Obama Calls for a New Beginning with the Muslim World

Washington — Saying he came to seek a new beginning between the United States and the Muslim world, President Obama told an audience in Cairo June 4 that the cycle of suspicion and discord that has defined the relationship for so long must end.

Obama said he seeks a new start that is based on mutual interest and mutual respect — “one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive, and need not be in competition. Instead they overlap and share common principles, principles of justice and progress; tolerance and the dignity of all human beings.” more | full-text of the speech

United States Department of Energy Sponsors Workshop on Pipeline Integrity and Management for Turkmenistan

Ashgabat, June 10, 2009 – The United States Department of Energy (DOE) is sponsoring a workshop on Pipeline Integrity and Management June 10-11 for the Government of Turkmenistan, as another step in advancing U.S.-Turkmen cooperation in the energy sector.  The DOE workshop focuses on pipeline engineering and design, managing aging pipelines, assessing damage and corrosion, inspection and inspection strategies for pipeline systems, and the cost implications of repairing pipelines.  Many countries, including the United States, have aging pipelines and will face operational and financial challenges in keeping their pipeline networks safe and reliable. more

USAID, Turkmenistan Take Another Step Towards Meeting International Financial Reporting Standards

Ashgabat, June 11, 2009 – This week, the United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), took another step in support of Turkmenistan’s effort to meet international standards.  USAID presented 78 bound copies of the official Russian translation of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) to the Supreme Council on Science and Technology (SCST) under the President of Turkmenistan.  Copies will be distributed to the Parliament, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Economics, and Finance, as well as to other state agencies in the economic sector.  Additional copies will be provided to private training centers, NGOs and international organizations working on accounting reforms. more

USAID Funds Workshop on HIV Prevention Among Drug Users

Ashgabat, June 9, 2009 – On June 8-11, 2009, the CAPACITY project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) jointly with the Ministry of Health and Medical Industry of Turkmenistan will provide a workshop on HIV education for intravenous drug users.  Outreach representatives and specialists from the Narcology Department of Turkmen State Medical Institute and the Narcology Clinic are invited to participate in the workshop.  Also attending were outreach specialists from CAPACITY project’s planned Drop-in Center, a medical counseling and social services center for those affected by illicit drug use, which will be opened in Ashgabat. more