Turkmenistan will celebrate New Year from 1 to 3 January. January 4, Sunday, will be a normal working day in Turkmenistan.

Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed a decree to this effect at a government meeting, the Turkmenistan.ru correspondent reports from Ashgabat. According to the decree, January 4, Sunday, is shifted to January 2, 2009.

All organizations of Turkmenistan, regardless of their ownership, have been instructed to ensure the implementation of this decree. According to the president, it is important to create all conditions to make sure that Turkmenistan citizens meet the New Year in a cheerful mood, with their families and close friends. "People say the way you meet the New Year determines the next year. So, let us meet it with dignity as a united family," the president said.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov demanded that "efficient, continuous work of municipal services and all other relevant services responsible for life support of cities and villages of Turkmenistan" should be ensured. According to the president of Turkmenistan, round-the-clock operation of these services will be maintained during holidays in Turkmenitan.