To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the political situation in Turkmenistan; and what representations she has made to help to ensure (a) that elections take place and (b) that such elections are free, fair and subject to international observers. (113841)

We are encouraged by the peaceful transfer of power in Turkmenistan following the sudden death of President Niyazov on 21 December 2006. The Finnish presidency and EU special representative Pierre Morel attended the funeral on behalf of the EU. Our ambassador in Ashgabat, Peter Butcher, represented the UK.

The date for the presidential election has been set for 11 February. Our ambassador in Ashgabat is in close contact with his EU colleagues on the evolving and potentially encouraging situation. We stand ready to work with the new president to support democratic reforms in Turkmenistan.

We understand that the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights is discussing with the Turkmen Government the best means of co-operating on these elections in order to promote democratisation in Turkmenistan. We look forward to seeing elections on 11 February that will be a step forward for Turkmenistan.