Turkmenistan's acting President Gurbungaly Berdymukhamedov had
won Sunday's presidential election with 89 percent of the votes,
Central Election Commission Chairman Murad Karriyev announced on
Wednesday.
"I will devote my life to the greater glory of Oguz Khan (a Turkic
historical figure) and will follow the course of Turkmenbashi the
Great," Berdymukhamedov stated at his inauguration ceremony held in
front of foreign heads of state and hundreds of Turkmens mere
minutes after the announcement.
Berdymukhamedov pledged to honor existing energy contracts,
which will buoy Russian spirits, given the country's long-term
agreements to buy Turkmen gas at below-market prices.
"According to our plans to transport energy to world markets, we
will stick firmly to bilateral agreements and in future we will
base our relations on mutual benefit and equal rights," he
said.
The self-effacing 49-year-old former dentist did make an
encouraging promise to annul some of Niyazov's more unpopular
domestic policies, raising a glimmer of hope for change.
Speaking in a cavernous hall, he repeated his campaign pledges
to loud applause. These included adding a year to Turkmen schooling
to bring the nation's failing education back to international
standards, to support private enterprise and to improve healthcare
in the provinces.
He stood on a white carpet, an ancient Turkmen symbol of good
luck, while Turkmens clad in traditional gowns and woolly hats gave
him bread and a quiver of golden arrows.
He was also presented with two volumes of the Rukhnama, an
autobiographical and historical book of morals, penned by
Niyazov.
Chinese President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao Wednesday sent respective messages
of congratulations to Berdymukhamedov.
In his message, President Hu spoke of China and Turkmenistan's
history of profound and traditional friendship.
"The Chinese government and people respect the development road
chosen by the Turkmen people and support the country's endeavor of
protecting state independence, sovereignty and safety, promoting
the social stability and developing national economy," he
added.
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"China will work with Turkmenistan in deepening mutually beneficial
bilateral cooperation across various fields and foster long-term
and stable cooperation," said Hu.
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For his part, Premier Wen said that China-Turkmenistan relations
have developed smoothly for the past 15 years, with strengthening
political trust, the expansion of pragmatic cooperation, frequent
exchanges of visits and close interaction on international and
regional issues.
He pledged to make joint efforts with Turkmenistan to cement the
China-Turkmenistan traditional friendship and promote bilateral
cooperation in various fields, benefiting both countries and
peoples.
(China Daily via agencies February 15, 2007)
