[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 143 (Sunday, October 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2071]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TURKMENISTAN: AN OPPORTUNITY TO ENHANCE POLITICAL STABILITY IN CENTRAL 
                                  ASIA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Saturday, October 10, 1998

  Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a sense of the 
Congress resolution supporting United States assistance to the Republic 
of Turkmenistan to build pipeline routes or take other measures 
necessary to resume the export of natural gas.
  Turkmenistan, a newly independent Republic, bordering the oil and gas 
rich Caspian Sea, plays a vital role in the stability of Central Asia, 
a region that is quickly becoming one of the most strategically 
important areas in the world.
  As we enter the 21st century, it should be the goal of the United 
States to support the exploration and use of cleaner sources of energy, 
without hampering economic growth. Turkmenistan, a country with one of 
the largest reserves of natural gas in the world, plays a key role in 
reaching this goal.
  At this point, political and economic factors have hindered 
Turkmenistan from exporting its natural gas to the world. The United 
States must act to assist Turkmenistan in resuming the sale of its 
natural gas. The resumption of Turkmen gas sales is one of the main 
hurdles that must be overcome before economic and political stability 
comes to this region.
  Without stability, Central Asia could cease to be a viable source of 
clean energy for the world, and also deteriorate into a ``hot spot'' 
where different cultures and political forces could combine to create a 
threat to our national security.
  Again, Mr. Speaker, I ask my fellow members to support this 
resolution, and in so doing give Turkmenistan encouragement to promote 
stability and democratization in the region.

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