Bankwatch comments on the EBRD draft Country Strategy for Turkmenistan

In contrast to the EBRD's previous Turkmenistan Country Strategy (TCS) from 2006 the new draft sees progress in the political and economic spheres since the beginning of President Berdymukhamedovs rule. The information we have received from activists inside the country presents a very different picture.

The EBRD is planning to give up the principle of not financing projects with the involvement of the state or benefiting the state. Yet, according to our analysis the benchmarks for progress in the field of political and civil freedoms defined in the 2006 TCS have not been met.

Our Bankwatch concentrate on the EBRD considering Turkmenistan to be committed to and applying the principles of multiparty democracy, pluralism and market economics.