A delegation of MEPs has arrived to Turkmenistan to assess the human rights situation in the country and to determine whether Europe should consent to deeper trade ties. In June, the European parliament is expected to vote on whether a Partnership and Co-operation Agreement should go ahead. [:]

Heidi Hautala is sceptical what comes to closer economic ties between EU and Turkmenistan:
“There are hardly any positive signals coming from Turkmenistan when it comes to respect for human rights or the rule of law”

Apart from meeting government officials and President Berdymukhamedov, the delegation have asked to visit political prisoners.  So far access has not been granted.

Read article by BBC:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-13196737