Turkmenistan Celebrates Its State of Neutrality
December 12
Day of Neutrality is a public holiday in Turkmenistan.
December 12—Turkmenistan Day of Neutrality—is second in significance only to Independence Day. It marks the day when in 1995, the General Assembly of the United Nations adopted a special resolution on the permanent neutrality of Turkmenistan. This day also incorporates Student Youth Day, previously held in November.
History of Day of Neutrality in Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan defines its own neutrality as a respect of sovereignty and territorial integrity of other states, non-interference in their internal affairs, use of no force in interstate relations, and a strengthening of neighborliness and cooperation with all states. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990, Turkmenistan decided to maintain its ties with the new Russian Federation mainly because of their dependence on the economic markets that the Russians provided.
Turkmenistan declared its independence on October 27, 1991. In August 2005, Turkmenistan reduced its status with the Commonwealth of Independent States from full membership to associate membership, stating the country’s policy of permanent neutrality as the reason. On December 12, 1995, the United Nations’ 185 members unanimously adopted a special resolution to declare Turkmenistan as a permanent neutral state. Later the Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov declared December 12 as a state holiday.
Turkmenistan’s Day of Neutrality Traditions, Customs and Activities
Turkmen holidays are celebrated with special programs on Turkmen television including the president’s holiday message during news broadcasts.
The official events are held in the Rhuyet Palace or the Olympic Stadium in Ashgabat with an invited audience to applaud and wave Turkmen flags. The activities are controlled by the government, as is the case in many other aspects of ordinary Turkmenistan life. There are smaller parades and concerts held outside Ashgabat, public fireworks, and other cultural events.
The Women: http://nice-travelpictures.com/Turkmhtm/turkm6.htm
A Celebration of Women
sends our blessings to all the Women of our World in Turkmenistan.
