is And according to the National Statistic involved in the apparel production. It Committee, goods imported from is obvious that this sector remains China amounted to almost a quarter of highly vulnerable to the Union’s high all Kyrgyzstan’s imports in 2012. It is tariffs. Local economists fear the Union Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, 05 February 2014 16
domestic press, also appeared unwavering in his statements about the conditions for joining the Union. At a press conference held in Bishkek on the eve of the SEEC, President Atambayev rejected the existing roadmap, echoing the government’s vocal concerns that it was drafted without Kyrgyzstan’s participation
even though the Kyrgyz side met with tariffs will render their products the commission eight times since the uncompetitive by increasing prime start of talks. “I am too toughened to cost. Currently, the customs tariff succumb to pressure,” he stressed averages 5.1 percent and the accession answering a journalist’s question as to to the Union will at least double it, they whether accession to the Union is warn. being imposed on At the meeting of the Supreme Kyrgyzstan. However, he noted that Eurasian Economic Council (SEEC) on unlike Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan has limited December 24, 2013, Kazakh President alternatives and “will choose the path Nursultan Nazarbayev made it that people of Kyrgyzstan agrees on.” unequivocally clear that he is against Even though Kyrgyzstan reaps special preferences for new significant benefits from the transit of members. He stated, “Kyrgyzstan’s Chinese goods, the government position is clear; the Commission appears committed to join the Union in Council endorsed the draft roadmap the long run. The government does not without taking into account hide that its declaration of intent in [Kyrgyzstan's] suggestions … Of 2011 to join the Customs Union was a course, if [Kyrgyzstan] has some political decision. However, the issues, let us consider them later, if government is growing increasingly necessary, but we should not allow concerned with the economic risks its accession to the Customs Union with membership might bring and fully special regimes retained.” He stressed understands that a leap in prices and that there should be no one legged unemployment can easily trigger entry. Nazarbayev was widely quoted political disturbances. Indeed, in local media as saying “Integration Kyrgyzstan’s demands seem quite does not give free candies, as some difficult for some of the Union think, and does not allot anything. We members to accept, given Kyrgyzstan’s go there voluntarily in the interest of small market and weak purchasing our countries.” power, as well as its porous and IMPLICATIONS: These words can be disputed borders especially with understood as addressed to Tajikistan, and its need for large Kyrgyzstan's President Almazbek investments to address these Atambayev, who while speaking to the problems. Indeed, the government is Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, 05 February 2014 17 relying on the Union members to help to Gazprom in order to secure an improve its customs and border uninterrupted supply of gas to the infrastructure, arguing that it will country, according to President become the Union’s external Atambayev. The authorities also border. Vice Prime Minister Otorbayev expect Russia to help construct the has admitted that the 2014 budget country’s Kambar-Ata dam and cannot afford any border hydropower plants, and equip the strengthening projects. Kyrgyz military. In the event that More importantly, Kyrgyzstan's Kyrgyzstan refuses to join the Union, government requests a development observers warn that the current non- fund to cushion against possible tariff policy on fuel that Russia exports economic downturns, stating a need to Kyrgyzstan will be the first to be for about US$ 200 million annually to lifted. boost new enterprises and create jobs The next round of talks with the for a period of up to five years until the Eurasian Economic Commission will economy is fully harmonized with that be held in March, but it is expected to of the Union. Interestingly, the be another futile effort to come to an government insists that this package agreement. The EEC head, Victor includes an agreement that Kyrgyz Hristenko, said the issues raised by the labor migrants are provided with Kyrgyz side go beyond the preferential treatment in the commission’s mandate and must be Union. Frequent news of their dealt with at the presidential level. mistreatment in Russia and Another unclear issue is how Kazakhstan has raised demands from Kyrgyzstan will handle the tariff the Kyrgyz public for some sort of differences as a member of both WTO guarantees that Kyrgyz migrants will and the Union. Economy Minister not be subject to deportations on Temir Sariyev said, “We will have to whim. One fifth of Kyrgyzstan’s 5.5 negotiate with each WTO member and million population is working abroad, pay them compensation [for the primarily in Russia. increased tariffs]. The total sum [of Whenever the Customs Union is compensation] is unknown.” He said discussed, many emphasize that Kyrgyzstan is in no position to pay Kyrgyzstan’s susceptibility to the compensation and that the Union Moscow's economic leverage. members should be the ones to Currently, the Customs Union's share address the issue. of Kyrgyzstan's overall trade turnover CONCLUSIONS: Atambayev, whose equals about 43 percent. Moreover, tenure has been marked by a strong some essential goods are imported pro-Russian rhetoric and Russia’s exclusively from Russia and promises to invest in Kyrgyzstan’s Kazakhstan, including oil products, large economic projects, understands wheat, flour, and coal. Kyrgyzstan that accession to the Union carries recently handed over its aging and great risks for the country’s stability indebted gas supply system Kyrgyzgaz and that it does not need to be unduly Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, 05 February 2014 18 expedited. Therefore, Kyrgyzstan will closely follow the process of Armenia's accession to the Union and the consequences of its membership. The Armenia case is appealing due to the country’s size and membership in the WTO. So far, no objective surveys have been conducted to analyze the Kyrgyz public’s attitude toward the prospect of joining the Customs Union. Yet, even if such a survey would be conducted, it might not reflect the long-term perception because the actual pros and cons of membership remain obscure to the public. AUTHOR’S BIO: Jamil Payaz is a Bishkek-based freelance journalist who specializes in economic, political, and security issues in Kyrgyzstan.
Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, 05 February 2014 19
RELEASED VIDEO SHOWS GEORGIA'S FORMER INTERIOR MINISTER DEMANDING CORPSES Eka Janashia
On January 29, an anonymous bring “two dead bodies.” Merabishvili YouTube user uploaded a 4-minute then demands immediate action and video featuring Georgia's former instructs Kodua and Data Akhalaia, the Minister of Internal Affairs, Vano head of the MIA's Constitutional Merabishvili, ordering his Security Department to give directions subordinates to bring him two and start the search. Later, former corpses: “I want two men, two dead President Mikheil Saakashvili and bodies, bring me two dead bodies. Justice Minister Zurab Adeishvili as That’s it. Reward will be high.” The well as Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava also video shows the preparation for the arrive. Several soldiers were detained special search operation to hunt down but nobody was killed on the day of the escaped suspects of the 2009 the operation. Mukhrovani mutiny. Two weeks later, as a result of another The battalion stationed in the special operation, Amiridze and Mukhrovani military unit near Tbilisi Otanadze were wounded and along with some acting and former hospitalized while Krialashvili was military officers declared mutiny on shot dead. In January 2010, Otanadze May 5, 2009. Among the plotters were and Amiridze were found guilty of the then commander of the ranger mutiny and respectively sentenced to battalion Levan Amiridze, the retired 29 and 28 years in prison. army Colonel Koba Otanadze and the The then ruling United National former army officer Gia Krialashvili. Movement (UNM) party led by The resistance lasted only for several president Saakashvili termed the hours. Georgia's military and security incident a Russian-backed mutiny forces surrounded the rebels and intended to overthrow the resumed control over the base on the government. When the UNM lost the same day. However, the mutiny 2012 parliamentary elections and leaders managed to escape. Georgian Dream (GD) came into The recently released video was likely power, Otanadze and Amiridze were shot that very day. It starts by released, as the parliament of Georgia featuring senior security and army granted them the status of “political officials discussing search operation prisoners.” details. Merabishvili appears and Commenting the video, Merabishvili, commands the then head of the who is now in pre-trial detention, said Ministry of Interior's (MIA) special that he never gave the order to kill operative department, Erekle Kodua, someone. Instead, by “two dead and high-ranking military officers to bodies,” he meant two Russian Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, 05 February 2014 20 intelligence agents who, according to the street protests taking place in the operative information he had at Tbilisi at that time, they assert. that moment, were murdered by Contradicting this view, UNM leaders mutiny plotters for conspiracy claim that GD’s approach is dangerous purposes. Thus he tasked the Special as it creates a precedent for tolerating Forces to find and bring him their and pardoning mutineers and even corpses. dubbing them “political prisoners.” Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili said They argue that the Mukhrovani “the law enforcement agencies will incident was an attempted armed provide a more competent assessment, revolt that was prevented by the but I as a citizen can say that it is government in a timely fashion. If extremely grave, this is directly a Merabishvili’s aim was to murder the commissioned murder, motivated by plotters, then the wounded Amiridze self-interest.” Georgia's prosecutor’s and Otanadze would not have been office has launched an investigation to taken to hospital and survived. They “examine the legality of the special also insist that the video was posted by operation held in Mukhrovani.” The the authorities in an effort to generate video “clearly features high officials additional charges against issuing unlawful orders,” resulting in Merabishvili whose term of detention the death of Krialashvili, the statement is about to expire. of the prosecutor’s office reads. The Regardless of the accuracy of these office already questioned Otanadze, statements, the video has further Amiridze and Krialashvili's sister. damaged the UNM’s image and forced GD leaders apparently seek to it into a defensive position. Before its downplay the political significance of release, the UNM seemed to be the 2009 Mukhrovani case and the favorably positioned ahead of the local possibility of conflict escalation in case elections given the downward trends the government failed to take in the economy and the government’s appropriate measures. They argue that failure to make progress on issues the mutiny was an understandable relating to South Ossetia, Abkhazia and protest by the military against the Russia. government, given Georgia's humiliating defeat in the 2008 August war. From this angle, they even question whether the incident should be defined as a mutiny. The UNM overstated the danger of the incident and deliberately linked it to the Kremlin to direct public attention from
Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, 05 February 2014 21
PROTESTS IN KYRGYZSTAN AGAINST CUSTOMS UNION ENTRY Arslan Sabyrbekov
Kyrgyzstan’s entry into the Customs The protest participants also jointly Union with Russia, Kazakhstan and emphasized the fact that the socio- Belarus is a hot topic in Bishkek as the political situation and development of recently created political party Kyrgyzstan is different from that of the Reforma, with the support of civil Customs Union member countries. society activists, organized a protest They underlined that all of against the country’s entry into the Kyrgyzstan's achievements in terms of Union. According to the protest advancing democratic principles and organizers and participants, in the greater political freedom might be put Customs Union Kyrgyzstan will lose its into jeopardy by joining the Union of sovereignty, face restrictions on its authoritarian states. According to one political freedom and the prices for all of the protest participants and an commodities will rise by 25-30 independent opposition member of the percent. Kyrgyz Parliament Ravshan Jeenbekov, The protest “Free Kyrgyzstan against the Customs Union is mostly a political the Customs Union” took place on project pushed forward by the Russian January 22 in the center of Bishkek, Federation to further advance its near the cinema Ala-Too. The influence in its so called area of organizers took a very creative “privileged influence.” In his words, approach in organizing this small rally “Euromaidan” in Ukraine clearly and visually demonstrated to the demonstrates the validity of this public the rise of prices for formulation, where a massive protest commodities after Kyrgyzstan’s entry advocating closer ties with the EU is into the Customs Union. According to facing Moscow's apparent reluctance one of the protest organizers and to let Ukraine slip from its orbit of Reforma leader Mirbek Asangariev, influence. To buy the loyalty of the “Kyrgyzstan will face severe economic Ukrainian leadership, Russia reduced difficulties after the entry, its economy gas prices and provided significant is too import dependent, its financial assistance and the same entrepreneurs will not be able to processes can be observed in compete with that of the member Kyrgyzstan. countries and this will negatively On the contrary, Kyrgyzstan's political impact the purchasing power of our leadership continues to assert that the population.” He called on the political arguments of Customs Union leadership to consider all these points opponents are not confirmed by any seriously and make a thorough, factual analysis. In the words of Oleg politically independent decision. Pankratov, an advisor to Prime Minister Jantoro Satybaldiev, the small Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, 05 February 2014 22 scale protest mainly served as a PR the drafting of the aforementioned opportunity for several politicians and Action Plan and continue to insist on public figures. According to the creating special terms, mainly government representative, who also concerning the continued operation of personally attended the protest, there its two largest markets that focus on might be a price increase for different re-exporting Chinese goods. commodities of around 4 percent and In a recent interview, Kyrgyzstan’s not 30 percent as opponents claim. President Almazbek Atambayev also Pankratov also dismissed the stated that the presented road map argument that Kyrgyzstan might have does not meet the country’s national to pay compensation to the WTO interests and that Kyrgyzstan will join member states after assuming full and support integration unions if the membership in the Customs Union. In future partners meet the demands his words “Kyrgyzstan can presented. It is also no coincidence simultaneously uphold its WTO that after this reaction of the Kyrgyz obligations and be a member of the side, the head of the Russian Federal Customs Union as well, which is also a Customs Service Andrey Belyalinov case with the European Union member paid a visit to Bishkek. A senior states.” Kremlin emissary held a series of Nevertheless, the terms of meetings with Kyrgyz officials and Kyrgyzstan’s entry into the Customs stated Russia's readiness to hold Union are still under negotiation. On further talks and develop a joint Action November 19, 2013, during the Plan meeting the demands of all sides. Moscow meeting of the Eurasian This statement might indeed mean Economic Commission Council, that Moscow is willing to compromise representatives of Russia, Belarus and and allow Bishkek special conditions. Kazakhstan jointly prepared and The next action plan will be discussed presented a road map for Kyrgyzstan’s during the upcoming March meeting of entry into the Union. Kyrgyz the Eurasian Economic Commission representatives did not participate in Council.
Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, 05 February 2014 23
KAZAKHSTAN ADOPTS NEW FOREIGN POLICY CONCEPT Georgiy Voloshin
On January 29, Kazakhstan's President in trade and culture, besides its long- Nursultan Nazarbayev approved his standing commitment to tackling country’s new foreign policy concept cross-border organized crime, drug for the period 2014-2020. As the trafficking, terrorism and religious document states, it was developed in extremism emanating from line with the “Kazakhstan 2050” Afghanistan. The country seeks to strategy made public by President reinforce its leadership positions in Nazarbayev in December 2012 and the region and to continue playing a further detailed in his recent address key role in structuring Central Asia’s to the nation last month. The major future geopolitical landscape in the goal of this strategic initiative is to post-2014 context. ensure Kazakhstan’s entry into the As the Kazakhstani government is elite club of the world’s 30 most preparing to sign the founding treaty developed countries by the turn of this of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU), century. to become fully operational as of next The new foreign policy concept lists January, Eurasian integration is several fundamental objectives. These increasingly viewed from Astana as a include, inter alia, ensuring priority focus area of its diplomacy. comprehensive national security, Thus, Kazakhstan is pledging its sovereignty and territorial integrity; continuous support to the Customs strengthening world and regional Union and the Common Economic peace and stability; supporting the Space with Russia and Belarus, since central role of the United Nations in both of these structures will serve as the existing global order; and the basis of the future integration bloc. diversifying Kazakhstan’s economic However, Kazakhstani authorities are development. Other priorities concern keen to preserve the country’s the legal protection of Kazakhstani sovereignty and independence from citizens abroad and the active Moscow, in the context where Russia popularization of the Kazakh culture, has been pushing for closer integration language and traditions, in particular not only at the economic level but also via the many Kazakh-speaking at the political one. communities in Europe, America and Astana has also confirmed its East Asia. attachment to the principles of Kazakhstan has identified Central Asia multilateralism, as embodied in its as the primary focus of its diplomatic active involvement in multiple regional action in the next few decades. In this and international organizations. At respect, Astana will aim to develop various times, Kazakhstan occupied closer ties with its southern neighbors the rotating presidency of such entities Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, 05 February 2014 24 as the Commonwealth of Independent partnerships have already resulted in States (CIS), the Shanghai Cooperation the attraction of new investments and Organization (SCO), the Organization the implementation of many joint for Security and Cooperation in Europe projects. Relations between Astana (OSCE) and the Islamic Cooperation and Seoul are widely known in the Organization (ICO). It hopes to use region as a successful example of these and some other discussion broader transcontinental cooperation platforms to further engage in across Eurasia. Kazakhstan also proactive diplomacy based on dialogue intends to remain involved in the and coordination. Multilateral security, normalization of bilateral relations non-proliferation and peaceful conflict between Iran and the West, given its resolution will stay at the top of previous track record as an impartial Kazakhstan’s foreign policy agenda. mediator on Tehran’s domestic While the new foreign policy concept nuclear program. affirms the need to adjust the country’s Finally, Kazakhstan seeks to deploy external action to its revised priorities more of its diplomatic missions in for the 21st century, Central Asia’s places where its presence has been biggest country still remains limited so far. Last November, committed to its traditional multi- President Nazarbayev ordered the vector strategy. This strategy, which is opening of a new embassy in South now closely associated with Africa and is planning to make an Kazakhstan on the international stage, official visit to Johannesburg later this implies the pursuit of well-balanced year. Another full-fledged embassy and mutually advantageous relations has been operating in Brazil since simultaneously on several different 2012. As Kazakhstani Foreign fronts. Russia, China, the U.S. and the Minister Erlan Idrissov recently noted EU are and will continue to be in an article published by Kazakhstan’s primary partners in Kazakhstanskaya Pravda, a pro- fields as diverse as trade, military government newspaper, two other cooperation or cultural exchanges. embassies will be opened by the end At the same time, Astana will keep on of 2014 in Ethiopia and Mexico. By so expanding its growing ties with such doing, Kazakhstan seeks to become a remote countries as South Korea, more active player in international Japan, India and Pakistan as well as the affairs. Arab states of the Persian Gulf. In the previous years, Kazakhstan’s efforts to diversify its foreign policy
Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, 05 February 2014 25
TURKMENISTAN ANNOUNCES ACTION PLAN TO HOST 2017 ASIAN INDOOR & MARTIAL ARTS GAMES Tavus Rejepova
At a December 18 extended Cabinet oversee the preparations for the 5th meeting, President Berdimuhamedov Asian Games. In order to host the released a major action plan for each AIMAG in Turkmenistan, Turkmen government ministry in preparation government began a massive for hosting the 5th Asian Indoor & construction of a US$ 5 billion Olympic Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) 2017 in Village in Ashgabat expected to be the Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. largest sports complex in Central Representatives of Turkish, Italian and Asia. British companies attended the Built by Turkey’s construction Cabinet session and pitched new company Polimeks, the Olympic project ideas in preparation and Village project covers an area of over organization of the games. 150 hectares and includes more than The news that Turkmenistan will be 30 facilities such as a closed athletics the first Central Asian country to host complex, a 5,000-seat-capacity water the AIMAG came in 2010 when the complex, a 4,000-seat-capacity indoor host city contract was signed between tennis court, hotels, stadiums, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and entertainment centers, an indoor cycle the National Olympic Committee of track designed for 6,000 seats, a Turkmenistan in Kuwait. The contract Paralympics complex and shopping was signed following an earlier 2006 centers. The entire project will be exploratory visit of the representatives implemented in three phases, with the of the International Olympic first completed in 2014, the second in Committee and the OCA to 2015 and the third six months before Turkmenistan. Held every four years, the games begin in 2017. AIMAG will bring together the best Within the framework of the athletes and teams of Asian countries Memorandum of Understanding to compete in 17 sports in Ashgabat in between Turkmenistan and the United 2017. The 4th AIMAG took place in the Kingdom on cooperation in the field of city of Incheon, South Korea from June sports, Turkmenistan held two major 29-July 6, 2013 and Ashgabat officially media forums with foreign experts in received the OCA flag from Incheon at June and November 2013 to ensure the closing ceremony on July 6. worldwide media coverage of the 5th In January and December 2013, Asian Games in 2017. At the end of President Berdimuhamedov created September 2013, the Ministry of two committees, an Organizing Foreign Affairs jointly with the USAID Committee of the Asian Games and an organized a seminar entitled Executive Committee respectively to “international experience in the Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, 05 February 2014 26 organization of international sports Culture was tasked to oversee the events.” opening and closing ceremonies as Following the speeches of company well as awarding the winners of the heads at the December 18 Cabinet championships accompanied by meeting, President Berdimuhamedov international concerts. outlined the detailed priority tasks The Ministry of Education will select regarding the preparations for AIMAG. and train the English and Russian Particularly, the State Sports speaking volunteers abroad to serve Committee of Turkmenistan, jointly the foreign visitors during the Asian with the National Olympic Committee Games. In addition, Turkmen-English, of Turkmenistan, was tasked to Turkmen-Russian, and Turkmen- prepare Turkmenistan’s high level Arabic special conversational sportsmen in all 17 types of games dictionaries and sports dictionaries during the 2017 Asian Games in will be prepared to aid the foreign Ashgabat. Selected sportsmen will be visitors. sent for training abroad and the State To prepare for the 5th Asian Games, Sports Committee will hire Turkmenistan has also started building experienced foreign trainers. The a brand new international airport in president noted that the referees will Ashgabat and the Turkmenistan also need to attend international Airlines jointly with the State Customs trainings. Service of Turkmenistan is going to Berdimuhamedov said that the allow the foreign sports delegations a emblem, mascot and souvenirs of the simplified procedure of transfer Asian Games should reflect the through the customs and the clearance national symbols of Turkmenistan and of their sports equipment. the Turkmen people. The torch of the The Ministry of Communications will Asian Games will officially be lit and provide a currently non-existent Wi-Fi carried across the territory of connection in Ashgabat, proper Turkmenistan with a starting point at internet communication within the Mary province’s Galkynysh gas field, Olympic Village and cellular service in the world’s second largest deposit of residential houses for the guests. The natural gas. Central Bank is tasked to make the According to the President’s Asian exchange points as well as MasterCard Games preparation action plan, the payment systems available at the Ashgabat city mayor’s office is to hotels. Also, the Textile Ministry is prepare all commercials and going to prepare gifts with Asian advertisements around the city Games symbols for sports games including geographic as well as tourist participants and special uniforms for maps, videos and booklets about the flight attendants and Asian Games Olympic Village and the Asian Games. volunteers. TV, radio and Cinematography The President instructed the Trade committee of Turkmenistan will air the and Foreign Economic Relations championships live. The Ministry of Ministry to prepare high quality food Central Asia-Caucasus Analyst, 05 February 2014 27 service, Asian cuisine by hiring famous In July 2014, Turkmenistan is also chefs from abroad. The Ministry of going to host the first ever Healthcare will train high quality international wind surfing World Cup medical doctors and collaborate with in the coastal resort area of Awaza and the World Health Organization on invite professional surfers of the doping control during the Professional Windsurfers Association championships. Onsite ambulance (PWA). The government also hopes service and special medical rooms are that hosting such sports events will envisioned to be stationed at all times. help to improve Turkmenistan’s The Ministry of National Security and reputation worldwide. The Ministry of Internal Affairs are tasked government’s action plan for to provide utmost security during the preparations to host the AIMAG Games. sounds comprehensive but it remains Promoting the sports and physical to be seen how this entire service culture in the country is a priority of infrastructure will be built from President Berdimuhamedov’s policies. scratch.