Niyazov Gives Cash To Turkmen Women

Turkmen President Niyazov (right) opens an exhibition center in the capital, Ashgabat (file photo) (ITAR-TASS) PRAGUE, March 17, 2006 (RFE/RL) -- Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov says he will give all female pensioners, workers, and students -- including girls attending pre-school -- the equivalent of $38 as a cash gift to mark the country's national spring holiday, on March 20-22.

Niyazov said on state television on March 16 that the gift rewards the efforts of Turkmen women to "strengthen families and to raise a younger generation devoted to the homeland."