Russia, Turkmenistan Wish To Develop 'Constructive Partnership'

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (file photo) (ITAR-TASS) January 17, 2007 (RFE/RL) -- Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke by telephone today with his Turkmen counterpart, Rashid Meredov, in a conversation in which the two men reportedly expressed their countries' desire to maintain strong relations.

Lavrov said in a subsequent statement that both sides wish to develop a "constructive partnership" and "close cooperation."


He also says all bilateral agreements signed during the tenure of late President Saparmurat Niyazov will be honored.


Niyazov died in December, and Turkmens are due to elect his successor on February 11.


It is unclear whether Lavrov and Meredov discussed the fate of environmentalist Andrei Zatoka.


A Russian-Turkmen citizen, Zatoka was detained in Dashhowuz on December 17 and reportedly charged with illegally possessing a weapon and poisonous substances. His arrest took place four days before news of Niyazov's death was made public.


Russia's ITAR-TASS news agency on January 16 reported that Moscow is seeking access to Zatoka and intends to discuss the issue "at foreign ministers' level."


(mid.ru, ITAR-TASS)

RFE/RL In Russian

RFE/RL In Russian


UPDATED CONSTANTLY: Visit RFE/RL's Russian-language website, featuring news, analysis, features, streaming audio, and more, in Russian, from RFE/RL's Russian Service.


ARCHIVE

RFE/RL's English-language coverage of Russia.