In regard to EU energy policy for Turkmenistan

[NedGregg]

Hello fellows! Perhaps, some of you will find it interesting to read the interview by EU Commissioner Andris Piebalgs in respect of EU further steps to develop Turkmen energy sector. The interview was given to Turkmen journalists in the end of the official visit to the country.


Q: - What is your assessment of the meeting with the top officials of Turkmenistan?
A: - That was for the second time that I visited Ashkhabad. The main outcome of the voyage was that we signed bilateral memorandum on understanding and co-operation in the field of energy, which should be a grand impulse to further partnership with Turkmenistan. I am deeply satisfied with the results of the visit to the country. However, there is yet much to be done.
Q: - - Will the memorandum simplify the access of European oil-and-gas production companies to the Turkmen market?
A: - European companies are already working quite efficiently on the Turkmen market. As an instance, I may mention putting in operation of gas-compressor station Dovletabad-3. I need to note that European companies were taking an active part in project engineering and construction. A number of other facilities are under construction right now, both in the oil-and-gas sphere and other sectors of national economy of Turkmenistan. As this takes place, we are prepared to make investments and also provide most recent technologies in geologic exploration, hydrocarbon extraction and procession, which would contribute to effective use of the republic's resource potential. These matters should be worked over during further meetings with the administration of President Berdymukhamedov.
Q: - - Will there be any further full-fledged dialogue between Brussels and Ashkhabad in the field of observation of human rights?
A: - There will, indeed. The OSCE will be committed to alter the situation in Turkmenistan to the better in cooperation with such human rights organizations as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and others. All the necessary means to do it are available.
Q: - - The EU is accused of having chosen co-operation in the energy sphere as a priority rather than human rights profile of Ashkhabad.
A: - We favor progressive advance of oil-and-gas co-operation between Turkmenistan and the EU. And still, we would like our Central Asian partner to be a civilized state with all the relevant attributes, which implies steadfast implementation of Vienna Declaration on Human Rights, bringing business and enterprising legislation in line with international norms, introduction of transparent mechanisms of government regulation. Turkmenistan has just started momentum toward these alterations, while it is our part to encourage the steps by Turkmen president to achieve liberalization of Turkmen society.
Q: - - Speaking objectively, the level of criticism of Turkmen authority has been lowed on the part of European human rights organizations. And yet, official institutions and non-governmental organizations keep monitoring the situation in that country.
A: - Let me not agree with you. The EU always adequately reacts on all facts of recession from international agreements without any exceptions. Turkmenistan is no exception as well. You are right, there is a complex situation in regard to observance of human rights and liberties in that country. The corruption level in the governmental authorities is considerably high. However, dealing with the EU, we draw world community's attention to the problems of Turkmenistan and we are not determined to give indulgence to anyone in return for any economic preferences. So, for all we know, Amnesty International has prepared a report titled "Turkmenistan: absence of efficient reform in the field of human rights". To my thinking, this report soberly and objectively evaluates the problems that still remain in the country. President Berdymukhamedov will have to make serious effort to radically turn things around in the country. As for Brussels, it would put into use all means of international law and politics to assist development of advanced civil society in Turkmenistan.
Q: - - Will the EU keep coordinating its work with members of the so-called foreign Turkmen opposition?
A: - While dealing with matters of co-operation with Turkmenistan, we are guided exceptionally by posture taken by President Berdymukhamedov and government of Turkmenistan. Indeed, certain opposition members live in the EU countries. They are members of human rights institutions. They may express their own concerns as international norms defend the right to express one's point of view, in public as well, so long as it doesn't call out for activities that contradict with law. They have their own vision of Turkmenistan’s future, and grant expert aid to the OSCE in working out its position on the "Turkmen matter".