VZCZCXRO2545
RR RUEHDBU RUEHLN RUEHVK RUEHYG
DE RUEHAH #0134 0260653
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 260653Z JAN 06
FM AMEMBASSY ASHGABAT
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6917
INFO RUEHFT/AMCONSUL FRANKFURT 3237
RUCNCIS/CIS COLLECTIVE
RUEHAK/AMEMBASSY ANKARA 2496

UNCLAS ASHGABAT 000134 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT PASS TO EUR/CACEN (PERRY); CA/ACS/OCS (WHITTON) 
FRANKFURT FOR RCO BROWN; ANKARA FOR AGRICULTURE 
COUNSELOR JAMES HIGGISTON 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ASEC EAGR ETRD CMGT KFLU TX
 
SUBJECT: EMBASSY ASHGABAT HOLDS AVIAN FLU TOWN HALL 
MEETING 
 
¶1.  On January 25, 2006 the Embassy organized a town 
hall meeting for resident American citizens in 
Turkmenistan to discuss concerns regarding avian flu. 
Approximately 40 Americans (including Embassy and Peace 
Corps staff) attended the event. 
 
¶2.  Ambassador informed the audience that although there 
were no reports of avian flu reported in Turkmenistan, 
the Embassy was closely monitoring the situation and is 
in direct contact with the GOTX on avian flu issues. 
Adding to the Ambassador's comments, Post's Nurse 
Practitioner reviewed preventative procedures on how to 
protect from contracting avian flu, and what to expect 
if avian flu develops in Turkmenistan. 
 
¶3.  RSO and Conoff also briefed the audience on general 
security and consular precautions, reminding American 
citizens to remain aware of their surroundings and to 
keep their registration information current with the 
Consular Section. 
 
¶4.  Comment:  This was Post's first town hall meeting 
held for the resident Amcit community in Turkmenistan in 
recent memory.  Although the impetus for holding the 
town hall meeting was to address concerns regarding 
avian flu issues, security awareness and the need to 
register are always important issue to remind Amcits 
about, especially in Turkmenistan.  End Comment. 
 
JACOBSON