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Turkmenistan: Prospect for Change?

Members

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Hon. Alcee Hastings

Chairman

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe

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Hon. Benjamin Cardin

Ranking Member

Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe

Witnesses

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Amb. George Krol

Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs

United States Department of State

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Anthony Bowyer

Program Manager, Caucasus and Central Asia

IFES

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Eric McGlinchey

Assistant Professor, Department of Public and International Affairs

George Mason University

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Cathy Fitzpatrick

Member

Jacob Blaustein Insitute for the Advancement of Human Rights

The purpose of this hearing was to examine Turkmenistan’s parliamentary elections- the first such election since the regime changed. The hearing focused on whether the election might mark a turning point at all for Turkmenistan as well as whether Turkmenistan has made progress on Democratic reforms. Positive signs were reviewed, particularly on education, but also areas of concern, such as reports of Turkmen officials pressuring young men not to apply for study programs in the United States.

The distinguished witnesses and Commissioners reviewed the reform process and the significant advancements since the death of longtime President, Berdimuhamedov. In regards to areas of further reform and advancement, the hearing addressed measures in which the U.S. and the OSCE should respond to better the human rights condition in Turkmenistan.

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