The people of Turkmenistan, where all the media is state-controlled, could soon be able to read independent newspapers.
Its ruler, President Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, said during a television broadcast that "proposals for the founding of private newspapers and magazines can be prepared and work on this matter can be accelerated."
The country has made moves towards liberalisation since the death of its autocratic leader, Saparmurat Niyazov, in 2006. But
the authorities still control media outlets, operate printing presses and lay down editorial policies.
Sources: BBC/Radio Free Europe/Reuters
