Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, Dec. 12
By Huseyn Hasanov- Trend:
December 12 is a day-off in Turkmenistan in connection with the 19th anniversary of the Day of Neutrality.
Turkmenistan's decision to accept the permanent neutrality status was officially recognized by the UN in 1995. The headquarters of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia is in Ashgabat.
Turkmenistan's declaration of permanent neutrality was recognized and supported by the UN General Assembly. It is a valuable contribution to peace and security in Central Asia, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon's one of the messages to President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov says.
Turkmenistan follows the policy of positive neutrality and defense sufficiency. The main idea is to refuse from participating in any military-political blocs, according to the approved military doctrine.
A tense situation remains in Afghanistan. Turkmenistan has a long border with Afghanistan. Ashgabat expressed willingness to deliver its political space to hold an inter-Afghan peace dialogue under the UN auspices.
Earlier, it was reported that 2015 was declared as the year of neutrality and peace upon the decision of the Council of Elders of Turkmenistan. The 20th anniversary of the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan will be celebrated.
Ashgabat made a proposal at the 69th session of the UN General Assembly to hold the forum on security and peace in Central Asia under the UN auspices in the capital of Turkmenistan next year.
Edited by CN