Turkmenistan To Build Monument To Independence

A statue to President Niyazov in Ashgabat (epa)
August 11, 2006 -- Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov has ordered the construction of a $4.5 million monument to the 15th anniversary of his country's independence, which will be marked in October.

The monument, which will be 40 meters high, will include a fountain and will be topped by a glass sculpture representing Niyazov's presidential flag.

The monument will be built by a Turkish contractor.

(Turkmen TV, Interfax)