1. Steffie 12/21/2006 17:56:32

I hope that some sence will be instilled into Turkmenistan after over two decades of madness. Niyazov's death has certainly brought the plight of this country into the international spotlight and with it gas reserves maybe some interest as well. I hope and prey that Geldy and other political prisioners' suffering will come to an end as this regime collapses, but I fear as with all countries in political transition, in particular ones that are socially and economically fragile as Turkmenistan, things get worse before they get better in the long term.

About two years ago I wrote to my Member of Parliment, Jack Straw (then UK Foreign Secretary before Bush kicked him out for being too consciencious) about Geldy Kyarizov and highlighting human rights abuse, country wide hospital closures, diminished education system, etc. I asked why a country which was turning into the next North Korea was ignored by the rest of the world. The response was it posed no threat to the world in general but I was thanked for bringing to his attention the more finer aspects of Niyazov's victims of his dictatorship. What he did with this information, I don't know but now is probably a good time to write to him again.

2. Heather12/21/2006 19:18:49

Steffie,
I try not to get TOO political here on the blog of my friends, as it's not polite or appropriate, but BRAVO for your "consciencious" comment! As an American I am so tired of acquiesence to an international policy that flies in the face of centuries of freedom and belief, and I only wish more people would just say it like it is.

3. Steffie12/21/2006 19:57:13

I didn't realise I was being TOO polical or unpolite just factual, I'm a Brit who was brought up in communist Romania and Czechoslovakia as a child so I take great interest in what happens in the former e-bloc. I was horrified to hear about Geldy in prision and being a concerned person and a very, very proud AT owner I wanted to show my support in his freedom and hopefully going back to doing what he does best, breeding excellent Tekés.

Horsey politics on the other hand, they're way too much for me, I just smile and wave.

4. Heather12/23/2006 10:32:50

Steffie,
No, no, you were not unpolite or too political at all. I meant that I definitely can go that direction if I let myself. I grew up with parents that are teachers, political activists, and local political delegates, etc. so I tend to get up on my soap box about certain things if I let myself, our current administration head being one of them (or as my father calls him "King George").
But back to the main thread - I am eager to see how this political transition in Turkmenistan will affect Geldy and others in his situation. If anyone can give basic updates on the shift in power it would be appreciated. I have not found much coverage readily available here.