President Berdimuhammedow Discourages His Birthday Celebrations

In remarks made Friday during a meeting of the cabinet of ministers, President Berdymuhammedov of Turkmenistan seemed to discourage the idea that his birthday should be celebrated at official level.

He would turn 50 on 29 June 2007

When his cabinet members proposed the idea of celebrating his birthday at state level, Berdymuhammedov said, “As an individual and a citizen, I am moved by such an intention. However, as a state leader, I cannot give any kind of orders on an issue which is a personal one.”

It was not clear whether the officials would still go ahead with some kind of celebrations despite a negative signal from the president.