An alabai shepherd puppy. (Photo by Fotografbee from Pixabay via Courthouse News)
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan (AFP) Turkmenistan’s authoritarian ruler has recognized a national dog breed with a state holiday, government media reported Friday, elevating the canine to the same status as the gas-rich country’s beloved horses.
The alabai shepherd dog has inspired presidential poetry and an ostentatious gold statue under the leadership of strongman Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, who gave Russian President Vladimir Putin a puppy for his 65th birthday in 2017.
Now, thanks to Berdymukhamedov’s decree, the dog will share a holiday on the last Sunday of April with the Akhal-Teke horse, an animal long heralded by state propaganda.
Heir Apparent? The Grooming Of Turkmenistan s Serdar Berdymukhammedov rferl.org - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from rferl.org Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
FASANOC begins Chef de Mission search for major events in 2022 Friday, 5 February 2021
The Fiji Association of Sports and National Olympic Committee (FASANOC) has launched a search to find Chefs de Mission to lead the country s team at major events that are due to take place next year.
The FASANOC has re-advertised the position for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the postponed Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in Bangkok and the Pacific Mini Games in the Northern Mariana Islands.
It said it was looking for dynamic officials, who will oversee the Fijian team s preparation and participation at the three events.
Orders and Resolutions Review 4 February Documents Published 04.02.2017 5823 To further improve the motor-transport services rendered to the country’s guests and population during V Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games in 2017 in Ashgabat city, the President of Turkmenistan signed a Resolution on authorizing the Ministry of Motor Transport to make contracts:
with “Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Co., LTD” company of People’s Republic of China, for purchasing of 40 “Yutong ZK6122Н9” large buses, 50 “Yutong ZK6729D” middle-class buses, spare parts and consumables;
with “Toyota Central Asia FZE” company of the United Arab Emirates for purchasing of 50 “Toyota Hiace” minibuses, 200 “Toyota Corolla” motorcars, spare parts and consumables.
Dear defenders of the Fatherland!
I cordially congratulate you on the 25th anniversary of the Armed Forces of Turkmenistan and Defender of the Fatherland Day, commemorated at the very beginning of a Year of Health and Inspiration!