NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: This is intended to be a peaceful alternative to the typical ‘invasion’ thread (which I don’t do very well anyway), so I’d be enormously grateful if other players respect this and support my efforts here. As I’ve indicated, the new regime would very much like to build up peaceful contacts with both neighbouring powers and those further afield.


Statement to the international community:

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

The oppressive fourteen-year rule of President Saparmurat Niyazov ended early this morning following a successful coup d’etat staged by foreign mercenaries of the Yama Sada organisation in alliance with domestic opposition groups. The former president’s regime collapsed rapidly following his capture just before dawn with his supporters putting up no more than a token resistance before surrendering, and following a half-hearted attempt by senior members of the DPT to regain power in the afternoon, the last strongholds of resistance appear to have been overcome.

A provisional government has been established under the leadership of Boris Shikumradov, until today jailed following the 2002 failed assassination attempt against former president Niyazov; the government is widely expected to include all of the major opposition parties banned by the previous regime, including Gundogar and Erikin. The new regime has already indicated its desire for international recognition and support, and has stated its willingness to work with other nations towards the goal of securing greater regional stability.

OOC: The large delay between posts is due to a glitch with my regular network connection, so bear with me until I can get it fixed...

Rifts widen in provisional government as political rivalries resurface

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

The early euphoria accompanying the overthrow of president Niyazov's repressive regime last week has begun ot show clear signs of wearing off.

Despite a string of military successes over the weekend that saw the final diehards of the old order defeated by Yama Sada forces, victory in the field has not translated into political stability for the provisional government of Boris Shikumradov. Tensions have increased notably following the return of Erkin headman Abdy Kuliev from Moscow yesterday, with Mr Kuliev's supporters growing increasingly vocal in the demands for a greater share of the power.

The political nation is also divided over the thorny issue of the former president Niyazov, with many in the country calling for the former dictator to be brought to trial. Several senior officials are however known to be vehemently opposed to this course of action, arguing that a trial would only alienate further supporters of the ousted DPT whilst making a martyr out of the deposed leader.

The leaders of the Yama Sada organisation have steadfastly refused to become associated with either of the coalescing political battle lines, restricting themselves instead to the maintence of law and order throughout the country.

Provisional Government totters as Erikin walks out

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

A grave blow was delivered earlier today to the struggling provisional regime of Turkmenistan with the announcement that Abdy Kuliev's Erikin, the second political party of the nation, will not support the rule of provisional-president Boris Shikumradov.

The Erikin annoucement finally shattered lingering hopes nurtured over the course of the past few days that a last minute deal would keep the two principal political forces in the country behind the provisional government. Tensions had been running high between the two organisations following the recent return from exile of Mr Kuliev, who is widely rumoured to resent the sudden rise to power of his rival Mr Shikumradov in the wake of the toppling of fomer-president Niyazov's repressive regime.

Yama Sada appointed head of new armed forces, but declines offer of government post

The reclusive head of the Yama Sada organisation was today appointed chief of Turkmenistan's armed forces, with wide ranging authority to reorganise the services and to maintain public order. The appointment has been generally seen as an act of desperation on the part of president Shikumradov, who needs to strengthen his position in the wake of the collapse of the Erikin talks.

The appointment also represents the a change in Yama Sada policy; the organisation having hitherto declined all offers of political favour despite playing a pivotal role in the ousting of president Niyazov. It is known however that the Yama Sada leader had earlier declined an offer to serve in the government as Minister of Defence. The Yama Sada organisation enjoys a significant level of prestige in the post-coup environment and are widely regarded as being the only effective military force in the country.

Although generally critical of the current president's policy, Erikin leaders have tellingly refused to criticise the appointment.

*Bump until next update*

Erikin demands elections as political crisis deepens

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Erikin renewed its efforts to unseat provisional president Boris Shikumradov by publicly calling for free elections to be held.

Although Erikin spokesmen declined to heed the calls of some hardline supporters and present the provisional government with a deadline for organising the polls, the announcement nevertheless represented a further blow to the struggling Gundogar regime of Mr Shikumradov. Although the country has remained orderly following the ending of Saparmurat Niyazov's dictatorial grip on the nation, there is growing public disillusionment with the notable lack of political stability under Mr Shikumradov.

The provisional government have so far declined to respond to the demands.

*Bump because I'm too tired to post a proper update*

*Another bump because I'm busy right now; update will follow tonight or tomorrow*