UNCLASSIFIED
Sitt,




               10. ~ USAID was presented with a grant proposal by
               the UOU for a $30k grant for printing equipment for the
               UOU to establish its own newsletter. Though printing of
               independent media is illegal in Turkmenistan, the UOU
               assured DCM it already had advance approval from local
               authorities because a license was needed for anything
               over 1000 copies and the UOU only planned to publish 999
               copies. UOU members said the content of the newsletter
               would be nonpolitical and only would describe the
               activities of the Union. If members wanted to make
               additional copies, the UOU told DCM, "that is up to
               them." Eventually subscribers would be charged for the
               newsletter, which would then become self-sustaining,
               according to the UOU plan. USAID has requested that the
               UOU submit a stronger, more cost-effective proposal.

               11. ~ The UOU also is considering opening chapters
               in other welayets because "our services are in so much
               demand."

               Comment


               12. ~ Crazy? Like a fox; and worthy of USG
               attention and support. End Comment.

               13. (U) Minimize considered.

               JACOBSON
               BT
               #1028




               NNNN

               Signature:                     JACOBSON


               Info: RUEHVEN/USMISSION USOSCE ROUTINE; RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA ROUTINE;
                     RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS ROUTINE; RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC ROUTINE; RUEKDIA/DIA
                     WASHDC//DHO-2/REA/NMJIC-J2// ROUTINE; RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC ROUTINE;
                     RUCAACC/USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FU/CCJ2/HSE/CCJ5// ROUTINE; RUEKJCS/SECDEF
                     WASHINGTON DC ROUTINE; RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC//JS/RUE// ROU TINE;
                     CIS COLLECTIVE ROUTINE
               XMT: ST PETERSBURG, AMCONSUL

               Dissemination Rule:            Archive Copy




                                                    IReleased in Fulll
UNCLASSIFIED
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