State News Agency TURKMEN PRESS
TURKMENISTAN NEWS WEEKLY

September 18, 2000

TURKMEN DOVLET HABARLARY WEEKLY COMMENTARY

The heart given up to the people

OFFICIAL NEWS

President of Turkmenistan Received the Sheik of the State of Qatar

Ashgabat - Abu-Dhabi: Along the Course of Mutually Beneficial Partnership

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - Turkmenistan: Projects of Co-Operation

Telephone Conversation Between President of Turkmenistan and President of Uzbekistan

Saparmurat Turkmenbashi Received Akhmet Chalyk

PARLIAMENT

Turkmenistan Mejlis' autumn session opened

ACTUAL INTERVIEWS

Hans Meisner : I keep admiring unexhausted vital forces of your President

OIL AND GAS

Chinese National Petroleum Corporation has embarked on new projects of cooperation with Turkmenistan

COTTON-2000

On virgin lands cotton is harvested with machines

STATISTICS

Turkmenistan's foreign trade turnover has grown up by 1.6 times for seven months

INVESTMENTS

Above 5 trillion manats was invested in the economy of Turkmenistan during eight months

CENSUS-2000

Session of the Census-2000 Commission

SOCIOLOGICAL SURVEYS

Aid is to be a targeted one

NEWS OF AGRO-INDUSTRIAL SECTOR

Winter wheat seed material production will be centralized

JOINT PROJECTS

A new project of the Turkmenistan's Government and UNDP started

DATES

September 16 - International Day of Ozone Layer Protection

PEACE CORPS

Good Will Mission

EXHIBITIONS

Exhibition of Iran's Agricultural Machine-Building Industry in Ashgabat

SEMINARS

Water Supply: Problems and Tasks

CULTURE NEWS

Lyudmila Kiselyova - Folk Handicrafts Master

SMALL ARCHITECTURE

Mary's Fountains

WELCOME!

You are Waited For in "Jennet"!

NATIONAL NEWS BRIEF

EXCHANGE NEWS

VELAYAT NEWS

TURKMEN PRESS ROUNDUP

SPORTS

Turkmen Sportsmen Participated in XXVII Summer Olympic Games Opening Ceremony

 

TDH Commentary of the Week

The heart given up to the people

"I cannot help but admire Saparmurat Turkmenbashi's inexhaustible power of life", those words of the German surgeon Hans Meisner immediately spread all over the country. Millions of the people of Turkmenistan, waiting for the results of the examination of their President's health, which is regularly carried on by the famous surgeon, signed with relief. The head of the country feels himself healthy and full of energy, as H. Meisner ascertains, stressing that three years after the complicated heart surgery his patient's cardiac and vascular system condition has been stabilized. However, in the surgeon's conclusion a concern has been expressed - the work load of Saparmurat Turkmenbashi is too large. "I advised the President to preserve his heart and abandon frequent trips, H. Meisner emphasized, but I understand very clearly that a man, who devotes his life to the people, follows other "recommendations" conditioned by the tasks of state importance".

We know it very well but the German surgeon's sincere anxiety made us realize more keenly the scale of Turkmenbashi's vital deed. The heart given to the people! - there is no metaphor in those words, it is truth. Let us remember about it uninterruptedly. Let us be grateful to our time for a lucky lot which linked our fates with the historical mission of the great citizen of the new revival era.

The head of the Turkmen state is a principal antagonist of the individual style of leadership. All his decisions and ideas were brought into the people's consideration, achieving their participation in public management system. The nation's leader considers that power must not have secret management mechanisms and motives. Openness and transparency of the purposes are the only condition of success when the question is about joint efforts in the name of the common good.

The bright illustrations of it were two working trips of the President last week. In the Dashoguz velayat the production growth rates declined, the terms of sowing campaign are under the threat of wrecking and the cotton harvest campaign paces are not smooth. Only 4,500 hectares are allotted for rice-growing. It is clear, that the velayat administration is not able to mange the tasks set. The khyakim's dismissal is a necessary measure, but it will not help solve all the problems. It is necessary to thoroughly investigate the reasons of the lag and to assure the people of the Dashoguz velayat that they are able not only to improve the situation but achieve the record results in every branch.

It became the main purpose of Saparmurat Turkmenbashi's visit to the velayat. He came to Dashoguz to consult with the people and determine with them the ways of the ancient region's former glory revival. The President reminded that their ancestors used to gather good harvests of wheat and rice regardless to shortage of water peculiar to those places. It is necessary to revive centuries-old land farming experience, enrich it and then the soil will become generous again. The leader of the country called the heads of the velayats and etraps and farmers to study the experience of the Hero of Turkmenistan Sadulla Rozmetow. His knowledge and experience is a good school for thousands of tenants and peasants.

Honest and exacting conversation with President left nobody indifferent. The most respectable people shared their views and proposals, the essence of which was in revision of land and water use fundamental. The participants of the conference promised their leader that their diligence and skill would embody in real deeds and achievements.

"I do not question your self-sacrifice and desire to work for the sake of your Motherland,- the national leader said, but sometimes the illiterate management policy prevents from displaying the best qualities of the people. I assure you that henceforth and forever we stop the practice of charitable manpower selection policy. The authority will be given only to those who sincerely grieve over the tasks fulfillment and who are able to put their intentions into practice".

Reading the materials of the Dashoguz meeting, one can be impressed once again by the extraordinary ability of the President to unite and inspire people. Their souls, taking in the heartfelt words about honor, nobility and faithfulness to the behest of the ancestors, were lighted up with the light of revelation on the true destination of a man in the Earth.

Saparmurat Turkmenbashi calls the people for joy earned by well-thought and purposeful work. It was not accidental that the leader was met by the people of the fast-flourishing Balkan velayat with such exultation. That trip was a kind of continuation of the visit to the Dashoguz velayat, the khyakim of which was appointed H. A. Durdiyew, the former deputy khyakim of the Balkan velayat. The leader of the nation introduced the new khyakim of the Balkan velayat, R. Arazow, who had worked as the Minister of the Oil and Gas Industry of Turkmenistan.

Balkan has changed during the years of independence of Turkmenistan. The traditionally cattle-farming region now provides itself with bread, the oil and gas industry is developing rapidly, the transport infrastructure is being improved. Enumerating the achievements of Balkan in different branches of national economy, President emphasized that they would be supported by considerable investments. It is planned to construct two large water collecting reservoirs, realize large oil projects, build new rail and motor roads and complete the Turkmenbashi oil refinery reconstruction project.

Addressing to R. Arazow, Saparmurat Turkmenbashi told that taking office, the khyakim had to deeply realize its complicated relations and multi-sectoral specific character of the economy. It is impossible to rest on the laurels of the predecessors and relax. Everything done must be developed and increased. The President charged the new khyakim with elaboration of an integrated action plan for fishing industry management improvement in the coastal districts of Balkan.

Hans Meisner is right. Turkmenbashi has no time to take care of his health. Each of his actions is important and urgent, each of them serves to the common good. And only the national leader knows how his heart suffers, when the people do not justify his trust. Probably, thinking of it, the head of the country stopped near a group of road builders on the way to his office. Starting the talk with greetings and best wishes, the conversation then turned to the problems worrying the President, problems of conscience and moral duty and honor of public leaders. Recently it became known that chairman of Turkmenawtoyollary concern, N. Gulmuradow, built a palace of his own. Where did he get money? Why is even a big family to have a house of seventy rooms? How can he consider his personal interests higher than those of the country? The workmen agreed with the President that it was a great sin. The road builders said, "Yes, N. Gulmuradow is guilty but he is a good professional and organizer. We know him for a long time and can vouch for him. If he remains in office, the work will only win, and Gulmuradow will get a lesson for all his life. He is not done for and feels very upset." The President listened to them with great relief. Acknowledgement of the guilt is the first step to the righteous way. And the leader answered: "If you think so, I am ready to forgive your chief. The essence is not in punishment, but in repentance. The people are always merciful to those who began to see clearly. Let us believe in Gulmuradow one more time".

Forgiveness... The head of the country in the performance of his official duties has to make tough decisions. But sometimes he has a desire to forgive and listen to his inner voice. And when it happens his heart feels a relief. It is not a weakness but wisdom of soul, a tactful one and believing in righteousness of the common people.

"And still,- said Turkmenbashi, we shall tough our personnel selection policy. We need talented and honest officials. Otherwise, the future, like a mirage, will evade us. The decisions must be made together with the people. It is they who are the bearers of true justice. Our conversation confirmed me in it completely".

The President's work and duties are endless. The affairs follow one after another, creating the colorful picture of the country's life and determining its rhythm and development trends. Last week Saparmurat Turkmenbashi conducted several official receptions, which again confirmed the success and wide range of the foreign policy of the independent neutral Turkmenistan. Its main essence is in establishment of mutually beneficial co-operation with other countries, expansion of cultural and ethnic relations and approval of ideas of peace and mutual understanding.

Other events of the week are also worthy of mentioning. The Turkmen State Information Service announced the beginning of a sociological investigation. According to the President's order, the survey is to investigate how effective and targeted is the public support rendered to low-income households. The answers will be received from the people, the information office intends to involve into the survey. The local authorities and public will be also attracted to this important work. Planned for December, 5-percent selective census of population and households is very important to the country. According to the results of the census, social and economic plans will be corrected. On Friday, at the sitting of the special Commission it was noted that when preparing for the census the advanced world experience was used, and the statistical suvey would be carried out in compliance with high world standards.

On Friday the fall session of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan was opened. It started with the parliamentary discussion of the theoretical article by Saparmurat Turkmenbashi. The deputies emphasized that the article may be considered as a future-oriented guide in legislative framework policy development. Proceeding from it the list has been prepared of normative and regulatory acts, which are to be considered and adopted during the session.

As we see, any event irrespective of its scale is sanctified by the personality of our President. The range of his actions and cares is never-ending and all of them are embodied in the country's actions and cares. The heart, given to the people, is throbbing in the chests of millions of the Turkmen people.

OFFICIAL NEWS

*On September 11, the President of Turkmenistan came to the Dashoguz velayat with a short working visit. The head of the country conducted an enlarged conference, the main theme of which was the responsibility of high-ranking officials. The President dismissed Ya. Gundogdiyew from the post of Dashoguz khyakim and introduced the new khyakim, H. Durdiyew.

*On September 12, the German surgeon Hans Meisner carried out a regular examination of President's cardiac and vascular system condition at the S. A. Niyazov International Medical Center. The examination revealed that Saparmurat Turkmenbashi's health meets the norm by every functional and physiological parameter.

*On the same day, President of Turkmenistan received the Special Councillor of the President of the United Arab Emirates for CIS countries, Muhammad Ali Aysa Al-Behesh. The guest conveyed to the head of the Turkmen state the greetings from Sheik Zaid Ben Sultan Al Nahayan and his son, the Crown Prince of Abu-Dhabi, Sheik Halif Ben Zaid Al Nahayan. During the talk the parties discussed the state and prospects of bilateral co-operation projects development.

*That same day Saparmurat Turkmenbashi received the state and public figure of the State of Qatar, Sheik Haled Ben Abdullah Al-Atiya. During the meeting the ways of activation of bilateral co-operation between Turkmenistan and Qatar and increase and expansion of the relations in political, economic and cultural spheres were discussed.

*On September 13, President of Turkmenistan stopped at one of the motor road sections under reconstruction on his way to his office and talked with the road-builders to know about their work and mood. The national leader stressed that the Turkmen road builders had mastered the up-to-date technology and built good motor roads, the quality of which met world standards. Saparmurat Turkmenbashi told the builders about his decision to award 12,000 US dollars from Presidential Fund to their collective, a division of Turkmenawtoyollary Concern.

* On the same day Saparmurat Turkmenbashi received the Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Emir Saad Bin Hal Al Saud. The guest conveyed to Saparmurat Turkmenbashi greetings from the King and members of his family in which it was stressed that the stable contacts had been established in political and economic spheres. During the talk the parties exchanged their views on the ways of development of the bilateral co-operation between Turkmenistan and Saudi Arabia.

*That same day Saparmurat Turkmenbashi received Akhmet Chalyk, Representative of the President of Turkmenistan for displacement of Turkmen natural gas, oil, electric power and cotton at Turkish markets. The guest informed Saparmurat Turkmenbashi on the state and prospects of the Turkish energy market, noting that the demand of Turkish economy in Turkmen gas is still great. During the meeting the problems of marketing textile goods, produced in Turkmenistan, were also touched upon.

*On the same day a telephone conversation between President of Turkmenistan Saparmurat Turkmenbashi and President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov took place. The leaders of the two countries exchanged views on some important aspects of the Turkmen-Uzbek partnership development in all spheres. They also discussed the key problems of the bilateral regional and international interaction and the rate of realization of the agreements made before. During the telephone talk the parties came to an agreement on the forthcoming visit of Islam Karimov to Ashgabat scheduled for September 21-22.

*On September 14, President of Turkmenistan was in the Balkan velayat with a short visit. At the Palace of Culture "Nebitchi", the head of the country conducted an enlarged conference with the khyakims of cities and etraps, heads of enterprises, organizations, institutions and representatives of the public and elders. Saparmurat Turkmenbashi introduced the new khyakim of the Balkan velayat, Rejepbay Arazow.

Decrees and Resolutions

*The President of Turkmenistan issued the Decree "On transfer to the reserve of the servicemen from the Armed Forces and other Forces of Turkmenistan and on the ordinary call-up of citizens of Turkmenistan for active military service".

*The President of Turkmenistan issued the Resolution according to which as of October 1, 2000, five V. V. Bartold scholarships (a 1.5 multiple of the minimum scholarship) will be enacted for the students of humanitarian higher educational establishments of Turkmenistan, who have excellent performance in all subjects of the curriculum and take part in scientific research and study of the history of Turkmenistan, its historical and cultural heritage.

Appointments

*Under the Presidential Decree Habibulla Abdulaewich Durdiyew was appointed Khyakim of the Dashoguz velayat.

*Under the Presidential Decree Rejepbay Arazow was appointed Khyakim of the Balkan velayat.

President of Turkmenistan Received the Sheik of the State of Qatar

On September 12, President of Turkmenistan Saparmurat Turkmenbashi received the state and public figure of the state of Qatar, Sheik Haled Ben Abdullah Al-Atiya. His name is known in Turkmenistan due to the construction of the mosque in the north eastern part of Ashgabat, built under the Sheik's support.

During the conversation the ways of bilateral co-operation intensification between Turkmenistan and Qatar and expansion of the relationship in political, economic and cultural spheres were discussed. The Arab business circles, in the Sheik's words, are interested in establishment of more close mutually advantageous relations with Turkmen entrepreneurs, especially as a reliable legal foundation exists now for mutually advantageous co-operation, laid during the visit of the President of Turkmenistan to Qatar in 1992.

In the Arab world the contribution of Turkmenistan and its national leader to the solution of regional problems and insurance of sustainable situation in the country, which are the main conditions for the successful co-operation development, are highly appreciated.

Saparmurat Turkmenbashi asked to convey his cordial greetings to the leadership of Qatar and invited the guest to participate in the celebration of the 9th anniversary of the country's independence. Haled Ben Abdullah Al-Atiya accepted the invitation with gratitude, noting that every year brings independent neutral Turkmenistan nearer to the great aim marked by the national leader as prosperity of the country and well-being of the people.

Ashgabat - Abu-Dhabi: Along the Course of Mutually Beneficial Partnership

On September 12 President of Turkmenistan Saparmurat Turkmenbashi received the Special Councillor of the President of the United Arab Emirates for CIS countries, Muhammad Ali Aysa Al-Behesh. He conveyed the greetings from the Sheik Zaid Ben Sultan Al Nahayan and his son, Crown Prince of Abu-Dhabi, Sheik Halif Ben Zaid Al Nahayan. In his turn, Saparmurat Turkmenbashi asked to convey his sincere wishes of fast recovery and long life to the UAE President, who had been operated recently.

During the talks the state and development paces of the projects of co-operation between Turkmenistan and the UAE were discussed in the context of the forthcoming visit of Saparmurat Turkmenbashi to Abu-Dhabi. The visit will take place next year and will give a new impulse to the development of the full-scale international relations between the two friendly countries. As it is known, the first official visit of the President of the UAE took place in June 1998. Its result was the establishment of normative and legal basis for expansion of mutually advantageous partnership, which was considerably consolidated during the second visit of the Abu-Dhabi Crown Prince to Ashgabat in October 1999.

The Special Councillor of the UAE President noted that all the bilateral documents, signed at the summit level, served both countries' interests. In connection with it Muhammad Ali Aysa Ali Al-Behesh told Saparmurat Turkmenbashi about the completion of the preparation work and beginning of construction of the historical museum in the park zone of the resort zone Pevrize. In the context of the discussion of the final variant of the project the President of Turkmenistan introduced some proposals on the museum interior which, in the President's opinion, had to be built in traditions of ancient Turkmen architecture. Among other objects of the bilateral co-operation are the runway and airport reconstruction in the administrative center of the Mary velayat, construction of the Neurological Center in Ashgabat and Archman Sanatorium, which gained the financial support of the Abu-Dhabi Development Fund. Emphasizing the favorable conditions created in Turkmenistan for foreign investments, Saparmurat Turkmenbashi called that form of interaction with foreign partners one of the most prospective and invited his guest from the UAE to study the possibilities of expanding co-operation with the Ashgabat on the principles of mutual benefit. The proposal of the head of state was apprehended with gratitude and interest.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia - Turkmenistan: Projects of Co-Operation

On September 13, President of Turkmenistan Saparmurat Turkmenbashi received the Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Emir Saad Bin Hal Al Saud. The guest conveyed to Saparmurat Turkmenbashi the cordial greetings from the King and members of his family, in which it was stressed that between the two countries the stable contacts in political and economic spheres had been established.

During the conversation the parties exchanged views on the ways of development of bilateral co-operation between Turkmenistan and Saudi Arabia. In particular, Emir Al Saud characterized the business co-operation of the entrepreneurs of his country with the Turkmen ones as a prospective direction of the partnership. In the Emir's words, the authority of Turkmenistan and its leader is very high in the Arab states, the fact which encourage the businessmen to elaborate and realize investment projects in Turkmenistan.

Saparmurat Turkmenbashi emphasized that the strategy of social and economic development of Turkmenistan in the 21st century stipulated different forms of co-operation with foreign companies equipped with up-to-date technologies and high business reputation in the world. In this aspect, the Turkmen-Arabian projects are worth of the most serious consideration. The parties discussed a number of other problems touching upon expansion of economic and cultural relations between the two countries.

Telephone Conversation Between President of Turkmenistan and President of Uzbekistan

On September 13, a telephone conversation between President of Turkmenistan Saparmurat Turkmenbashi and President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov took place. Within the framework of the traditional exchange of views, which became an important aspect of development of the fruitful Turkmen-Uzbek partnership in every sphere, the leaders of the two fraternal peoples discussed topical problems of the bilateral regional and international interaction, the paces of realization of the agreements made before, and informed each other on the progress of social and economic changes in both countries.

Noting the effective and wide-range character of the bilateral co-operation and the high dynamics of its development, the leaders of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan stressed that there were no disputable problems between the two neighboring countries, and the frontier between the countries is the border of peace and friendship.

During the telephone conversation they came to an agreement about a visit of Islam Karimov to Ashgabat in September 21-22. During the visit of the Uzbek President, the talks are scheduled to be held on further expansion of the Turkmen-Uzbek interaction in the priority spheres and also to sign a number of bilateral documents.

Saparmurat Turkmenbashi Received Akhmet Chalyk

On September 13, Saparmurat Turkmenbashi received Akhmet Chalyk, the Representative of the President of Turkmenistan for displacement of Turkmen natural gas, oil, electric power and cotton at Turkish markets. The Turkish businessman congratulated Saparmurat Turkmenbashi with good results of the medical examination and wished him good health, which is necessary for execution of high duties of the head of state.

In connection with the recommendations of the President's personal cardiologist, who considers that the head of the state needs to compensate his very intensive work with the rest in accordance with requirements, Akhmet Chalyk considered it appropriate to present to the national leader the prepared project of construction of Saparmurat Turkmenbashi's residence in Antaliya. As it is known, a 20-hectare land plot in the picturesque place of Turkey at the Mediterranean coast was allocated to Saparmurat Turkmenbashi by the Turkish state. The President of Turkmenistan was acquainted with the project drafts and approved the project as a whole.

Then Akhmet Chalyk gave an account to Saparmurat Turkmenbashi on his work, carried on by him in accordance with his office duties. Telling about the condition and prospects of the Turkish energy market, Akhmet Chalyk stressed that the consumer demand of the Turkish economy in Turkmen gas remained high and the measures for its satisfaction were discussed at all the government levels. In this connection considered were the guidelines of the company "Turkmenin Altyn Asyry" headed by Akhmet Chalyk and which is entrusted to establish on behalf of Turkmenistan joint ventures for marketing natural gas in Turkey and outside of it in co-operation with Botash Company and other state, private and international structures. The export of Turkmen energy resources is considered as one of the main conditions of development of the electric power complex of Turkey. The Turkish businessman reported to President of Turkmenistan on the state of the project for transportation of Turkmen electric power to Turkey.

During the meeting the problems of marketing textile goods produced in Turkmenistan were considered too. It was stressed with satisfaction that during the last time the number of countries-buyers of jeans fabric and cotton knitted goods increased considerably. The brand of Turkmen yarn and clothes becomes more popular thanks to their world quality, which is provided by up-to-date technological lines of the textile plants of Turkmenistan.

Saparmurat Turkmenbashi gave to his representative a number of recommendations and wished Akhmet Chalyk further success in his many-sided activities.

PARLIAMENT

Turkmenistan Mejlis' autumn session opened

Turkmenistan's Mejlis second convocation session was opened on Sept. 15. It started with the meetings of the Mejlis committees and its Presidium. At issue were Saparmurat Turkmenbashi's article "The Turkmens, Turkmenistan, the world: millennia and the 21st century, relation of times and civilizations", and the tasks posed by this fundamental political and legal document. In the course of the discussion it was highlighted that the head of state's appeal to the UN General Assembly is a principal strategic program of actions to develop the Turkmen society and the state in the 21st century, further consolidation of Turkmenistan's international relations, strengthening of its positive and constructive role and the country's reputation on the world scene. It was stressed also that a profound scientific analysis and clear understanding of the neutral and independent Turkmenistan's historical future-oriented prospects as a full member of the international system of relations is a key idea of the great document, filled with the spirit of historical optimism. Proceeding from the goals and tasks posed by Saparmurat Turkmenbashi in his speech, the deputies considered their action plan for the period of the fall session (2000). Guided by the ideas and conclusions of the national leader's article and the Program of legislative support to President Saparmurat Turkmenbashi "s reforms and transformations, parliamentarians determined the scope of legislative and regulatory acts to be adopted at the fall session. Among them is the law of Turkmenistan "On diplomatic service", creating a legal basis for the activity of diplomatic missions in Turkmenistan, improvement of their role as an effective tool of state foreign policy. In addition, a serious work has to be done on the Law of Turkmenistan "On Government service" which is to embody wise instructions of the country's President related to building up a clear-cut policy of appointments in the system of public power and management. The laws of Turkmenistan "On entrepreneurship", "On commercial and bank secrets" et al., comprise the agenda of legislative activity scheduled for the autumn session. The law of Turkmenistan "On people's art crafts" will provide a legal foundation for protection and renovation of applied arts traditions, thus ensuring generation-to-generation succession of the Turkmen people's spiritual culture. On the fall (2000) Mejlis session other issues will be considered related to legal support of a comprehensive advancement of our society and state.

ACTUAL INTERVIEWS

Hans Meisner : I keep admiring unexhausted vital forces of your President

Hans Meisner said in his brief interview to TDH that he arrived in Ashgabat at night and already in the morning he met with Saparmurat Turkmenbashi . I have been again impressed, the professor said, with an unexhausted potential of the President's vital and moral forces. As known he is full of ideas, plans and energy. Despite a giant work load of the first person of state, my famous patient is in good physical condition. His health after the operation has become better rather than merely stabilized. This is largely brought about by that the President has decisively given up smoking, does physical exercises, cycles and walks much and intensively...

Although, Hans Meisner continued, as a doctor I cannot help but wish the President to keep regime and, first of all, to have a proper rest, though I realize how difficult it is to follow such recommendations for the head of state, who devotes his life to high objectives of the people's prosperity and happiness. The German surgeon has fully shared the position of his Turkmen colleagues against the President's trip to the Millennium Summit in New York. A 13-hour flight, said Hans Meisner, is a serious load to any man's heart, the more so for that suffered an operation.

Often business trips within the country are also unfavorable from the doctor's point of view, Hans Meisner noted. But we cannot leave out of reckoning that a decisive argument in favor of the President's behavior is, naturally, a success of the affairs he is involved in now. Given that he just forgets about his health and, speaking honestly, I wouldn't dare to reproach him for that. As a whole, the professor said, I am greatly satisfied with the health of my patient.

Then Hans Meisner made some remarks on the prospects of Turkmen-German cooperation in cardiosurgery . This is an area of medicine which needs regular professional contacts and practice. Today, he said, we've done a very complicated operation with Turkmen colleagues on the heart of a young woman. She is at the outset of her life and I am happy that from now her life will be more valuable. The success of the operation is to a great extent confined to the skills of your surgeon team, they have learnt much for recent years. We'll do our utmost for furthering collaboration in order Turkmen surgeons were capable to manage all the advantages of state-of-the-art technology and methods. As to the qualification skills, they've got them. I have made absolutely sure of this in the course of the today's operation.

Closing the conversation, Hans Meisner supported the idea of building up the contacts not only between doctors but on the level of medical institutions too. As the professor puts it, this will guarantee development of single approaches to both the professional and organizational problems of healthcare in future.

OIL AND GAS

Chinese National Petroleum Corporation has embarked on new projects of cooperation with Turkmenistan

The oil field of Kumdag, the hydrocarbon-promising terrains of the Caspian coast and the Amudarya right bank have been considered by the CNPC delegation arrived in Asgabat as the areas of mutually beneficial cooperation in the oil and gas sector. The last week talks were the first step towards implementation of the government agreement of understanding and major principles of cooperation in the oil and gas sector. As known, the document was signed during the recent visit of the CPR Chairman Jiang Zemin to Turkmenistan.

Specialists of the Chinese corporation have started a detailed data survey of the Kumdag field to figure out the scope of works required to enhance oil production performance. Another group will study the investment project of the Turkmenneft State Concern for prospecting and exploration of hydrocarbon resources in the Caspian coastal zone. CNPC is interested in direct participation in the surveys of hydrocarbon reserves on the right Amudarya bank terrains. This territory is considered to become a raw material base for the projected Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kazahstan-East China gas pipeline construction. Together with Turkmen specialists, Chinese geologists intend to examine promising fields and, consequently, to determine a contractual acreage and enter a production sharing agreement with the Turkmen party.

COTTON-2000

On virgin lands cotton is harvested with machines

Cotton-growing farms of Turkmenistan have launched mechanic gathering of raw cotton harvest on virgin lands hardly due to economic reasons, more to the fact that the fields are mainly remote from inhabited areas lacking workforce. Harvest machines are now used in some farms of the Ahall and Mary velayats, Turkmenistan's major fine-fiber cotton providers. The reason is simple - before inclement weather comes, the farmers try to purvey more high-quality cotton accepted by the government at the highest payment rate.

Combination of mechanic and manual gathering of the harvest gave chance to the inhabitants in the Murgab valley to increase daily sales of cotton to the government up to 7 thousand tons - the country's highest performance. A wide use of all machines available on the defoliated fields will help make up for the lost to the farmers of the Dashoguz and Lebap velayats. Nowadays in Turkmenistan over a thousand of combines will run on 149 thousand hectares to provide more than 30 percent of the projected harvest output.

STATISTICS

Turkmenistan's foreign trade turnover has grown up by 1.6 times for seven months Turkmenistan's foreign trade turnover has made up 2.369 billion US dollars for seven months of the year 2000 - 1.6 times over the year before. According to the seven-month state-of-the-economy statistical reported, Turkmenistan's positive foreign trade balance has accounted for US$297 billion, including Russia - US$485 million, Italy - US$236 million, Iran - US$43 million, Switzerland - US$30 million, Afghanistan - US$26 million.

The country's export has amounted to US$1.333 billion, or a 1.7 times increase. In the early part of the year, Turkmenistan has enhanced 1.5 times export supplies of natural gas, 2,6 times crude oil, 3.2 times oil products, 1.5 times cotton fabrics. The merchandise structure is dominated by natural gas (48%), oil products ( 24%), crude oil (9%), cotton yarn (8%).

Turkmenistan's import between January and July has constituted 1036 billion dollars - 1.4 times over the last year. Main trade partners are Turkey, Japan, Russia, United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, France, making up together more than half total of import transactions. The merchandise structure of Turkmenistan's import is dominated by technological equipment (38%), consumer commercial goods (20%), raw materials (17%). The rest part of import falls on vehicles, food stuffs, etc. Comparing with the last year, import of technological equipment is 1.6 times up ( big supplies to the textile industry, harvest combines, vacuum and air compressors). On the other hand, from the beginning of the year, import rates of wheat, flour, soft beverages have sufficiently declined due to saturation of the domestic market with local production.

INVESTMENTS

Above 5 trillion manats was invested in the economy of Turkmenistan during eight months

Turkmenmillisahabat's 8-month statistical state-of-the-economy report informs that during January-August period of the year 2000, 5.1 trillion manats has been invested in the economy of Turkmenistan, 3.4 per cent up on the last year same period.

Major portion in the investment structure, as usually, belongs to the internal funds of home enterprises - 1 trillion 699 million manats or 33% of aggregate investments. Loans, including those of foreign investors, are equal to 30% of total investments. From public funds, 871 billion mantas (17% of total investments) was invested in the economy. Major portion of those funds, 347 billion manats, was channeled from the Oil and Gas Industry Development Fund, 289 billion manats - from the Government Currency Fund and 146 billion manats - from the Transport and Communications Development Fund. 60 billion manats was invested in the development of sectoral enterprises by the Agriculture

Development Fund. Public investments (68%) were principally directed in fixed assets -1.4 trillion manats. Of great importance for the economy of Turkmenistan are the direct foreign investments. Their ration in the aggregate investment fund is 11%, or 531 billion manats.

In the implementation of the investment program-2000, key role plays the oil and gas complex. Half of the projected volume of the investments for the current year falls on the sector. They will be mainly directed to construct oil and gas pipelines, to develop oil and gas-bearing fields, to reconstruct refineries. In the first half-year period, 1.5 trillion manats of internal funds of enterprises and credit resources has been employed for the development of the sector. Of total volume of investments employed in the oil and gas sector, 64% falls on foreign firms and companies.

CENSUS-2000

Session of the Census-2000 Commission

A wide spectrum of matters related to a 5% selected census of the population and households in Turkmenistan in December 2000 has been considered today at the session of the National Institute "Turkmenmillihasabat" special commission comprised of representatives of statistic bodies, local authorities, ministries and departments, mass media. Analyzed in particular were the outcomes of the pilot census held in Tedjen and allowing to sufficiently correct the strategy and technique of the December poll and formulate more precisely numerous questions to respondents. The discussion stressed the necessity of the most thorough and serious approach to the task posed by the relevant President's Resolution on scientific, technical, organizational and informational support of this crucial campaign. Meeting all world standards, the census is designed to give a clear and objective picture of the country's economic potential, to back the state programs of socio-economic development, become a key factor of consolidation and expansion of cooperation of Turkmenistan with foreign partners, attraction of extra investments in the national economy. Surprisingly that such a high is the interest to the census from the biggest international organizations intended to make use of the Turkmen experience in preparation of similar events in other countries.

SOCIOLOGICAL SURVEYS

Aid is to be a targeted one Electric power, gas, water and table salt have been forever transferred to everyday use to the Turkmen people without compensation. That historical decision will be forever in effect irrespective of living standards of the Turkmen people available today, tomorrow or in a far future. Indisputably, some social programs must be changed and adjusted in accordance with new realities of the Turkmen society.

In view are social security benefits, flour purchasing benefits in particular. Under the order established since the country's independence, the subsidized selling of the flour was projected to 2,5 million people (nearly half population of the country), including children under 16, pensioners, students, schoolchildren and poor-income families. A monthly norm in village is 8 kg for an adult and 4 kg for children under 7, in towns - 6 (except for Ashgabad, where it is equal to 5 kg) and 4 kg, respectively. In Ashgabat, the flour is to be bought at a symbolic price of 100 manats for a kilogram by over 255 thousand people. Simple calculation shows that the government must allocate and is allocating annually for this purpose some 300 thousand tons of wheat of the 1st grade. It's sold through the network of shops of the Turkmengallaonumlery State Association, Ministry of Trade and Foreign Economic Relations, Turkmenpotrebsouyz (the Turkmen Consumers' Union). Today the government, like 8 years ago, invests billions of manats in the program conditionally called "Flour". By no means, we do not doubt the feasibility of this important form of social support to the population. But maybe it makes sense to reconsider the current criteria and parameters in the light of new approaches to living standards evaluation? The question is prompt, but only those can answer it who this aid is addressed to and who can help draw an objective picture of the state of matters. Answers of inhabitants can help fully clarify the situation and make conclusions about how great the government's support is to be in relation to various-income social groups.

This is what the Turkmen State Information Service (TDH) is going to do, being authorized by the President of the country to hold a sociological opinion poll on the most actual issues of the state and public life. Local authorities and the public will be widely involved in this mission.

NEWS OF AGRO-INDUSTRIAL SECTOR

Winter wheat seed material production will be centralized

Turkmengallaonumleri Association has commenced making contracts on winter wheat seed stock production with specialized farms, rather than with tenants.

As the Association said, the centralized seed purveyance policy was provided for by the state program aimed at stipulating bread production annual growth rates. Today there are 86 specialized associations in the country. Elite wheat seed material will be delivered to the new farms by experimental stations and testing units available in all velayats. Centralized reproduction of seeds by regions will prevent the seed material from mixing and guarantee a rich harvest.

JOINT PROJECTS

A new project of the Turkmenistan's Government and UNDP started

Last week the Ministry of Nature Protection of Turkmenistan and the UN (UNDP) signed an agreement about a new joint project called "The strategy of bio-diversity".

A primary goal of the project is to render assistance to the country's government in the development of national bio-diversity strategy and an Action Plan designed to help in analyzing major bio-diversity-related problems, determining priorities and action steps on protection of the ecological system and, what is no the least, in scientifically substantiation of the necessity to include the problems of the country's bio-diversity protection and sustainable control in the development plans of Turkmenistan. Accomplishment of the project, funded by the GEF(Global Ecological Fund), the Government of Turkmenistan and the British Know-How Fund, is assigned to the National Deserts and Wildlife Institute of Turkmenistan with the right to widely attract experts and specialists from other ministries and bodies of the country. As known, Turkmenistan's bio-diversity is, actually, unique, due to its geographical location which itself brings about a rich and diverse wildlife, constituting a valuable genetic fund. Turkmenistan is rightfully recognized by the world community as a host-country of many endemics - wild plants and animals, that cannot be found anywhere else. Within the scope of the project, scientists have to make an inventory within a year of all plants and animals, figure out their habitats, define their quantity, as well as to study the bio-diversity in the territory of Turkmenistan in both species-related and inter-species and plasma levels. On expiration of this period, the scientists will publish a book of genetic resources of Turkmenistan based on the results of all last researches and findings. One more critical task is to widely involve the public in the existing problems' solution, a particular attention in this connection will be drawn to the reserves, along the territory of which the so-called "ecological paths" will be first-ever paved in the nearest future.

Ultimately, the developed bio-diversity strategy and scheduled Action Plan will become fundamental principles in making the First National Report in compliance with the provisions of the UN Bio-Diversity Convention which Turkmenistan ratified on 16 June, 1996, thus pledging itself to adequate commitments.

DATES

September 16 - International Day of Ozone Layer Protection

This year the Day was held under the motto - "Rescue our sky; protect yourself; protect the ozone layer". As it is known, the problem of the ozone layer destruction and all negative phenomena coming out from it long ago worried the scientists of the world. In 1985, the UN Vienna Convention for the Ozone Layer Protection was passed in Vienna, in September 1987, in Montreal the Montreal Protocol was signed on substances destroying the ozone layer which contained a phased schedule of gradual decrease in ozone-destroying substances (freon) production and usage and control measures for regulating their production, export and import. More than 180 countries, including Turkmenistan, which signed corresponding agreements and ratified them on November 18, 1993, joined that document.

The Ministry of Nature Protection is the basic governmental structure in Turkmenistan responsible for execution of works on ODS gradual bringing out of use and developing ODS-substituting alternative substances. The Ministry of Nature Protection worked out a special National ODS Non-Application Program of Turkmenistan, which has been presented to and confirmed by UNEP.

In accordance with the Resolution of President of Turkmenistan Saparmurat Turkmenbashi (1999) on establishment of the State Commission for providing fulfillment of the commitments accepted by Turkmenistan, coming out of the UN Environment Conventions and Programs, the Ministry of Nature Protection carries out the National OSD Non-Application Program of Turkmenistan. Within the framework of the Program, the Ministry of Nature Protection carries out the work on coordination and fulfilling the projects on decreasing and bringing ODS out of usage, organization and implementation of technical educational programs, collection and analyzing the data on ODS import and application, providing public awareness. The Ministry of Nature Protection prepared the system of ODS import/export licensing and quotation of ODS application. In part of regulating ozone-destroying substances application, the role of ecological expertise has been enforced in consideration process of potential projects, objects to be constructed in various spheres of economy. Thus, right on the stage of the projects' coordination the possibility of using ODS as refrigerants and solvents is eliminated.

Training specialists to master all the advantages of state-of-the-art technology in the sector is one of the most important components in execution of the National Program. The advanced equipment allows to extract and regenerate freons from refrigerating appliances for their further recycling. In March of the present year, instructive seminars have been organized for the specialists working with equipment for extraction and reduction of refrigerants, which was presently used by the organizations with a big quantity of freon-12 extraction.

As a whole, implementation of the National Program will enable Turkmenistan to realize gradual transition from using ozone-destroying substances to alternative substituting ozone-friendly substances and technologies, thus contributing to saving the ozone layer of atmosphere.

PEACE CORPS

Good Will Mission

A new conscription of Peace Corps volunteers from the United State of America arrived to Turkmenistan. After the one-week rest in comfortable hotels of the capital 53 volunteers, during ten weeks, will pass an intensive study of the Russian and Turkmen languages. In the end of the term they will begin working in various regions of Turkmenistan in three basic projects accounted for two years: teaching of English, business fundamentals and enlightenment work in healthcare sector.

The missionaries of Peace Corps also participate in the implementation of social projects, such as "Youth development", "Environment protection". In summer, sport, nature-protecting, educational camps are organized for Turkmen school-children, in which communication is conducted in English. The same method is used in drama, dance, music and other coteries, which gives children an opportunity to plunge in the element of other language.

Teaching of business fundamentals is organized for potential businessmen of Turkmenistan, recently joining the sphere of market relations development. For them, it is necessary to know the laws of free enterprise. Taking into account that need, a group of volunteers will conduct classes on business fundamentals and business English in a range of departments and educational institutions.

The conception of preventive healthcare, realized in Turkmenistan, defined the form of participation in the program of Peace Corps volunteers, working in clinics and Health houses of the country. Their activity is basically connected with maternal and child health promotion. Together with local colleagues they improve education programs related to hygiene and healthy diet of women and children, organize thematic informational centers, participate in specialists' seminars. The main purpose of Peace Corps is to provide the concerned country with specialists of the required profiles. It is very important to make a volunteer, coming to a working team, feel necessity of his help, obtain friends and colleagues striving for mutual exchange with experience, information and professional skills.

EXHIBITIONS

Exhibition of Iran's Agricultural Machine-Building Industry in Ashgabat

On these days, in the capital's Trade-Industrial and Exposition Complex an exhibition of Iran's agricultural machine-building industry was held organized by the Ministry of Industry of IRI, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan and the Turkmenobakhyzmat Association.

The Iran-Khodro representation to Turkmenistan informed it is a first-ever large-scaled exposition of agricultural machine-building industry of Iran held in Ashgabat. Its aim is not only to acquaint the Turkmen people with great possibilities and achievements of Iran in the sphere of agrarian industry, but to offer its production to the Turkmen market.

In the hall of the exhibition complex, on display were about 100 kinds of agricultural techniques and equipment, tractors, cotton combine-harvesters, mini-mills, elevators, water pumps, electric engines, compressors, ploughs and other production made by 12 companies and plants of Iran, which include Tako, Armashin, Art Machine, Iranian Tractor Manufacture, Bekhran Oil Company and others.

Today, the produce of Iranian machine-builders are in great demand in the countries of the Arab East and Africa. At the present exhibition, local climate-friendly machinery and equipment were presented. Turkmen buyers of Iranian techniques will be provided by Iranian companies and firms with preferential services and instructive and training courses for the local personnel.

In future, the exhibitions complex will regularly host the exhibitions to demonstrate the production achievements of Iranian manufacturers in large spectrum of economic branches.

SEMINARS

Water Supply: Problems and Tasks

A two-days national seminar-conference "Improvement of piped water supply system management and water quality control in various stages of water treatment" took place in Turkmenbashi, organized by the UN Development Program, the Committee for sanitary-purified water supply of population under the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan and Balkanagyzsuw Association, within the framework of the joint project of the Government of Turkmenistan and UNDP directed at development of municipal economy of Ashgabat, Balkanabat, Turkmenbashi, Mary, Dashoguz and other towns of the country.

Specialists of more than 20 organizations, scientific-research centers, ministries and departments, representatives of international water-supply companies took part in the conference. The agenda of the seminar included problems and ways of water supply system further development in the Balkan velayat and other regions of the country, improvement of fresh water quality control system in the light of international experience, use of underground and distilled water for population supply, quality of water-supply objects and sewage systems construction, working out a new state standard of fresh water, etc.

CULTURE NEWS

Lyudmila Kiselyova - Folk Handicrafts Master

A unique collection of handicrafts by folk master from Ashgabat, Lyudmila Kiselyova, will be presented at the Tashkent International Artworks Exhibition. 50 works - carpet artic;es, keteni fabrics, koshma (felts), batik, series of national souvenirs - will acquaint the visitors of the exposition with the centuries-old traditions of Turkmen masters. The fact, that all things are made in compliance with all rules of traditional techniques, including natural dye usage, is the characteristic feature of the author's works.

In words of Lyudmila, her interest in folk creative artworks thrived from her very childhood. Born in a small Turkmen provincial village, Gyzyl Ayak, of the Atamurat etrap, being 13 years old, she began weaving carpets with local carpet makers. Then she finished carpet-making department of the capital's arts college named after Shota Rustaveli and Kiev all-Union scientific-research polygraphy institute. Then there were many years of working in printing-house. But the great love and interest to the folk creative art reasoned her study of ancient traditions of dying, weaving, carpet-making and, as a result, realization of her creative ideas.

Natural dying technology takes a special place in creative work of L. Kiselyova. Fundamental theoretical base, many years of searching for recipes among local masters, studying ancient Oriental manuscripts plus four years of laboratory work brought fruits. To date, the master produces 250 various colors and tinctures with the help of natural dyes produced from various kinds of local flora. It is various herbs, roots, crust of grenadine and nuts, fruits of Marena and even insects! For example, dry bugs are used for getting various tinctures of the red color.

Original and unrepeatable keteni, carpets and koshma are made of the naturally dyed wool, silk and cotton yarn. By the way, Lyudmila worked out her own technology for preparing yarn and its dying, which allowed the master to get rid of the felts' specific sheep smell. In the words of the master, her aim is not only to preserve and follow the traditional techniques, but to bring into new elements making them more original and beautiful.

In creative work of L. Kiselyova batik - painting on silk, gets the special place. Primarily, they were small souvenir artworks. To date, it is thematic panels, in which all colors of the Turkmen land, episodes of the history of its people are reflected. All canvases are painted with natural paints, quality and durability of which are guaranteed for the centuries.

Articles of Lyudmila Kiselyova were admired at many international exhibitions-fairs in Poland, Moscow, Almaty, Bishkek, Astana. She is a frequent participant of the national festivals of creative artworks "Gozbashlar". There are also many admirers of her talent in the homeland.

SMALL ARCHITECTURE

Mary's Fountains

Within the next few years, among the Turkmen towns it will be possible to hold contests on the best and original fountain. Such an unusual contest will be one of the most creative and interesting ones, because that genre of architectural arts is presented in Turkmenistan widely.

A new fountain in the administrative center of the Mary velayat could successfully participate in such contest. Its construction was conducted in one of the park zones in the western part of Mary. The fountain will be one of the biggest and most beautiful ones in the velayat center. Powerful spouts of water will rise to the height of 15-20 meters and fall on the tile-paved vessel. During the last years. about ten fountains were erected in the town. They adorn squares, parks and alleys of the velayat center, creating a special climatic surrounding. In the nearest prospect, it is planned to construct some more fountain-cascades in zones of mass rest of urban citizens.

WELCOME!

You are Waited For in "Jennet"!

"Jennet" cafe of the Boldumsaz etrap consumer association (Dashoguz velayat) recently obtained good popularity. The cafe is situated on the cross of Boldumsaz-Kunyaurgench, Boldumsaz-Dashoguz motorroads. Its regular visitors are drivers of cars, cargo vehicles, buses and passengers. In "Jennet" they are welcomed cordially, offered with large assortment of delicious home-cooked dishes. Any day, visitors can taste plov made of rice and buckwheat, manty, kebap, various kinds of soup, green tea, diary drinks and other beverages. Under delightful music the clients are having food and rest at the same time. That is why, very often the words of appreciation from the guests are addressed to the owners of the cafe, receiving in return an invitation to visit it again.

NATIONAL NEWS BRIEF

Designing has been launched of a new rice-processing complex, which will be erected in Turkmenabat on the basis of Lebapgallaonumleri Production Association. The projected enterprise is designed for acceptance, storing, peeling and processing of about 30 thousand tons of rice.

***

A good gift was received by the Christians of Turkmenabat. By the Order of the head of state the Nicole temple was returned to the church, which was used for other purposes during the years of the Soviet Union.

***

The final round of the "Yanglan, Diyarym" contest among the singers of Ashgabat was held in the Mekan Palace. Akmurat Nurberdiyev, Lachini Mammedova, Ogulgerek Kurbanova became its winners. They gained the right to take part at the final concert of laureates of the contest in the Rukhiyet palace. That traditional tele-contest helps discover new young talents and contributes to the development of the Turkmen national song arts.

EXCHANGE NEWS

189 external trade contracts, 20 export and 169 import ones, were registered at the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan.

At this time, foreign entrepreneurs from China, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Germany, Afghanistan and Russia bought grainy technique salt, technical A-brand iodine, window glass, cocoon-spinning waste, L-62 diesel fuel, stove fuel, fuel oil, liquefied gas for household use, knitted goods, stockinet and bed-clothes. The greater part of bargains was made for Turkmen manats and made up 33 billion 840 million, the rest part was made for foreign currency - US$680 thousand. Pursuant to import contracts, made for the sum of 13 million 504 thousand US dollars and 32 billion 940 million Turkmen manats, computer equipment, car spare parts, technological hardware, medicaments, clothes, footwear, consumer goods and a large assortment of food will be delivered to our country from Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, Germany, the USA, UAE, China and other countries.

VELAYAT NEWS

Lebap

The Naip technological liquefied gas complex exceeded the level of production output for the last year due to an increase of projected capacities and the day-round exploiting of the technological equipment. Since early this year, the household fuel-producing plant in the Zaunguz Karakums produced almost 12 thousand tons of liquefied gas.

In the nearest future, under the resolution of the President of Turkmenistan the Central Asia's biggest liquefied gas-producing complex will be erected in Zaunguz. Equipped with up-to-date equipment and technology, it will be constructed on the base of the Kirpichli gas-condensate deposit. Estimated capacity of the plant is projected as 360 thousand tons of liquefied gas per year.

Balkan

A powerful 100-ton lifting aggregate for wells overhauling was delivered to repair work teams of the Turkmenneft State Concern. The new equipment was delivered by the Chinese Oil Engineering Technology Corporation under the US$4.66 million contract. Last year, within the framework of the treaty oilmen of Balkan have already received two analogous installations. The effective Chinese equipment is exploited for repairing deep holes of the Koturdepe and Barsagelmes oil fields.

To date, more oil will be tapped by raising the yields of operating wells with a variety of oilfield equipment repair techniques and developing underground oil recovery methods in the western oil-bearing deposits of the country. This year, oil producers of Turkmenneft State Concern have already fulfilled the overhauls of 240 wells in the Koturdepe, Cheleken, Barsagelmes, Kumdag, Erdekli oil fields.

TURKMEN PRESS ROUNDUP

*He is considered to be the world's first famous composer. In historical sources the name of that musician, born in Nisa, is met in various variants - Barbat, Berbut, Barbut... Turkmens call him Baba Gammar (master-musician), a genius musician.

That very superior man-legend was told about in the "Parvat-musician" article in the "Nesil" newspaper last week. The story says, that Parvat, being four years old, took dutar made by his father and began playing on it various melodies, though nobody had taught him music before. Happened to see it, his father presented him the dutar. The little musician could play a new melody, albeit he had listened to it only once. The fame of the boy-dutarist grew very fast. In his 10-12 years he plays in the palace of Sasanids. To improve his mastership, Parvat begins to create music by himself. Being thirty years old, he used to compose one melody per day, as it was said in the article.

Parvat was about seventy, when the Arabs invaded the territory of the present Turkmenistan. Believing in rumors that Arabs cut off men's fingers, Parvat exclaimed:" No stranger will touch my fingers", and cut off all fingers of his right hand except the thumb. In 851, Arabs conquered Merv and Parvat was ascertained that the rumors were false. Over a short period of time he learned to play dutar with a thumb. Having found out about the aged master-musician, the prophet Ali invited him. Parvat was a good groom as well, that is why serving to Ali he looked after his steed Duldul. The horse liked the melodies of the old musician. By the story, during the trips of Ali, Duldul did not accept water and food without the music of Parvat. Being with Ali, Parvat spread the Turkmen music over the world and gained fame in the Arab world. Today, the influence of Parvat's music on the arts of Arabs is commonly acknowledged.

*A number of facts from the biography of Omar Khayam is discussed in the article devoted to the great poet and published in the "Turkmenistan" newspaper. His full name was Abul-Fekht Omar Khayam bin Ybrahym al-Khayam. And Abul-Khavs was his Sufi pseudonym. Under his poems he signed as Khayam. The Indian scientist Svami Govinda Tirtkha puts forward the idea that Omar was born in Dakhistan. As it is known, the medieval Dakhistan was situated in the territory of Turkmenistan. During the period of flourishing of the state of Seljuks, Sultan Malikshah paid great attention to science. He constructed an observatory for Omar Khayam, who jointly with other scientists developed a lunar-solar calendar. Only 500 years later, the same kind of calendar was worked out by Pop Gregory XIII. However, not scientific works but his poems brought glory to Omar Khayam ...

SPORTS

Turkmen Sportsmen Participated in XXVII Summer Olympic Games Opening Ceremony

On September 15, in Australian Sidney the 27th Summer Olympic Games, in which more than ten thousand sportsmen from 199 countries will take part, were opened. At the opening ceremony, held in the 110,00-seat overcrowded "Australia" stadium, sportsmen from Turkmenistan also took part - the National banner of the Turkmenistan's sportsmen column was carried by the captain of the team, track-and-field sportsman Chary Mamedov.

Four years ago in its first Olympiad in Atlanta the Turkmen team was represented by seven athletes, who appeared in six sport events of the

Program - female judo, boxing, Greek-Roman wrestling..