2003 Press Releases

Ambassador Kennedy's Speech at 4th of July Reception

July 8, 2003

Her Last Official Day as U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan

At a July 4 reception in Ashgabat on the occasion of the 227th anniversary of the U.S. Independence, U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan Laura E. Kennedy made a speech, which also marked her last official remarks as U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan.

In her speech, Ambassador Kennedy highlighted key priorities in U.S.-Turkmen cooperation and noted the importance of "increasing the free flow of people and ideas." She also marked education as a vital area for cooperation and extolled Turkmenistan's ethnic and religious diversity.

Following is the text of Ambassador Kennedy's 4th of July speech as delivered:

THE AMBASSADOR: Mr. Speaker Atayev, Deputy Chairman Meredov, Ladies and Gentlemen, my fellow Americans.

Thank you for coming today to help us celebrate our nation's 227th birthday. This is always a joyous occasion for Americans as we take pride in our nation's accomplishments and honor all those who serve their country. Despite our national achievements, we also recognize that there is much still to solve in our country and debate our shortcomings openly and vigorously. A free press should be one of the greatest assets of any country. We are eager to help Turkmenistan develop these media as well as other democratic institutions and to promote the rule of law.

Today is also my last official day as U.S. Ambassador to Turkmenistan so I speak to you with mixed emotions. My involvement with this country dates back more than a decade and I have a strong personal affection for the generous and hospitable people of this country. The United States was among the first to offer its support to newly independent Turkmenistan and to support its integration into many vital international institutions such as OSCE, the financial institutions, the Partnership for Peace and many others. I am a great admirer of the work of the OSCE Mission and hope to see greater cooperation in future. I firmly believe that Turkmenistan's neutrality policy is fully consistent with active engagement in bilateral, regional and international relations. America and Turkmenistan have much to offer each other. Increasing that cooperation, of course, depends on similarly increasing the free flow of people and ideas. Therefore, my government very much hopes that the exit visa regime will be lifted.

One of my first acts as Ambassador was to inaugurate with the Minister of Culture a preservation project of the Mosque at Anau. One of my last acts was to cosponsor with the Institute of History a conference on the centenary of the work in Turkmenistan of the great American archeologist Rafael Pampelli. These are excellent areas of cooperation between our countries. In addition to culture, education is a vital area for cooperation. We would like to send many more American scholars here in exchange for the more than one thousand Turkmen citizens who have studied in the U.S. on official exchanges over the past years. There is no greater resource in any country than its people or more important areas to invest than education. Turkmenistan can boast of many outstanding students and professionals. We urge you to encourage a free flow of these individuals of whom you should be proud to have represent you in America and elsewhere. For our part, we would be delighted to send students, tourists, and scientists who are eager to work with you and learn more about modern Turkmenistan as well as its rich and diverse past.

Two years was a short time to spend here but I can assure you that my interest in Turkmenistan does not end when I board my flight out of Ashgabat. I look forward to continuing my contacts with this country and the many friends I have made here. I am filled with admiration for the energetic men and women of Turkmenistan, particularly members of NGOs, and the efforts they are making to build a better society.

Turkmenistan, like America, boasts a mix of peoples. In America, English is our common language but not our official one. U.S. Government documents, depending on the locality, are printed also in Spanish, Chinese, Russian and other foreign languages. I am a typical American. My ancestors were English, Slovenian and German. My husband's family hails from Ireland, and I am proud to count Jews and Puerto Ricans among my extended family.

Turkmenistan, like the beautiful carpets it produces, features a rich and diverse ethnic design - Turkmen, Uzbeks, Kazakhs, Russians, Armenians, and others. Muslims, Orthodox Christians, Jews, Bahais, Catholics and Protestants - all share Turkmenistan's soil. Both of our countries should celebrate that diversity. It is a complex process and Americans debate every day issues of fairness. But the rewards of a diverse and just society are great indeed.

Most of you know Bob Tansey who will serve as Charge until the arrival of the new Ambassador. Please be assured that our interest in the great people of Turkmenistan will remain constant no matter who is at the helm.

I wish you all the best.