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LATEST NEWS : APRIL 2007

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan Akiro Amari at Oqsaroy residence on April 27, 2007, UzA reported.

"Uzbekistan highly values its relations with Japan, which have been stably developing," President Karimov said at the meeting. Japan is a reliable partner of Uzbekistan, he added.

The Japanese official said the two countries had a great potential for expansion of economic cooperation.

The sides discussed development of relations between Uzbekistan and Japan.

Representatives of a number of Japanese corporations are accompanying the Economy, Trade and Industry Minister on his visit to Uzbekistan.

They are going to study the perspectives of expansion of cooperation in insurance, mining, oil and gas and small business.

More than 10 large projects are currently being implemented in Uzbekistan with Japanese investments.

Nine Uzbek-Japanese joint ventures operate in Uzbekistan in the sectors of light industry, trade, transport and tourism.

Representative offices of Japan International Cooperation Agency and 21 large corporations, which are members of JETRO, also function in Uzbekistan.

Humanitarian cooperation is also actively developing, especially in the science and education fields. More than 800 Uzbek specialists have been trained in Japan on JICA programme.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received Prime Minister of Ukraine Victor Yanukovich at the presidential residence Oqsaroy on April 26, 2007, Uzbek media reported.

Uzbek President Islam Karimov said the visit of Ukrainian delegation, including members of government and businesses, Uzbekistan evaluates as evidence for interest of Ukraine in cooperation with Uzbekistan.

He said interaction between Uzbekistan and Ukraine, based on mutual trust and interest, are effective for both sides.

Yanukovich said Ukraine is interested in development of multilateral cooperation with Uzbekistan. He expressed gratitude to Uzbek President for frank receipt.

The sides exchanged opinion on further strengthening of wide-scale cooperation, lift relations to new opportunity and potential of two states.

Uzbek Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyayev held negotiations with visiting Ukrainian Prime Minister Victor Yanukovich on Thursday, April 26, 2007, UzReportcom reported.

The sides noted that bilateral relations between states have great potential for development. Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Ukraine rose by 86% year-on-year to US$615.3 million in 2006. Uzbek-Ukrainian trade turnover in January-February 2007 made up US$80 million.

Uzbekistan exports to Ukraine energy resources, cotton-fibre, oil seeds, vegetables and fruits, non-ferrous metals and products from them, textile, plastic goods and vehicles. UzDaewooAuto, Uzbek carmaker, has exported over 10,000 cars to Ukraine since 2000.

The country imports from Ukraine machinery equipment, ferrous metal and products from them, pharmaceutical products, electronics, vehicles, paper, rubber and products from them, etc.

Over 40 Uzbek-Ukrainian joint ventures registered in Uzbekistan, which operate in such sectors as food, furniture, textile and chemical industry, as well as construction. Some offices of 12 Ukrainian firms accredited in Uzbekistan.

About 26 joint ventures with Uzbek capital work in Ukraine and they are engaged in production of consumer goods, export supplies and render various services.

During the talks, the sides expressed interest in development of cooperation in all directions of existing relations. The sides considered issues on expansion of investment cooperation and effective use of transport corridors through Ukraine in transit of Uzbek cargo. The officials also discussed perspectives of strengthening of mutual beneficial contacts in other sectors along with development of trade-economic relations. The sides agreed to expand cooperation in bilateral and multilateral scientific projects.

On the results of the talks, an intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in emergency prevention and clean-up operations.

Directions of development of multilateral cooperation were discussed at the Uzbek-Ukrainian Business Forum, which was attended by business circles of Uzbekistan and Ukraine. The sides agreed to create joint ventures, including construction of tractors, equipment for agriculture, oil and gas sectors in Uzbekistan.

It is also planned to sign new contracts in metallurgy, machinery and other sectors, which will serve to expansion of trade turnover between states.

Members of the Ukrainian delegation visited Mustaqillik Square (Independence Square) and laid flowers to Monument of Independence and Humanism. The guests also visited monument to Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko, which was unveiled in Tashkent in 2002.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Victor Yanukovych, who has arrived in Uzbekistan on a working visit, left for the Ukrainian capital of Kiev on April 26, 2007 Uzbek TV reported the same day.

As part of the visit, the Ukrainian delegation held meetings at several ministries and agencies, the report said.

The 26 April programme of Yanukovych's visit to Uzbekistan has been cut short after Ukrainian President Victor Yushchenko on 25 April signed a decree setting a new date for a snap parliamentary election.

Ukraine and Uzbekistan reached agreement to develop bilateral cooperation in power industry, farm machine-building and development of transport corridors, Ukrainian News reported.

Prime Minister Viktor Yanukovych said Ukraine and Uzbekistan had reached completion of the creation of a free trade zone between the two countries.

On April 2, 2007 the Parliament of Uzbekistan ratified the agreement on cancelling exempts from the free trade regulations between the two countries, including restrictions on trade in alcohol, tobacco and pharmaceuticals.

In this connection, the parties are hoping for increase in mutual trade from US$630 million in 2006 to US$1 billion in 2007.

Ukraine and Uzbekistan negotiated on boosting up a trade turnover in 2007 up to US$1 billion from US$630 million. This was disclosed at a press conference to sum up the Ukrainian-Uzbek intergovernmental commission's sitting by the PM's councilor Andriy Honcharuk, UzReportcom reported.

Mr. Honcharuk said this is likely to be achieved in view of a ratified agreement by parliaments of Ukraine and Uzbekistan on requisitioning of the free trade regime between the countries.

Andriy Honcharuk also noted, that a duty has been laid on tobacco, sugar, alcohol and pharmacy export, Ukrinform reported.

The countries will also boost trade turnover through granting Uzbekistan a right to use Ukrainian port warehouses for transit of copper and wool, Andriy Honcharuk said.

Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Ukraine rose by 86% year-on-year to US$615.3 million in 2006. Uzbek-Ukrainian trade turnover in January-February 2007 made up US$80 million.

Annually Uzbekistan increases the amount of appropriations from the state budget to address the problems in the public health domain. Compared with 1999 this indicator grew 7.4-fold thus amounting to 480.8 billion soums, Feruz Nazirov, Uzbek Health Minister, said in interview to Business Partner newspaper.

"Foreign investments are now actively attracted to the sector. The Ministry of Public Health is busy implementing 10 foreign-investor funded projects, total amount of which exceeds US$133.7 million", minister said. Mr. Nazirov also added, "each year more than 6 million citizens of Uzbekistan receive free emergency medical aid guaranteed by the state".

Over the past decade, according to the ministry, the general death rate dropped by 22%, while infant and maternal mortality plummeted respectively by 68% and 38%. With a view of improving the quality of emergency medical service in the country much attention is being paid to raising the level of skills of medical personnel.

In particular, Mr. Nazirov said that in 2006 some 400 local physicians underwent professional training in clinics of Germany, Russia, Great Britain, Turkey, India and Egypt.

In addition, he said that in the past decade Japan provided Uzbekistan over US$26 million-worth of technical aid needed to strengthen the material and technical base of domestic clinics.

According to Mr. Nazirov, Uzbekistan is currently involved in the implementation of a US$40 million-worth project from the Global Fund on AIDS/HIV, tuberculosis and malaria.

The Third “Stomatology Uzbekistan-2007” exhibition has been launched in Tashkent within the framework of the Healthcare Week in Uzbekistan, Jahon agency reported. The “ITE Uzbekistan” international exhibition company along with the Ministry of Health, Association of Stomatology, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, “Uztibtehnika” Joint-Stock Company and Tashkent city municipality organized the event, according to the reports.

At the moment hundreds of dentistry cabinets and private clinics are offering the high-quality medical services in the country. The effective methods, means and modern equipments o­n prophylaxis and treatment of various stomatology diseases are broadly used in this system.

As a result of profound scientific research by the Uzbek scholars in the sphere of prophylaxis and treatment the teeth diseases, as well as reforming the sphere of healthcare, as a whole, the percentage of such diseases among the population now plummets.

The “Stomalology Uzbekistan” international exhibition, which is held for over the several years now, particularly contributes to the achievement of these results. Over 35 companies from Bulgaria, Germany, Italy, Pakistan, Russia, U.S., Ukraine, Switzerland and South Korea are presenting their products at the exhibition this year.

The conference entitled “Interaction of the National center of the Republic of Uzbekistan with the state bodies for protection the human rights” was held in Tashkent, the local newspapers reported this week. Uzbek lawmakers at the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis, representatives of the relevant ministries and agencies, non-state and international organizations and mass media participated at the event, Uzbek media reported.

For over the years of independence under the leadership of President Islam Karimov Uzbekistan joined many international treaties on the human rights, and in particular, aimed at strengthening and protecting the rights of various categories of citizens – women, children and disabled based on the constitutional principles on the priority of the universally recognized norms of international law.

Based on this Uzbekistan is consistently fulfills the entrusted obligations to ensure and protect the human rights and freedoms.

The participants of the conference analyzed in detail the procedures and mechanism of cooperation of the National Human Rights Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan with the state bodies in the sphere of the human rights.

They have also worked out recommendations on further improving the legislation on these issues, enhancing the mutual cooperation in monitoring and information propaganda work in maintaining the human rights and freedoms in Uzbekistan.

The presentation of the book, namely “The National Human Rights Center of the Republic of Uzbekistan: making and development” was held within the framework of the conference.

Uzbekistan's one of the priority directions in the state policy is to care about nurturing the harmonically developed forthcoming generation, assist the youth to secure the deserved place in society, and create the necessary conditions for the healthy way of life.

The participants of the Youth Forum "We are the children of an independent country", which has been inaugurated in Tashkent, have spoken on that, according to the report by UzA agency.

The Tashkent municipal council of the "Kamolot" Youth Movement and Children's Organization "Kamalak" are reported to have organized the holding of the forum. Three hundred and fifty young men and women at the Tashkent youth organizations are taking part in the event.

Prior to inauguration of the forum it participants visited the Independence Square in Tashkent and had laid a wreath to the Monument of Independence and Humanism – the symbol of the Uzbek freedom and bright tomorrow, the report said.

The forum aims to further strengthen the feelings of faithfulness to the ideas of sovereignty, love for the Homeland and people in the hearts of the Uzbek youth by way of supporting, stimulating the talented, purposeful, and active young men and women, who attend the schools, lyceums, colleges and higher educational institutions, and broadly propagate the ideas, goals and objectives of the "Kamolot" Youth Movement.

The event is due to last until May 1 this year, during which its participants are expected to meet the Uzbek lawmakers at the Legislative Chamber and Senate, as well as officials in the city of Tashkent.

Also, they will hold tours to the state museums of history of Uzbekistan, Temur and his Dynasty, and visit the charity houses in town among several other scheduled activities, according to the report.

The first international festival of the opera and ballet arts “Toshkent bahori - 2007” (‘Spring of Tashkent - 2007’) has been opened in the Alisher Navoi State Academic Big Theater, Uzbek newspapers reported.

The creative group of the theater jointly with the “Forum of culture and arts of Uzbekistan” Fund, Ministry of Culture and Sports, “Uzbekteatr” creative and production association organized the event, the reports have said.

The arts lovers of Uzbekistan and foreign countries, the representatives of the public organizations and diplomatic corps, accredited in Uzbekistan, are reported to have participated at the opening of the festival.

The participants of the ceremony spoke about the profound role of arts in upbringing the noble feelings in people, strengthening peace, friendship and ties of cooperation between the nations. Therefore in Uzbekistan the issues of strengthening the spirituality, further developing the culture and arts are considered as priority objectives.

One can be convinced of this in the example of the development of opera and ballet. The State Academic Big Theater of Uzbekistan has established close ties with the prestigious theaters around the world.

Alongside with the Uzbek actors the eminent representatives of this kind of arts from Japan, Russia, Italy, Spain, Germany, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Latvia will demonstrate their masterly skills at the festival, in keeping with the reports.

Gulsum Alieva of Uzbekistan has secured the championship and earned gold in the 64-cell classical checkmate contests in Berlin among juniors, Jahon reported.

Yet another team member from Uzbekistan Saidkosym Aliev is said to have earned silver in this prestigious competition and Nurali Rakhmatov has been named among the five strongest sportsmen in the area.

All three Uzbek checkmate players, who have participated at such tournament, have the gold from the Asian Junior Championship held in March in Tashkent. That has allowed them to travel to Germany to further test their luck, according to the reports.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov visited complex of Hazrati Imam in Tashkent on April 25, 2007 to acquaint with constructive and accomplishment works at the complex, UzA reported.

Hazrati Imam complex is large scientific-spiritual centre, which studies Islam and philosophy. The complex uses great authority in Uzbekistan and Muslim world. The reconstruction work at the complex was started in November 2006 Uzbek leader visits Hazrati Imam complex in Tashkent

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov visited complex of Hazrati Imam (Hastimom) in Tashkent on 25 April to acquaint with constructive and accomplishment works at the complex.

Hazrati Imam complex is large scientific-spiritual centre, which studies Islam and philosophy. The complex uses great authority in Uzbekistan and Muslim world. The reconstruction work at the complex was started in November 2006.

President Islam Karimov familiarized with reconstruction works at the complex and development of infrastructure.

Uzbek president signed a resolution on 20 February 2007 to support Public Fund of Hazrati Imam, which determined complex of measures on construction and reconstruction of this complex.

New building of Uzbekistan Muslims' Board and Committee on religion under Cabinet of Ministers was built, UzA reported.

Islam Karimov familiarized with library, which stores ancient and rare manuscripts and gave his recommendations on improvement of activity of the library. He said, "It is prohibited to be careless to unique and ancient books."

Uzbek head drew attention to equipment of working rooms and conference halls with modern equipment and communication systems.

President Karimov visited new building of the centre of Istiqlol mahalla (neighborhood) and met their inhabitants.

Islam Karimov acquainted with ancient copy of Koran, stored at the complex. He said that this book was brought to Uzbekistan by Amir Temur.

President Karimov initiated construction of new mosque with two minarets and two domes at the territory of the complex. He visited it and gave recommendations on its construction and creation of conditions. This mosque will be the largest establishment of this kind in Uzbekistan.
 

Prime Minister of Ukraine Victor Yanukovich held talks with Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on April 26, 2007 in Tashkent, UzA reported.

They considered various issues related to development of Uzbek-Ukrainian relations.

Then negotiations of governmental delegations of Uzbekistan and Ukraine started.

The Government of Uzbekistan and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine signed an Agreement on cooperation in preventing emergency situations and liquidating their consequences.

Centre for Political Studies of Uzbekistan led by Gulnara Karimova, Russian Strategic Researches Institute and Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Russia at support of RIA Novosti will hold Russian-Uzbek business forum in Tashkent on May 14-15, UzReportcom reported.

The forum will discuss implementation of agreements on strategic partnership and allied relations between Uzbekistan and Russian in economy aspects, perspectives of further their implementation, forms of cooperation within Eurasian Economic Community, cooperation in fuel-energy, textile, machinery, information technologies and perspectives of trade with fruit and vegetable products.

The forum aimed at strengthening and expansion of economic cooperation between Russia and Uzbekistan.

It is expected that economic potential of Uzbekistan and its perspectives industries, including heavy and light industry, mining, agriculture, oil and gas, energy, transport, telecommunication, tourism and other sectors, will be presented within framework of the forum.

It is also planned that the Russian delegation will visit industrial objects, hold bilateral and multilateral negotiations at Uzbek ministries and departments, as well as potential business partners.
 

The President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) Goran Lennmarker, will visit Uzbekistan on 1-3 May and meet with Uzbek officials and participate in the OSCE Regional Heads of Missions meeting in Tashkent, UzReportcom reported.

The visit by Mr. G.Lennmarker, a member of the Swedish Parliament and Chairman of its Foreign Affairs Committee, is part of an official OSCE PA trip to Central Asia to encourage greater parliamentary involvement in the OSCE.

The trip includes visits to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. In February, Mr. G.Lennmarker paid a brief visit to Turkmenistan. All countries in the region are participating States in the OSCE, and the OSCE PA supports democratic institutions, including national parliaments, in the region.

The OSCE PA delegation includes Dr. Kimmo Kiljunen, member of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly and of the Finnish Parliament and who last year led the OSCE election observation mission to Tajikistan, OSCE PA Secretary General Spencer Oliver, and Deputy Secretary General Vitaly Evseyev.
 

On Friday, Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akira Amari will start his visit to Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia and Brunei over 27 April – 5 May, UzReportcom reported.

Japan's defacto energy minister is scheduled to visit Tashkent and meet top Uzbekistan government officials on 27-28 April and the governments are expected to sign joint statements in areas including building schemes in Uzbekistan, as well as cooperation in uranium and oil and gas developments, the officials said.

In Kazakstan, Amari is also scheduled to meet top government officials over 29-30 April and is expected to sign joint statements in areas including uranium development and upgrading refinery projects in Kazakstan, they added.

On May 1, Amari will hold the 9th round of Japan-Saudi Joint Committee with Saudi Arabian Minister of Planning Khalid Bin Mohammad Al-Gosaibi at Riyadh. The ministers will discuss overall economic relations between the two countries.

On 2 May, Amari will be co-hosting the 2nd Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable with Saudi Arabian Oil Minister Ali Naimi. Amari will be in Brunei over May 3-5 to meet top government officials and is expected to hold talks on energy cooperation after the two countries.

Amari is also expected to meet economic ministers of the 10-nation Association of Southeast Asian Nations members including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam during his stay in Brunei.
 

Prime Minister of Ukraine Victor Yanukovich arrived to Uzbekistan on a working visit on April 25, UzA reported.

On April 26, 2007 the Ukrainian official is expected to meet President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov and Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

During the negotiations, perspectives of bilateral economic cooperation, as well as interaction of Uzbekistan and Ukraine in the framework of international organizations will be discussed.

Mobile TeleSystems OJSC (MTS), the largest mobile phone operator in Russia and the CIS, announces that the Company received a 3G (UMTS) license in Uzbekistan, UzReportcom reported.

The Communications and Information Agency of Uzbekistan allocated a 3G license to MTS Uzbekistan. The license is valid for the entire territory of the country and is valid until the end of 2016.

MTS is planning to begin developing its 3G network in Uzbekistan this year after completing a tender to choose an equipment supplier.

The 3G network will compliment the existing GSM network in the country. Subscribers finding themselves outside the 3G network's coverage will automatically switch to GSM network.

"We welcome the decision of the Communications and Information Agency of Uzbekistan to allocate the Company a 3G license. MTS is a leader in the country's wireless market and plays a vital part in the development of the telecommunications market in Uzbekistan. The launch of 3G will allow subscribers to use high-tech and innovative services coupled with high service quality and level of customer service," commented President and CEO of MTS, Leonid Melamed.

3G network will be launched in the major cities, where there is effective demand and a need to increase network capacity. The company is planning to launch its 3G network in 2008 in Tashkent followed by Samarkand, Bukhara and Andijan.

"Currently the development of traditional Internet technologies is limited by the low fixed-line penetration levels. Therefore, broadband access to the Internet and new services using 3G will satisfy the increasing needs of the country's subscribers," highlighted Head of MTS Uzbekistan, Bekhzod Akhmedov.
 

Saidkosym Aliev of Uzbekistan has secured the championship and earned gold in the 64-cell classical checkmate contests in Berlin among juniors. The report by UzA says that Saidkosym Aliev by winning the title had turned into a three-times champion in this type of sports.

Yet another team member from Uzbekistan Gulsum Alieva is said to have earned silver in this prestigious competition and Nurali Rakhmatov has been named among the five strongest sportsmen in the area.

All three Uzbek checkmate players, who have participated at such tournament, have the gold from the Asian Junior Championship held in March in Tashkent. That has allowed them to travel to Germany to further test their luck, according to the report.
 

Uzbekistan U-15 claimed a trophy in international football tournament in Ukraine, which was attended by ten teams from Ukraine, Russia and Uzbekistan.

In group stage, Uzbekistan led by Robert Gai defeated Olympic Reserve School No 76 of Moscow (1-0), Victoria of Gatchina (4-0), Nevski Zavod of Saints Petersburg (7-0) and Knyajna of Schastlivo (2-0).

Taking the first place in the group, Uzbekistan overplayed Dinamo of Saints Peterburg with the score 7-0.

Uzbekistan faced Olympic Reserve School No 76 of Moscow in final game and the Uzbek team beat Russian team with the score 5-1 to clinch top place in the tournament.
 

As of 1 January 2007, according to the preliminary data of the State Statistics Committee, the number of the resident population in the Republic of Uzbekistan was 26.7 million and increased from the beginning of the current year by 346.1 thousand or 13%, UzReportcom reported.

The natural increase was 411.6 thousand persons. Out of them 301 thousand persons (73.1%) belong to the rural area.

According to the preliminary data balance of migration in 2006 was - 65.5 thousand persons versus -101.6 thousand persons in 2005.

In 2006 absolute and relative birth rates increased as against 2005. In 2006 the number of births was 550.7 thousand persons and increased by 17.2 thousand persons or 3.2% as compared to 2005. The birth rate was 20.7 per mille versus 20.3 per mille in 2005.

The increase in birth rate was marked in many regions of the republic. The significant increase is observed in Samarkand region (from 21.8 to 23.4 per mille), Syrdarya region (from 21.2 to 22.1 per mille) and the Republic of Karakalpakstan (from 20.6 to 21.7 per mille). The lowest birth rate is preserved in the city of Tashkent (16.6 per mille).

As compared to 2005 the number of dead decreased by 1.5 thousand persons or 1.1% and was 139.1 thousand persons.

The high death rate is marked in the city of Tashkent (8.4 per mille), the lowest one – in Kashkadarya and Surkhandarya regions (4.1 per mille). The death rate in the Republic of Karakalpakstan decreased from 5.8 to 5.5 per mille, in Tashkent region – from 6.8 to 6.5 per mille.

Out of the total number of dead 57.6% died of cardiovascular diseases, 7.9% - respiratory diseases, 7% - accidents, poisonings and traumas.

According to the preliminary data 8.2 thousand children died at the age under one year in 2006. The infant mortality rate increased from 14.9 per mille in 2005 to 15.4 per mille in 2006.

Out of the total number of children died at the age under one year 41.3% died of respiratory diseases, 36.5% - states occurring in perinatal period, 7.8% - congenital anomalies and 6.5% - infectious and parasitic diseases.

In 2006, 207.3 thousand marriages and 16.5 thousand divorces were registered. The divorce rate remained at the level of 2005 and was 0.6 per mille, the marriage rate increased and was 7.8 per mille versus 7 per mille in 2005.
 

On April 23, 2007 the World Bank Uzbekistan Country Office hosted a ceremony for recipients of the 2007 Small Grants Award. The World Bank allocated US$35,000 to seven Uzbek projects within its Small Grants Programme, UzReportcom reported.

The Small Grants Programme (SmGP) was created in 1983 to provide a way for the World Bank to promote dialogue and disseminate information about international development in forums outside its own operations. The Small Grants Programme is funded by the Development Grant Facility of The World Bank. SmGP was launched in Uzbekistan in 2000.

Loup Brefort, World Bank Country Manager for Uzbekistan, welcomed participants and said the SmGP is tough competition and all received projects were excellent. He said that work of grant recipients bring positive results to thousand of people.

He said that he wished the bank could do more, but SmGP has limited resources. He added that recipients can do more even with limited resources. World Bank official said that many people in Uzbekistan should be grateful for work of grant recipients.

Irina Tsoy, Coordinator of the Programme, provided participants with some Programme statistics including the variety of the proposals and their geographic location.

She said that the SmGP received 45 applications this year, which is the second lowest figure in history of the programme in Uzbekistan. She added that majority of the projects (21 projects) were received from Tashkent, while organizations from some regions did not apply at all.

Grantees from last year shared their experience and the results of their projects. Participants watched some excellent presentations on projects which have already been completed and were briefed on the problems of those currently being implemented.
 

On April 20, 2007 Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Petras Vaitiekunas paid an official visit to Uzbekistan, where he was received by President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of Uzbek Parliament Erkin Halilov and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Vladimir Norov, UzReportcom reported.

During the meetings important issues of bilateral and regional cooperation, and international policy were discussed.

The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Lithuania and Uzbekistan indicated that the visit, which was organized on the eve of the 15th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations, was an important step in the development of bilateral dialogue.

During the meeting Minister P.Vaitiekunas stressed that the existing legal basis of bilateral agreements is a good foundation for the development of economic cooperation. The trade turnover of the countries does not fulfil their economic potential, as in 2006 the turnover of Lithuanian and Uzbek trade amounted to 95.4 million Lithuanian litas. The Minister expressed hope that during the Lithuanian-Uzbek Business Forum the businessmen would establish direct contacts, which would help to intensify economic cooperation.

Minister V.Norov emphasized that in Uzbekistan there are 15 joint Lithuanian-Uzbek companies. Lithuanian businessmen are valued in Uzbekistan as trustworthy partners. Successful Lithuania's integration into the European Union provides new opportunities to develop cooperation.

Stressing that Uzbekistan is interested to develop cooperation with the EU, Minister V.Norov complimented on Lithuanian success in the EU.

The Head of Lithuanian diplomacy indicated that Lithuania is ready to share its experience and opportunities, which arose due to its membership in NATO and the EU. The Heads of diplomacy also exchanged opinions on the preparation of the EU strategy for relations with countries of Central Asia and agreed that it should be directed towards investment projects.

They named cooperation projects in the areas of education, science and culture as important.

During the meeting it was agreed to make better use of activities of intergovernmental trade and economic cooperation, as well as of transport commissions. The countries are striving to enhance cooperation in the areas of transport, processing and light industry, small and medium business, and tourism infrastructure.

While exchanging opinions on regional cooperation, Minister P.Vaitiekunas stressed the importance of bilateral cooperation fighting against global threats and challenges.

Minister P.Vaitiekunas invited Uzbekistan's Minister of Foreign Affairs to Lithuania.

Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of Uzbek Parliament E. Halilov indicated that Uzbekistan appreciated Lithuania as an important partner not only in the Baltic region, but also in the whole EU. During the meeting the necessity was highlighted to develop cooperation not just between governmental institutions, but also between parliamentary friendship groups and representatives of society.

Speaker E. Halilov remarked that Lithuania was the first country to acknowledge the independence of Uzbekistan and establish diplomatic relations.

On 20 April Minister P.Vaitiekunas also met with Lithuanian community and its president Kestutis Kerejevas. Memebers of the community, which is comprised of almost 1000 Lithuanians, told the history of Lithuanians settling down in Uzbekistan, and shared their concerns. Minister P.Vaitiekunas visited a catholic church where services are held in the Lithuanian language.
 

In 2006 nominal money incomes of the Uzbek population increased by 33.2% as compared to 2005 and amounted to 12954.9 billion soums, money expenditures and savings – by 33% and 12680.7 billion soums respectively, UzReportcom reported.

According to the State Statistics Committee data, the most part of money incomes of population was formed at the expense of entrepreneurial incomes, including sale of agricultural products, property incomes and others (55.1% of total money incomes) and increased by 29.9% as compared to 2005.

In total money incomes of population the share of labor remuneration and other incomes from enterprises was 29.7%, that of social transfers – 15.2%.

Consumer expenditures increased by 34.2% and amounted to 9538.9 billion soums. The share of consumer expenditures in the total volume of money incomes increased from 73% to 73.6%. Expenditures on compulsory payments and contributions increased by 19.9% and amounted to 895.8 billion soums, their share in money incomes decreased from 7.7% to 6.9%. The share of savings in deposits, securities, including purchase of currency and other expenditures was 17.4% versus 17.3% in 2005.

The average per capita nominal money incomes of population increased by 31.6% as compared to 2005 and made up 489.1 thousand soums. The growth rate of nominal money incomes of population outstripped that of consumer prices and as a result the real money incomes per capita increased by 21%.
 

Uzbek-Egyptian Business Forum took place in Cairo within the framework of the visit of the Uzbek President to Egypt on April 17-19, 2007. The business forum was logic continuation of negotiations of officials of two states, Uzbek media reported.

Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investment and Trade of Uzbekistan, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan and Egypt Business Association, Egypt Commerce Chambers' Federation organized this business forum.

The forum allowed businesses to create favorable conditions for achievement of agreements on priority directions, set by the intergovernmental commission on cooperation.

It was noted that the visit of the Uzbek President Islam Karimov to Egypt opens opportunities for direct contacts for business circles along with development of cooperation in politics, trade-economy and humanitarian spheres.

The forum said weak information exchange and study of cooperation spheres hinder to increase trade-economic cooperation. The forum allowed its participants to receive information on economic potentials of Uzbekistan and Egypt.

It was said that Uzbekistan can help Egypt to open opportunities of Central Asia and CIS markets, while Egypt can help Uzbekistan to open ways with member countries of Organization of Islamic Conference and Arab League.

Egypt is interested in import of agriculture equipment from Uzbekistan and creation of joint ventures on their production. It was underlined that Uzbekistan can achieve leading places in Central Asian and other markets attracting Egyptian technologies to leather, cotton processing and silk industries.

Egypt also expressed interest in rich natural resources of Uzbekistan.

Within the visit of Uzbek leader, businesses of two states signed over 15 agreements.
 

A memorial to Al-Fargoniy, a medieval Central Asian scientist, was unveiled in Cairo, Egypt, on April 19, 2007, Uzbek media reported.

Uzbek President Islam Karimov, who paid official visit to Egypt on April 17-19, 2007, participated in official opening ceremony of memorial to Al-Fargoniy.

President Islam Karimov noted that friendship of people of Uzbekistan and Egypt has great historic roots. HE said that Uzbek scientists, including Al-Fargoniy, contributed to development of world science.

Mayor of Cairo Abdulazim Wazir said that the memorial, which considered as gift of the Uzbek president to people of Egypt, is tribute to Ahmad Al-Fargoniy for his contribution to development of Egyptian civilization.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagayev, promoter of Universum Box Promotion (Germany) Klaus-Peter Kohl and Chagayev’s manager Taimaz Niyazov on April 20, 2007, UzA reported.

“I am extremely glad to congratulate you with the great victory in the honest and hard fight,” the head of the state told Chagayev. “Thank you for glorifying the Uzbek sport and raising the image of our country.”

“New competitions and victories are ahead. Wherever you are, whatever your targets, remember that our people is always with you,” Islam Karimov added.

The President handed over the order For Great Achievements to Chagayev, awarded to him on April 17, 2007 as well as the keys from the Lacetti car.

Islam Karimov also handed over the Jasorat (Bravery) medal to Klaus-Peter Kohl and Shuhrat (Glory) medal to Taimaz Niyazov.
 

A press conference with the WBA Champion Ruslan Chagaev was held today at the Museum of Olympic Glory, Tashkent, UzReportcom reported. Chagaev won the title in the fight against Russian sportsman Nikolai Valuev on the Porsche Arena in Stuttgart, Germany. Over 100 journalists of national and foreign media attended the conference.

- Ruslan congratulations on your victory. Now here is the question: Right after the sound of the gong announcing the end of the 12th round, you raised your arms high and began to celebrate your victory. Were you sure you would win?

- After each round, my coach told me about the situation - who was winning, what were the points. And before the 12th round he told me that if everything went fine, as it did in the previous 11, I would win. So I finished the last round at my best and after the gong I felt my victory the victory of Uzbekistan!

- Now all young boxers of Uzbekistan think of you as a hero. Who was your hero? Are you thinking of becoming a coach?

- As a child, I was a big fan of the 1976 World Champion Rufat Riskiev. And after progressing to professional boxing, I became a fan of Mike Tyson, so they are the sportsmen who I admire. As for the coaching, it's a question for the future. Right now I want to continue active boxing, and have no intention of leaving it.

- What's your opinion of the passiveness of Valuev?

- Valuev wasn't passive. It was hard, he put strong efforts to win. I just cut his attacks short and Nikolai's enthusiasm somewhat fell.

- What did you feel during the fight?

- During the fight I recalled year 2000 when our President Islam Karimov blessed me and Muhammadkadir Abdullaev to professional boxing. During the fight I felt support of the President and the entire Uzbek nation. I wanted very much to justify their trust and I'm glad that have redeem the promise – won and raised high the flag of Uzbekistan.

- Did the experience of amateur boxing help you?

- Yes, of course. To speak frankly, it is difficult to achieve success at professional level without amateur skills. I'm very thankful to my first instructor Alexander Razmahov, who taught me the 'ABC' of boxing.

- Internet media have reported that Ruslan Chagaev may defend his title for the first time this summer against the winner of the fight planned for 26 May between the two British heavyweights Matt Skelton and Michael Sprott. What do you think of that?

- It's the first time I hear such news. Now I have to rest and enjoy the win. And then my promoter will decide with whom and when the next fight will be.

- It seemed that if there were one or two rounds more, you would knockout Valuev?

- Boxing is a sport where even one strike can resolve the outcome. Both Valuev and I were always careful, as any of us could knockout the opponent.

After this question Ruslan stood up and congratulated his teacher with the win and presented with a bunch of flowers. Ruslan was also congratulated and gifted a national Uzbek robe – chapan and embroidered skullcap. Ruslan has promised that he would do his best to keep the mark of the Uzbek boxing.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received visiting Foreign Minister of Lithuania Petras Vaitieakunas on April 20, 2007 at Oqsaroy residence in Tashkent, UzA reported.

During the meeting, the current state and perspectives of bilateral relations, expansion of economic ties and regional and international problems were discussed.

“I believe your visit to Uzbekistan is fruitful and contributes to further strengthening of our cooperation,” Islam Karimov said.

Petras Vaitieakunas said Lithuania considered Uzbekistan a reliable partner and was eager to develop mutually beneficial cooperation.

Turnover between Uzbekistan and Lithuania comprised USD 42 million in 2006. However, the countries could significantly improve this figure, they agreed.

The two states are developing political cooperation, including their dialogue and interaction within international organizations. Uzbekistan and Lithuania consider cooperation in fighting terrorism, extremism, drug traffic, arms smuggling and translational organized crime important.
 

The role of political parties in state governance is the focus of a two-day international meeting that starts today in Bukhara, UzReportcom reported. The event is jointly organized by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan and the Uzbek Foundation for Regional Politics.

"We hope that this event, which gathers experts from the entire OSCE region, will encourage further democratic transformation in Uzbekistan and improve the participation of political parties," said OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Uzbekistan, Ambassador Miroslav Jenca.

"This meeting will help raise awareness on the mechanisms and advantages of participatory democracy, as well as on the important role political parties can play."

The agenda includes discussions on the formation of political parties and how to strengthen their role in promoting civil society and democratization. Participants will also examine the role of political parties in shaping the legislative and executive powers, increasing citizens' participation in political life and ensuring stability.

Saifuddin Juraev, Director of the Uzbek Foundation for Regional Politics, said this meeting provides an opportunity to gain from the experience existing in the OSCE region.

The meeting brings together international and local political experts, from the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, Russia, Slovakia, Czech Republic and the Netherlands.
 

Arab League (AL) Secretary General Amr Musa and Uzbek Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Norov signed April 18, 2007 a Memorandum of understanding between the two countries, Uzbek media reported.

In statements on Wednesday, Amr Musa said the memorandum would help open the door to further cooperation, noting that Uzbekistan enjoys strong relations with the Arab world.

For his part, V.Norov expressed appreciation and respect of the AL and Musa, hailing the role played by him in boosting cooperation between the AL and Uzbekistan.

V.Norov said that Uzbek President Islam Karimov is keen on promoting relations with the AL, pointing out that his visit to the AL for talks with Musa and other senior officials mirrors the depth of relations between the two sides.
 

An Uzbek-Lithuanian Business Forum was held on April 20, 2007 in the Navoiy Hall of the International Business Centre in Tashkent, UzReportcom reported.

The forum was opened by the Deputy Chairman of the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Uzbekistan Nabijon Kasymov and Deputy Minister of Foreign Economic Relations, Investment and Trade Odil Juraev.

In 2006, bilateral trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Lithuania comprised US$42.1 million, of them Uzbekistan's export totaled US$16 million (up 92% against 2005), and import – US$ 26.1 million (down 29.4%).

The exports are represented mainly by the plastic goods (46.5%), processed oil products (26.9%), mechanical equipment (9.8%), cotton fibre (4.7%), ferrous metal and metalware (3.3%), fruit and nuts (2.8%), fertilizers (2.4%), and organic chemicals (1.6%).

The imports consist predominantly of vehicles (46%), mechanical equipment (10.5%), dairy products (10.8%), sugar and confectionary (7.2%), ferrous metal and metalware (3.8%), rubber goods (3.8%), processed oil products (2.6%), chemical threads (1.6%), detergents (1.5%), and wood ware (1.5%).

Uzbekistan currently has 15 enterprises set up with participation of Lithuanian investors, 2 of them based on 100% foreign investment.

"We are glad to see that business opportunities are sought not only by our businessmen but also by yours," said the head of the Lithuanian delegation, Director-General of the International Chamber of Commerce of Lithuania Algimantas Akstinas. "Of course mutual interest is required for the establishment of cooperation between the parties. The delegation visiting Uzbekistan is very interested in the conditions, changes, innovations and prospects open for investors in businesses in your country. Our delegation also includes Swedish investors, who operate on the territory of Lithuania, and Scandinavian investors – the largest investors in our country.

I would also like to tell a little about the members of our delegation – they are managers and officers of the largest companies specialised in the organization of exhibitions and fairs, trading in raw materials, consulting, manufacturing of windows and doors, agricultural equipment, thermal insulation, welding equipment, trams and railway cars, vehicles and transport, and food, as well as freight forwarding and storage and trade companies.

The Uzbek party made several presentations illustrating the economic and trade opportunities of Uzbekistan. Deputy Director of the UzInfoInvest Agency Sh. Usmanov spoke about the investment climate in the country and the opportunities for expansion of investment cooperation with the Lithuanian partners. Deputy Chairman of Transportation and Transport Communication F. Bahadyrov made a presentation on the main transportation routes used in the export of goods from Uzbekistan and the prospects of cooperation in the sphere. The guests showed particular interest in the presentation of the Chairman of the Board of Asaka Bank Kahramon Aripov on "The Development of Financial and Banking Sectors of Uzbekistan".

Another presentation was delivered by a representative of UzbekTourism Company describing the opportunities for cooperation in the sphere of tourism.

Business forum participants emphasized that Uzbekistan was open for Lithuanian entrepreneurs. At the end of the meeting, an agreement was signed between the chambers of commerce and industry of the two countries.

The event was followed by a cooperation exchange, where the business representatives of the two countries discussed specific cooperation opportunities and established direct business contacts. The Uzbek party was represented by some 50 companies.

The forum was conducted in the framework of the visit of Lithuanian delegation to Uzbekistan, taking place on 19-21 April. The aim of the visit is to develop trade and economic cooperation between the businesses of the two countries.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov is on an official visit in Cairo, Egypt. On April 18, 2007 the official welcoming ceremony of the President of Uzbekistan was held at the Egypt President’s palace, UzA reported.

Islam Karimov and Hosni Mubarak held a face-to-face meeting, during which they discussed the current state and perspectives of relations, international issues and Uzbekistan’s and Egypt’s cooperation in the framework of international organizations.

The presidents said they had similar views on development of political, trade-economic and humanitarian-cultural cooperation between the two countries. They also expressed common views on the need for coordinated fight against terrorism, extremism, drug traffic and organized transnational crime.

At the extended negotiations of the official delegations of Uzbekistan and Egypt, issues of expansion of economic and humanitarian cooperation were considered. The two countries have a huge potential for economic cooperation, and should use it more extensively, the sides agreed. They named high-tech, biotechnologies, tourism and other sectors among priority directions for cooperation.

President Islam Karimov held talks with Egypt’s Prime Minister Ahmed Nazif, and they discussed expansion of economic, humanitarian and cultural cooperation. They expressed hope that Uzbekistan President’s visit to Egypt would raise the two countries’ relations to a new level.

After the negotiations, Uzbekistan and Egypt adopted a Joint Communiqué. Also signed were the intergovernmental agreements on cooperation in fighting organized crime and terrorism, as well as training judges and exchange of experience in legal field.

The sides inked cooperation protocols in the fields of information and cultural cooperation in 2007-2010, as well as memorandums on understanding between the Uzbek Culture and Sports Ministry and Egypt’s National Sports Council, Uzbek Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade Ministry and Egypt’s International Cooperation Ministry, Trade and Commerce Chamber of Uzbekistan and Commerce Chambers Federation of Egypt, Uzinfoinvest Agency and Investments and Free Zones Direction of Egypt, Uzbek Agency for Standardization, Metrology and Certification and Egypt Standardization and Quality Organization, as well as the central banks of the two countries.

National Library of Uzbekistan and the Alexandria Library of Egypt signed a protocol of cooperation, while the National Bank of Uzbekistan and the National Bank of Egypt, Banque Du Caire and Banque Misr signed a financial cooperation agreement.

President Islam Karimov also received the Foreign Minister of Egypt Ahmed Aboul Gheit. Their negotiations focused on development of cooperation between the two states’ foreign ministries, including regular bilateral consultations.

The leader of Uzbekistan met the Arab League Secretary General Amr Musa to discuss cooperation with this organization and development of relations with Arab states. After the talks, the memorandum of understanding was signed between the Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan and the General Secretariat of the Arab League.

Islam Karimov then visited the Unknown Soldier Memorial and Anwar Sadat Memorial and laid flowers to the monuments

The official visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Egypt will end on April 19, 2007.
 

A delegation of Lithuanian businesses will visit Uzbekistan on 19-21 April to develop trade-economic cooperation between business circles of Uzbekistan and Lithuania, UzReportcom reported.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan in cooperation with International Commerce Chamber of Lithuania are organizing the visit of the delegation.

The delegation includes representatives of large companies, occupied in such sectors as exhibition and fair, trade with raw materials, consulting, agriculture equipment, etc.

It is expected that on April 20, 2007 Uzbek and Lithuanian businesses will hold cooperation exchange at the International Business Centre.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed a decree on awarding boxer Ruslan Chagayev with the order “Buyuk khizmatlari uchun” (“For great achievements”), UzA reported.

Ruslan Chagayev won the title of the WBA heavyweight champion last Sunday, defeating Russian Nikolai Valuyev.

The decree states that the order has been awarded for contribution to promoting the image of Uzbekistan on the international arena and development of the traditions of Uzbek boxing school.

There are numerous cities around the globe, which have their own charm and splendor, which are unique in their nature and very essence, and which are known for their beauty, glorious and antique past and history.

Among many others there is Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva... They say still one of such large human dwellings, eminent for its long past, is Cairo.

At the moment, the city is cultural and commercial hub of the Arab world and one of the largest cities in Africa and the Middle East. The Greater Cairo – the town itself and its suburbs – includes nearly 18 million of the locally residing people.

On April 17-19 this year the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov will pay an official visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Jahon Agency reported.

The visit of the Uzbek leader to Egypt, one of the leading nations in the Muslim and Arab world, takes place, according to the reports, upon the invitation of the President Muhammad Hosni Mubarak.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov first visited the Arab Republic of Egypt in December 1992, when both sides had agreed to extend comprehensive relations in various spheres of mutual interest.

The diplomatic relations between the two countries were established in January 1992.

Uzbekistan and Egypt are keen to develop the trade and economic relations. The 2006 outcomes have revealed that the volume of trade between the two countries has accounted for 3,6 million US dollars. However, both sides agree that such figures do not correspond to the potential available to both countries.

Considering that Egypt is o­ne of the leading countries in the Arab world Uzbekistan could consolidate its economic ties with the countries of North Africa and Middle East through Egypt.

During the stay of the Uzbek delegation in Cairo on April 17-19, 2007 the sides are expected to discuss expansion of the Uzbek-Egyptian cooperation, the outstanding problems of an international nature of mutual interest.

On the outcomes of the talks Uzbekistan and Egypt will sign a number of bilateral documents, which are, according to both sides, aimed at extending the ties in various areas.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov congratulated WBA heavyweight champion Ruslan Chagayev with his victory over Nikolai Valuyev, UzA reported.

"The whole of Uzbekistan is congratulating your sports victory. We are proud that a representative of Uzbek boxing school won this historic victory, becoming a world champion among heavyweights," the head of the state said in his message.

Obtaining the title of the planet's strongest boxer, Chagayev opened a new page in the history of Uzbek and world boxing, President Islam Karimov said.
 

From now on, Ruslan Chagaev can call himself a giantkiller, Times Online reported.

Nikolay Valuev's size, threat and power had become legend, now it stands as little more than a myth as it was proved that speed and self-belief can topple size. "It was like David v Goliath all over again — without the knockout," the UK newspaper reported.

Chagaev, who gave away 11in and 91lb to the 7ft champion, was seen as something of a no-hoper beforehand, despite an unbeaten professional record and glittering amateur career. But this was a triumph of brains and heart over brawn. "I might be small, but I'm vicious," Chagaev said.

Remarkably, he had won the bout and Valuev's WBA heavyweight title on a majority points decision by boxing at distance, spending most of the bout prowling beyond Valuev's huge reach, jumping in with fast left hooks. Valuev never worked out Chagaev's southpaw style, but when he had the chance to press his advantage in the latter rounds as Chagaev slowed, he came up short.

"I'm not giving up on Nikolay," Don King, Valuev's co-promoter, said. "He just didn't throw enough punches. But that was a great fight and that's what boxing needs." The Russian, 33, who was gracious in defeat, has never been very popular in Germany, where the Klitschko brothers are feted and the most popular boxer is Regina Halmich — the women's world flyweight champion.

Chagaev ducked around the ring like a fly that Valuev was trying to swat. Each time the smaller man landed, or seemed to land, the crowd roared. However, Valuev blocked many of the Uzbek's blows and some fell short, hitting arms and shoulders. It is difficult to believe that the judges were not swayed by the crowd, particularly in the early rounds when Chagaev landed few clean shots. Many rounds were close and difficult to score — Valuev landing more, but Chagaev landing better.

Temperatures had topped 28C during the day and the heat in the Porsche Arena, particularly under television lights in the ring, was stifling and seemed to affect Valuev. From round seven, he was gasping for breath and as he tried to force a finish in the last round, he seemed close to toppling over.

Chalerm Prayasab, the Thai judge, astonishingly had Chagaev six points ahead, while Stanley Christodoulou, of South Africa, scored it a draw and Hector Hernandez, the Mexican official, had it 115-113 to Chagaev. Had Valuev won the last round on all three cards, he would have kept the title via a draw.

Many had underestimated the challenger because of his alarming physical disadvantage, but Chagaev, 28, had prepared for the bout by having his trainer, Michael Timm, stand on a box during padwork to simulate the effect of boxing a taller man. The plan worked.

Chagaev boxed smartly, too, hardly surprising for a former world amateur champion who was good enough to beat Felix Savon, the three-times Olympic champion from Cuba. There was hardly any clinching, almost unheard of in a heavyweight bout, but it meant that Valuev was unable to use his bulk to tire Chagaev.

The other big winner on the night was Klaus-Peter Kohl, Chagaev's promoter and a bitter rival of Wilfred Sauerland, the promoter of Valuev. Kohl was the man who had built the Klitschko brothers into world- beaters before they walked out on him in a bitter split.

"It was a long time to get the title back," he said. "I think he [Chagaev] can go on to be a great champion. He was a great amateur."

However, the result is a blow for chances of unifying the world heavyweight titles. There had been hopes that Valuev — who had been two bouts short of matching Rocky Marciano's all-time unbeaten record of 49 for a world heavyweight champion — would face Wladimir Klitschko, the IBF champion, later this year. But although Chagaev and Klitschko both live in Hamburg, the latter's history with Kohl makes a unification unlikely. Another champion from the former Soviet Union, without the appeal of the Klitschkos or Valuev, would also be a tough sell to the all-important American market.

And then there were four

Oleg Maskaev WBC champion, 38, 6ft 3in

Originally from Kazakhstan, now a joint US and Russian citizen. Will next face Samuel Peter, of Nigeria, after a plan fell through to box Vitali Klitschko, the retired former champion.

Ruslan Chagaev WBA champion, 28, 6ft 1in

Originally from Uzbekistan but now lives in Germany. One drawn bout is the only blemish on a 24-fight unbeaten record.

Wladimir Klitschko IBF champion, 31, 6ft 6in

From Ukraine, lives in Germany. Likely to face Lamon Brewster in Cologne in July, the man who beat Klitschko for the WBO title in 2004.

Shannon Briggs WBO champion, 35, 6ft 4in

From US. Once homeless, lost to Lennox Lewis in 1998 and won title in final-second knockout of Sergei Liakovich last year. Faces Sultan Ibragimov, of Russia, in June.
 

Workshop on "Legislative Activities of the Parliaments of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Federal Republic of Germany and Exchange of Expertise in the Issues of Legislature" took place in Beldersay mountain resort, UzReportcom reported.

The aim of the event was to exchange opinions and expertise in the sphere of law-drafting techniques between German and Uzbek Parliaments, and to propose ways of introducing European law-drafting techniques into the legislative procedures of the Uzbek Parliament.

The workshop was organized by the joint UNDP/Parliament project on "Enhancing Legislative and Institutional Capacities of the Parliament of Uzbekistan" in cooperation with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, experts from the Institute of Monitoring the Existing Legislature under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and the Institute for Studies of the Civil Society. The participants of the workshop commented that the event aimed at "sharing ideas about a highly qualified, professional parliament". The forum aimed to provide parliamentarians with theoretical and practical assistance, and to help build capacity of the deputies and secretarial staff of the Uzbek Parliament.

More than 40 participants from the Legislative Chamber of the Parliament took part in the workshop, as well as other officials from the Legislative Chamber.

The workshop was an important step towards increasing the quality of national legislation and law-drafting processes, introducing advanced German practices in law-drafting and facilitating the effective functioning of the Parliament. It helped to apply parliamentary debates as a main form of discussions during the workshop as well as modern interactive technologies such as case-studies, working in groups, etc.

The organization of a study tour to German Bundestag within the framework of the joint UNDP/Parliament Project "Enhancing Legislative and Institutional Capacities of the Parliament" can be considered as a logical continuation of this workshop. Uzbek delegation attended the Uzbek-German round-table meeting in the German Bundestag and Bundesrat. The participants included Members of the Legislative Chamber, representatives from the Institute of Monitoring the Existing Legislature under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Institute for Studies of the Civil Society.

Main objectives of the joint UNDP and Legislative Chamber of the Parliament Project, launched in October 2005, include strengthening the legislative and institutional capacities of the Parliament for better effectiveness and efficiency of legislative processes and procedures.

Promoting Better Awareness of Women's Role in Society Through Photo and Prose An exhibition entitled "Woman in Society" opened today in the Tashkent House of Photography. The event is part of a bigger social project that includes essay and photo-competitions open for wider public. The goal of the project "Woman in Society" is to raise awareness of a woman's contribution to the modern society and to motivate and further activate those women who have not yet found their scope of activity.

The results of two competitions were evaluated by qualified jury of 10 people who chose 45 best photos as well as essays highlighting "Woman involved in society". Out of those photos and essays the best three nominations were selected and the authors were granted with valuable prizes. As a result the first place in the "Best Photo" nomination was awarded to Ms. Kamila Reimbayeva, who presented her work in the form of collage. The prize for "Best Essay" was awarded to student of school #21 in Tashkent, Ms. Svetlana Gulayeva.

Jesica Engel, the representative from German Embassy in Uzbekistan, opening the exhibition, pointed that "What women do today became an ordinary thing for others to accept, however this exhibition helps understand the importance of woman's inputs in modern life". Other speakers stressed the importance of encouraging activities and initiatives among women, stimulation of women's involvement in public work and establishment of contacts among active women in society. Photos presented at the exhibition reflected the ability of women to combine the role of socially active member and a caring mother in one person.

The photo exhibition will continue in the Tashkent House of Photography for six days and will then be exhibited on rotational basis in UNDP and project's other national partners

The project "Woman in Society" is the initiative of a group of young people from THK - Theodor Heuss Kolleg and suported by DVV International – Institute for International Cooperation of German People's Universities Association, National Association of Nongovernmental Organizations, and UNDP Uzbekistan.
 

Uzbekistan could benefit by increasing its co-operation with the OSCE, and the Organization also would profit, the Chairman-in-Office, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, said.

"Uzbekistan is an equal partner to the OSCE's other 55 participating States, and we would welcome an active role by the country," Minister Moratinos said during a visit to Tashkent that included a meeting with President Islam Karimov, UzReportcom reported.

The Chairman-in-Office noted that the Organization and its Spanish Chairmanship hope for greater co-operation with Uzbekistan.

"Through work in the three OSCE dimensions of security - the politico-military, the economic-environmental and the human - we can support Uzbekistan as it furthers its goals of stability and prosperity," the Chairman-in-Office said.

He also met with representatives from civil society, encouraging them to continue their important work.

An OSCE workshop last month, during which Uzbek experts discussed how the country's travel document security can be improved, illustrates the potential of co-operation in the politico-military field.

"We hope to continue working together in this field in order to address other issues such as constructively dealing with threats posed by terrorism," the Minister added.

In the economic and environmental field, the Spanish OSCE Chairmanship has put a priority on land degradation, a topic that is of crucial importance in Uzbekistan. In a meeting with Foreign Minister Vladimir Norov, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office discussed the possibility of organizing a meeting in Uzbekistan to follow this May's OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum, which will take place in Prague and focus on land degradation, soil contamination and water management.

In the human dimension, Minister Moratinos said the Organization was ready, for example, to support measures that would promote an active and flourishing civil society.

He also expressed satisfaction with Uzbekistan's support for a regional conference on education in multi-ethnic societies, held in November in Tashkent. The conference was jointly organized by the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities and the Ministry for Public Education.

Minister Moratinos also noted that the 2007 Spanish OSCE Chairmanship had made fully engaging Central Asia a priority for the Organization, reflecting the vital role played by Uzbekistan and its neighbours.

"Closer co-operation between Tashkent and the OSCE would be mutually beneficial," the Chairman-in-Office said.

The visit to Tashkent was part of a tour of Central Asia.
 

The secretary of the National Security Office at the President of the Republic of Poland Wladislav Stasiak met with the secretary of the National Security Council at the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Murat Ataev, the Uzbek media reported.

During the meeting the sides underscored the fact that the Uzbek-Polish relations are successfully developing in all spheres based o­n the agreements concluded during the meetings of the heads of both countries. They also touched upon the international cooperation and regional security. The sides spoke about the need of countering the terrorism and extremism, contraband of narcotic substances and other threats.

The secretary Stasiak also held negotiations with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Vladimir Norov.

Besides, the Polish delegation acquainted with the places of interest in Tashkent. In particular, the guests visited the Mustakillik Square and State Museum of History of Temur and His Dynasty.

They have also visited the Catholic Church in Tashkent and placed a wreath o­n the monument of Polish soldiers, who o­n the will of their fate during the years of the World War II had found themselves in the Uzbek soil and found eternal peace here.

The delegation, according to reports, has also visited the burial places of Polish soldiers at the Guzar District in the Kashkadarya Province.
 

The FIFA referee of Uzbekistan Ravshan Ermatov has been invited to participate in the seminar organized by the International Federation of Football Association (FIFA) on April 23-27, 2007, Jahon agency reported.

The twenty-six the most qualified arbiters of the world are invited to the seminar, which will be held at the FIFA headquarters in Zurich in Switzerland.

The Asian Football Confederation has announced that Ravshan Ermatov will lead one of the qualifying matches of the Olympics before departing to the seminar. So, the Uzbek referee will lead the match between the strongest Olympic national teams – Saudi Arabia and Australia due on April 18, 2007.

Abdulkhamid Rasulov, Bakhtiyor Toghaev and Valentin Kovalenko will assist Ravshan Ermatov, the reports have said.

The Uzbek arbiters Arslon Kholtamov, Viktor Seraziddinov and Valentin Kovalenko will help the foreign referee to judge the match between the clubs of "Kavasaki Frontale" (Japan) and "Chunnam Dragons" (South Korea) in the Asian Champions League, according to the reports.

Upon the invitation of the Asian Football Confederation the Uzbek fellow countryman Alisher Muminov will come out as a commissar in the match between the teams "Negri Sambilan" (Malaysia) and "Soun Hei" (Syangan) scheduled to April 25, 2007.
 

Bodies of the Samarkand museums are actively preparing to the 2750th anniversary of the City, UzA reported. In the context of the forthcoming jubilee of the city various exhibitions are organized in the town, according to the report.

In particular, the “Samarkand is a glorious city at the Great Silk Road” exposition is now held at the Museum of History of Samarkand and the “Samarkand and Samarkanders in the years of independence” exposition has been opened at the regional museum of local lore. At a time the four exhibitions are functioning at the largest Samarkand Museum – the State Museum of History of Culture of Uzbekistan.

The “Samarkand: yesterday and today” photo exposition presents the photographs of various years, which reflect the historical and architectural monuments and the reconstruction and creative works o­n preserving the rich century-old cultural heritage hold o­n Samarkand.

At the “Samarkand and Samarkanders with the eyes of artists” exposition the visitors may observe the pictorial works, whose main topic is historical monuments of the city and its unique nature. “The rare Oriental manuscripts” exhibition, in particular a copy of Koran rewritten by the Hasan Samarkandi calligrapher in 1271, attract the attention of the visitors, according to the report.

On the eve of the city jubilee the administration of museums are planning to organize the mobile exhibitions at the districts and cities of Uzbekistan
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received Chairman-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Spain's Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, UzA reported.

This is the first visit of Miguel Angel Moratinos as the head of OSCE to Uzbekistan.

The sides considered the state and perspectives of relations between Uzbekistan and the OSCE.

Miguel Angel Moratinos noted that Central Asia occupied a particular place in the organization's activities. Stable and efficient management, coupled with healthy economy and developed civil society, in Uzbekistan are key factors to ensuring security and the Eurasian and Transatlantic regions, he said.

In 2007, the OSCE Chairmanship, which rotates annually, is held by Spain. This country has set the following priority directions of activity during this year: ensuring security and stability in member states, strengthening fight with terrorism and extremism, ensuring ecological safety and others.

Uzbekistan became member of the OSCE in 1992.
 

President Islam Karimov urged new reforms in the insurance services sector by signing a resolution "On measures for further reform and development of the insurance services market", UzReportcom reported.

The document is intended to stimulate the formation of a competitive environment in the insurance services sector, development of innovative and high quality insurance products, increase in the level of capitalization and financial stability of insurance companies, expansion of their regional networks, as well as improvement in the methods of insurance sector regulation and supervision.

The Resolution approves the Programme of Reforms and Development of the Insurance Market of the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2007-2010 developed by the Ministry of Finance in cooperation with local insurance companies.

The programme envisages the implementation of a set of measures aimed at improving the legislative and regulatory framework for insurance, insurance activity and supervision in line with the international best practices.

Also, the Programme sets the objectives to expand the volume and range and improve the quality of insurance services, particularly insurance of entrepreneurial activity, import and export operations, long-term life insurance, including savings insurance types.

Particular attention in implementation of the measures envisaged by the Programme will be paid to the improvements in the system of preparation and training of the sphere's personnel.

The resolution also approves the Act on Professional Participants of the Insurance Market, which is to enter into force as of 1 January 2008. Meanwhile, insurance companies are ordered to bring their capitals to compliance with the requirements outlined in the Act by the time it comes into force.

The Ministries of Economy, Finance, and Higher and Secondary Specialised Education of Uzbekistan are ordered to submit proposals to the Cabinet of Ministers on the establishment of special groups at the economic universities and institutes of the country, who are to improve the quality of preparation of specialists for insurance companies, and regular improvement of their qualifications.

According to the resolution, in response to the initiative from the Ministry of Finance and insurance companies, the Association of Professional Participants of the Insurance Market of Uzbekistan is to be created.

It should be mentioned that for the purpose of stimulating the development of the insurance market and expanding the legal entities' and individuals' interest in insurance, the resolution states that insurance premiums for property and long-term life insurance shall not be taxable.
 

Uzbekistan's Ruslan Chagaev outpointed defending champion Nikolai Valuev of Russia to claim the World Boxing Association (WBA) heavyweight title in Stuttgart on April 14, 2007, UzReportcom reported.

Two of the three judges scored the contest in favor of the challenger by 115-113 and 117-111 margins, while the third called it a 114-114 draw.

"Today was my day. Today I was the better boxer," Chagaev told reporters after his victory over the giant Valuev.

Weighing in at 144.7-kg and standing 2.13-meters tall, Valuev was unable to make his physical advantage tell against the 28-year-old southpaw Chagaev in the fourth defense of his title.

"Before the fight everybody said that Nikolai is too tall for me to have a chance. Well, I'm smaller but I have the sting," the 1.85-meters Chagaev said after improving to 23-0-1 with 17 knockouts.

Valuev said he had not moved enough and made many mistakes, but vowed to stage a comeback after suffering his first loss in 14 years as a professional.

"There's no reason for me to lie down in my grave. I am going to keep on boxing and I will be back in the ring to fight for the world title," he said.

The defeat also ruined the 33-year-old Valuev's dream of surpassing Rocky Marciano's 49-bout winning record in the division. The American remains the only world champion to retire without a loss or draw.

Valuev, who claimed the WBA title from American John Ruiz in December 2005, had won 46 fights, 34 by knockout.

"David slew Goliath, this is what we saw here tonight," said Valuev's co-promoter Don King, who was full of praise for Chagaev.

"You saw a man who was aggressive and hungry. He fought and he fought to win," King said, adding that he remained confident in his protege.
 

Uzbek-Indian Intergovernmental Commission for Trade-Economic and Scientific-Technological Cooperation held its 7th meeting on April 13, 2007 at the International Business Centre in Tashkent. The meeting was conducted as a part of the visit of a delegation of Indian businessmen headed by the country's Minister of State for Commerce Jairam Ramesh.

Diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and India were established on March 18, 1992. Among the main documents signed between the two countries were agreements on trade and economic cooperation, on stimulation and mutual protection of investments, on avoidance of double taxation, etc.

A landmark event in the history of bilateral cooperation between the two countries was the state visit of the President of Uzbekistan to India in April 2005. During the visit, the parties signed 13 intergovernmental and interdepartmental documents, including agreements on cooperation in development of small business and private enterprise, education and culture, memorandum on mutual understanding with the Trade Corporation of India, a protocol on mutual understanding between UzbekTourism National Company and Tourism Development Corporation of India, etc.

In his greeting speech, Uzbek Co-chairman of the Commission, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdulla Aripov emphasized that Uzbek-Indian cooperation was of strategic importance to bother parties and was being built on the foundation of mutual respect. He also said the two countries attributed high importance to the intensification of collaborative efforts in all spheres of cooperation.

Intergovernmental Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technological Cooperation was founded as a body intended to serve as an important instrument in the development of bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and India. The previous meeting was held in March 2006 in Delhi. The parties have conducted several business forums, presentations, exhibitions, fairs and conferences on the territories of both countries, and participated together in other international events. In April last year Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh paid a visit to Uzbekistan. In October of the same year Indian delegation headed by the Minister of Textile Industry Mr. I Ilangovan visited the country.

In accordance with the Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation between Uzbekistan and India, the two countries are committed to establishing a regime most favourable for bilateral trade. In 2006 the trade turnover between the countries exceeded US$59 million.

Currently 11 Indian companies and organizations are accreted by the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of Uzbekistan.

According to the State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan, 33 enterprises with shares of Indian capital operate on the territory of Uzbekistan. Of them, 26 are joint ventures, and 7 are companies full 100% foreign investment.

The key directions in the activity of the Indian enterprises in Uzbekistan include the production of consumer goods, tanning and agricultural processing industries, drugs, textiles production, construction, tourism, wholesale and retail trade, etc.
 

An estimated number of Internet users in Uzbekistan reached 1.745 million at the end of the first quarter of 2007. The figure has grown by 45,000 since the beginning of the year, security.uz reported.

The number of mobile users continues to demonstrate fast growth. It has reached 3.4 million, up from 2.7 million at the beginning of the year.

These statistical figures were announced last week during the meeting of the Complex of Information Systems and Telecommunication of the Cabinet of Ministers.

The industries that constitute the complex of information systems and telecommunication produced goods and services for 172.14 billion soums in first quarter of the year.

At the beginning of the year 2006, the number of Internet users in Uzbekistan had been reported as 855,000, and the number of mobile users – 1.2 million.
 

Indonesia and Uzbekistan are to boost trade and investment cooperation so as to explore the great, yet untapped, economic opportunities that increased ties have to offer, officials from the two countries say, UzReportcom reported according to the Jakarta Post.

In a seminar on April 12, 2007, the Foreign Ministry's director general for Asia Pacific and Africa, Primo Alui Joelianto, said that though the relationship between the two nations was solid, there were many untapped potentials that could be explored to the mutual benefit of both countries.

"I firmly believe that by promoting trade and investment cooperation, including private-sector cooperation, we can achieve a better outcome than we have to date," he said.

The two countries are especially looking forward to collaborating in such sectors as the energy, agriculture, banking, infrastructure, electronics and textile industries, he added.

According to Trade Ministry data, trade between Indonesia and Uzbekistan last year amounted to a modest US$9.6 million. This represented a 15.8% decrease from the US$11.5 million recorded in 2005.

Indonesia's main exports to Uzbekistan are rubber, tobacco, palm oil, tea, margarine, cocoa powder, paper and footwear, while it imports such products as cotton, knives and cutting blades, needles and electrical equipment from Uzbekistan.

During the seminar, the Uzbekistan representatives invited Indonesian investors to put their money in the chemical and pharmaceutical, construction materials, computer accessories, electronic products, food processing and silk industries.

The Uzbekistan government is currently in the middle of its 2006-2008 privatization program, with shares in 1,495 state enterprises up for grabs.

Alisher Shayhov, chairman of the Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that the privatization drive was part of his government's efforts to improve the efficiency and profitability of enterprises.
 

The name of Lucien Keren secures a special place among the scholars who study the history of the dynasty of Amir Temur, Jahon agency reported.

By this time over 35 years he has been scrupulously learning the role and significance of one of the greatest military leaders and statesmen of the world and his descendants in the development of human civilization.

During these years the scholar has written several books, tens of scientific and publicist articles dedicated to Amir Temur and his dynasty. He has established and now leads the French Association of study the history and arts of epoch of the Temur's dynasty. Also, he is an editor of the "Dynasty of Temur" magazine, which is published in Paris.

On the occasion of the 671st anniversary of the great ancestor of the Uzbek people, the Uzbek Embassy in Paris received a letter from the well-known scholar where he had shared with some his thoughts on the course of life of Amir Temur.

- On 19 April 1336 not far from the modern Shakhrisabz a man was born, who had changed the course of history of his time and nations from Asia to Europe", - Lucien Keren wrote. "Temur with his an untamed energy, sharp mind and unique charisma enchanted his companions and secured himself to be recognized as a head of Maverannakhr. It has happened in 1370.

Coming to the power Temur devoted 35 years of his life to economic, military, political and social strengthening of his state. He has held more than hundred battles and had never been beaten. He became the best and talented military leader of his time.

Amir Temur strengthened the prosperity and power of his empire with the support and development of trade with neighboring countries. The state strictly controlled and secured the safety of all roads from East to West.

In his campaigns Temur had selected the best architects and designers to build mosques, madrassahs, the grand palaces and libraries in Samarkand, Bukhara and Shahrisabz (several of which are held out to date). He invited the leading scholars, artists and musicians from many countries to Samarkand to establish the scientific schools. His grandson Ulughbek had earned the wonderful education o­n math and astronomy.

Amir Temur has been and is still now the legendary person, who had left a vivid mark in the history of world civilization. I am especially glad that the Uzbekistan is doing all to deliver the descendants and world community the all truth about Amir Temur and his great state, study and learn the history and culture, which I had devoted all my life to.
 

The visiting delegation led by the Minister of Sports, president of the National Olympics Committee of the People's Republic of China, Executive president of the 29th Beijing Summer Olympics organizational committee Lyu Pen met with the Uzbek Minister of Culture and Sports, the Chairman of the National Olympics Committee Rustam Kurbanov, Jahon reported.

The cooperation between Uzbekistan and China as much as in all spheres now extends and strengthens in the area of sports, as well. In this, the agreements concluded between the heads of the two states serve as an important legal basis, according to the reports by national newspapers.

While in talks in Tashkent the two sides are reported to have dwelled upon the prospects of further expansion of cooperation in sports, implementation of the joint projects, exchange of experience between the sports people and experts of both countries in this area.

Though, the parties have accorded a special attention to the training of sportsmen due to participate at the 29th Summer Olympics in Beijing in 2008.

The Chinese delegation has highly assessed the massive work carried out in Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Islam Karimov to attract people to physical culture and sports, propagate the healthy way of life, develop the children's sports, popularize the Olympic movement, and other.

In Tashkent the Chinese delegation visited the Sporting Complex "Uzbekistan", the Museum of Olympic Glory, the State Museum of History of Temur and His Dynasty, the Fine Arts Gallery, and observed other places of sightseeing in the town.

Also, as a part of their in Uzbekistan the delegation members traveled to Samarkand, according to the reports.
 

The festive reception dedicated to the 15th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Poland has been held at the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Warsaw, Jahon reported.

The representatives of the state, political, business and public circles of Poland, as well as the Uzbek students attending now the Polish universities and colleges participated at the event.

The guests of the event were told about the history of the bilateral relations of the two countries, achievements of Uzbekistan in carrying out the social, political, and economic reforms in the country, as well as liberalization of the judicial sphere.

Uzbek diplomats have also dwelled upon the history of the Navruz festival, which has coincided with commemoration of the 15th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The customs and traditions related to the said solemn spring event have aroused a profound interest among the gathered at the Uzbek mission to Poland.

The counselor to the minister of culture and sports of Poland M.Bygoschevskiy has highly assessed the measures taken by the Uzbek leadership to revive and preserve the national traditions, cultural and spiritual values of the Uzbek nation.

The chief of Ablanalp Company E.Henke has said that his company has been enjoying the long-standing ties with partners in Uzbekistan.

"For over this time we have been able to believe that the leadership of the country accords a priority significance to extending the contacts and partnership relations with the foreign business people," Henke said, "and we are seeing the o­ngoing reforms in Uzbekistan are aimed at comprehensive development of the country and now they are bearing the concrete results".
 

Minister of Sports of China and President of the Chinese National Olympic Committee (NOC) Liu Pen held talks with Culture and Sports Minister and Uzbekistan NOC Chairman Rustam Kurbanov on April10, 2007, UzA reported.

The sides considered expansion of cooperation in sports and implementation of joint projects. They paid a particular attention to preparation of sportsmen to the 19th Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, of which Liu Pen is Executive President.

The Chinese side highly evaluated the wide-scale work that is being held in Uzbekistan to promote sports and healthy lifestyle.

The delegation of China visited the Uzbekistan sports complex, Olympic Glory Museum, Timurids State History Museum as well as other places in Tashkent.
 

The traditional international Kurash (Uzbek national wrestling) tournament for the prizes of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan commenced in Termez (Surkhandarya region), Jahon reported.

According to the report, the contests are devoted to the memory of Al-Hakim at-Termiziy, the medieval thinker and philosopher. The women's contest will take place at the site as a part of the entire Kurash tournament.

Year to year such contest which traces back to 1993 gathers ever more fans of this humane, fair and enjoyable martial arts in the Surkhandarya Province. This time the Kurash tournament shall gather the strongest from nearly 30 countries of the world including Brazil, South Africa, Greece, Turkey, Israel, India, New Zealand, Poland, South Korea, France, and other.

The winner on the top weight category shall earn US$10,000 as a prize of the President of Uzbekistan. The silver and bronze winners shall receive US$2,000 and US$1,000, respectively, according to the report.

On the eve of the contests the Kurash International Association held its session in Tashkent, where the organization members had discussed about further popularization of this Uzbek people's national wrestling around the globe.
 

The story "Famous suzane of Uzbekistan" has been published in the English-language magazine of the Institute of Culture at the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Iran, Jahon reported.

The specialists on textile Caroline Stone and Paula Lund who have visited Uzbekistan had written the article. "Many people believe that the homeland of suzane is Uzbekistan", the researchers wrote. "This land located along the Great Silk Road has historically connected the cultures of Europe, Persia and China. During the centuries the grand cities as Bukhara, Samarkand, Shahrisabz and Khiva have been erected here".

From the ancient times Central Asia has been the homeland of the textile goods, - Caroline Stone and Paula Lund wrote. The local people have traditionally kept many textile goods, which had also served as a symbol of status and links with the history.

The scholars wrote about that although the most of suzane, which have been preserved up to date, belongs to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, but the historical sources point to that suzane had been used long before that time.

The authors wrote: "Rui Gonsalez de Klavijo, the Spanish ambassador at court of Amir Temur in the early 15th century, has fully depicted the latter's grand resting area decorated with the embroideries, which really corresponds to the scenes embodied at the miniatures of those times. Some samples of the textile goods which the ambassador had seen were alike to suzane of products of the schools of Bukhara and Shakhrisabz, which in the times of Temur had been linked with masters of Herat – the second capital of Temur's dynasty".

Alongside with historical data the story had offered the information o­n various styles and kinds of suzane in Uzbekistan. It has also underscored that suzane now serves as a decoration in many houses, public facilities, wedding and festive ceremonies.
 

In 2007 the Russia's Eventis Telecom intends to invest US$5 million in the development of Internet services in Uzbekistan, a report by Uzbekistan Today said.

Last December this investor purchased the control stock of Sarkor Telecom, Uzbek Internet provider, and now it aspires to develop its business in Uzbekistan.

Speaking to the reporters about the perspective development of Internet, the Director General of Sarkor Telecom JV Shuhrat Shanazarov said that the joint venture is actively developing a business plan for the period of 2007 and 2010 in tight contact with top managers and specialists of Eventis Telecom.

According to him, the company is going to expand the list of telecommunication services such as filing, LAN, and VPN. In addition, this year fixed communication services are integrated under the project. Sarkor Telecom also plans to launch a new WiMAX wireless wideband Internet access.

Last December Eventis Telecom obtained the controlling interest of Sarkor Telecom and turned it into a Russian-Uzbek joint venture. The company launched in 1996 is licensed today to provide Internet services o­n RadioEthernet technologies and transfer data o­n the territory of Uzbekistan. The company is included in the three leading Internet providers of the country.

At the moment, Sarkor Telecom implements a number of scaled projects o­n RadioEthernet wireless technologies for the Tashkent city Internal Affairs Administration, UzBAT in Samarkand and Ministry of Defense. In June 2001 Sarkor Telecom was the first in Uzbekistan to maintain the international optic fiber cable with the capacity of 1 Mb per second o­n agreement with China Telecom. Today its capacity reaches 3 Mb per second.

Since 2002 the company has provided services of communication Internet access o­n the CISCO Systems technologies. According to Comnews Research, by the end of September of 2006, Sarkor Telecom had around 650 wideband and 30,000 customers of communication.

Currently, the demand for Internet access is dynamically increasing in Uzbekistan, and the local market of Internet access has a good potential. The official says that as of 1 January 2007 the number of Internet users in Uzbekistan has grown 1.98 times, 1.7 million or 67.7 users per thousand people and the number of Internet providers 680 units (26.2%). The number of ports in data transmission networks makes up over 15,000 units and the speed of international net access is 230.99 Mb per second.
 

The Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investment and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan will send number of Uzbekistan business people to visit Indonesia to participate in the Investment Seminar and Business Forum which will be held on April 12–13, 2007 at the Aryaduta Hotel, Jakarta, Indonesia, UzReportcom reported.

According to a press release of the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Uzbekistan business delegation to that forum will be headed by First Deputy Minister of the Foreign Economic Relations, Investment and Trade N.Najimov and followed by heads and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investment and Trade; Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and over 20 Uzbek companies relating to oil, communication, air transportation, train, banking, production of machinery, manufacture, furniture, and agriculture products (tea, coconut, cpo, cotton, etc.).

This visit is also aimed to establish business contacts and develop mutual cooperation in the business match making meeting with their potential partners in Indonesia.

The seminar and forum is organized by the Indonesian Embassy in Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia in cooperation with Indonesian Ministry of Trade; Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Culture; National Economic Development Agency; Indonesian Investment Coordinating Board Agency, and Indonesian Chamber of Commerce.

It is expected to encourage cooperation in bilateral economic and trade relations between Indonesia and Uzbekistan as well as to explore potential investment and investment opportunities in both countries.

The Uzbekistan delegation will have a chance to visit some Indonesian large companies such as PT. Dirgantara Indonesia (aircraft industry), PT. INKA (heavy industry), PT Ciputra Development Tbk (real estate developer), tea factory, tire factory, ITC - Indonesia Trading Company, Bank Rakyat Indonesia, Bank Mandiri and several other companies.
 

On the night from 7 to 8 April this year the orthodox clergymen commemorated the Easter festivities in Uzbekistan, Jahon reported.

As a rule, the main divine services were held at the Svyato-Uspenskiy Cathedral of Tashkent led by the Metropolitan of Tashkent and Central Asia Vladimir. The public worships were held at all orthodox parishes – 2 cathedrals, 29 temples and 3 monasteries.

The same night the Easter festivities were also held at the newly established Saint Phillip Armenian Apostolic Church in Tashkent. The Father Gevorg (Gevorg Vardanyan) has led the divide services. He is the o­nly clergyman of the Armenian Church o­n the territory of entire Central Asia and Kazakhstan, who has already led the divine services o­n April 8 at the Saint Virgin Church in Samarkand.

On April 8 the head of the apostolic administration of the Roman Catholic Church in Uzbekistan the Bishop Ezhe Maculevic led the festive mass on the occasion of the Easter in Tashkent. The late Roman Pope John Paul II has established the apostolic administration just a day before his passing away. The solemn mass has been held at all five catholic temples.

The Protestant religious organizations in Uzbekistan also held the festive events o­n the occasion of the Easter. By the way, the Easter commemorations – Peisah are still continuing in Jewish communities. They have commenced o­n the April 2 evening.

The Government of Uzbekistan, while based on the principles of equality of all religions, comprehensively promotes so that the religious festivals: the Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha of Muslims, Christmas and Easter of Christians, Hanukah, Purim and Peisah of Jews are held in the festive state.

Prior to the solemn commemorations all of the surrounding territory around the churches, prayer houses and graveyards has been improved and bettered. Also, all the communal services were provided non-stop as well as the road pathways around the religious establishments were improved. Besides, the duty brigades of the law enforcement bodies and first aid groups served at the sites to ensure the people's safety.

Several religious festive commemorations have already taken place this year. Thus, o­n January 16 the Christmas concert show was held at the Academic Russian Theater of Drama, and on March 4 Purim – at the "Aladdin" Theater. On April 9 the Russian Orthodox Church has held the Easter concert.

May we remind that this year all Christians in Uzbekistan – both Eastern and Western as much as those around the globe have marked the Easter in the same day – April 8. The Easter is the main holiday. Therefore, the people say about it as a "holiday of all holidays and the festival of all festivals".

In keeping with the latest data, at the moment 165 Christian organizations of various directions operate on the territory of the Republic of Uzbekistan. It is natural that the bulk of parishioners of the Christian organizations make up the orthodox people, who in accordance with the canons of the Orthodox Church have first started to commemorate this holiday.
 

A roundtable to discuss the draft Concept Paper on the Development of Professional Diplomatic Service in Uzbekistan was held in Tashkent, UzReportcom reported.

The Concept Paper was prepared by a team of national experts within the UNDP project "Enhancing the capacity of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to better respond to the emerging issues of the New millennium".

Representatives from the Senate and the Legislative Chamber of the Parliament, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Academy of State and Social Construction, and the University of World Economy and Diplomacy attended the roundtable.

The Concept Paper, aimed to identify and outline the main directions and approaches for the development of diplomatic service, has already been discussed within MFA. The current event joined together representatives of other state agencies and institutions thus providing a forum for discussion of key issues related to the development of professional diplomatic service in the country.

Frakhad Khamraev, a national expert and co-author of the Concept Paper, presented the draft document to the participants of the round-table and recited its main parts. He specified the issues of preparation and retraining of diplomats as a crucial step towards the development of professional diplomatic service. Mr. Khamraev also pointed out the importance of institutions involved into this process, and in particular the proposed estabishment of the Diplomatic Academy.

An interesting debate followed the presentation. Suggestions included adding some remarks into the paper context which ensured the provision of equal rights for male and female diplomats as well as to include special trainings on gender issues into the diplomatic preparation and retraining programs.

Representative from the Academy of State and Social Construction expressed his deep disappointment with the current status of country's diplomatic service.

"Unfortunately the quality of diplomatic service is getting worse. Prompt actions to improve the hiring, retraining and incentive systems are needed" said Omonullo Akhmedov, dean of the faculty of international relations.

It was also suggested to initiate special programs to improve the skills of scholars and professionals involved in the training of diplomats including the staff of the proposed Diplomatic Academy.

Muhammad Yusuf Teshabaev, Head of Committee on international relations of the Legislative Chamber, and Nurillo Abdullaev, representative of the Senate Office, both joined the discussion and expressed their views on certain parts of the Concept paper.

"Retraining plays a significant role in the career of a professional. Therefore we welcome and support any efforts towards the enhancement of the training systems including the idea of establishing Diplomatic Academy". However, Teshabaev mentioned that these issues would require serious and thorough study.

The participants of the round-table suggested revising the Concept Paper and submitting the final version to MFA.
 

Legal clinic's students together with training specialists and legal experts conducted training activity on Children's Rights at the SOS Kinderdorf on March 31, 2007. This training aimed at promoting basic legal knowledge on children's rights and duties, UzReportcom reported.

The idea of this training activity was identified based on feedback from children at the previous training session in SOS Kinderdorf. Pedagogical staff of the Children's village voiced their opinion that knowing one's basic rights and duties would be very useful for children when they step into wider world. What is most notable, is that children learned not just about duties but also about their rights.

Additionally, preparation process for these training sessions allowed the clinicians of the Legal Clinic to improve their professional knowledge in the sphere of Children's Rights. Training materials for the sessions were based on the Children's Rights Convention, adopted by the United Nations Organization in 1989, and the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistn.

During the training twenty children from Children's Village received basic knowledge on Children's Rights and now know about their duties before parents, society and state. Each participant of the training received special leaflets on Children's Rights, prepared by the clinicians. This event will be followed by a series of training courses on other topics planned throughout the year for children of the Children's Village SOS Kinderdorf.

These activities are organized within the UNDP Project "Legal Aid and Legal Literacy for Better Access to Justice". The main objectives of the project are to improve access to justice for people who cannot afford or have limited access to legal services, such as women, children, the poor, the elderly and people with disabilities and to increase quality of legal services through training of law students.
 

The "City of the Silk Marghilan – 2000 years" illustrated magazine has been published in Deutsch in Germany along with the Uzbek Embassy to Berlin, Jahon reported.

The edition consists of four parts. The part of "The ancient history of Marghilan" tells about history of foundations of the city.

The beauty and enormous historical significance of Marghilan located along the Great Silk Road has been underscored in the magazine referring to the ancient and modern sources including the researches of German and European scholars.

The "Marghilan school of the applied arts" part offers information o­n the early start of the schools of applied arts including the processing of leather, embroidery, wood carving, making of satin and carpets in Marghilan during the Renaissance of the East in 9th – 12th centuries. Besides, the information about the young generation of the Marghilan masters who continue the ancient traditions, the works of which earn high marks at various international exhibitions has been offered there.

The "Historical architectural monuments and great representatives of Marghilan" part describes the architectural places of sightseeing of a historical significance such as "Pir Siddik" madrassah, "Khoja Magiz" mausoleum, "Chokor" and "Turonbozor" mosques, "Saidakhmad Khoja Ishan" madrassah, as well as the well-known thinkers of Marghilan as Burkhonoddin al-Marghinoniy, Yokut Khamaviy and Abu Sa'd Samoniy.

The "Today's Marghilan" tells about the social and economic development of the city for over the years of independence of Uzbekistan and works of construction, reconstruction and improvement of the city implemented in accordance with the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov "On the celebration of the 2000th anniversary of the city of Marghilan".

"The city of the Silk Marghilan – 2000 years" magazine is abundant with photographs reflecting the history and modern life of Marghilan, the architectural places of sightseeing in the city, which demonstrate the goods of the applied arts and varieties of satin made by the Marghilan masters.
 

Uzbek President Islam Karimov signed a Law "On introducing changes and amendments to some legal documents of Uzbekistan in connection with the adoption of the law on mortgage", Uzbek Media reported.

The Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan approved the law on November 22, 2006, while Senate approved it on March 29, 2007.

The new law introduced clarifications to some legislative acts of Uzbekistan in connection with the adoption of the law on mortgage. In particular, the law amends Law "On pledge", Civil Code and Housing Code.
 

Uzbek President Islam Karimov signed a Law "On introduction of changes and amendments to Law "On security of road traffic", Uzbek media reported.

The Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan approved the law on December 21, 2006, while Senate approved it on March 29, 2007.

The new law introduced changes to names of some organizations in various clauses of the law.
 

Bunyodkor television club of National Association of Electronic Media (NAEM) hosted a roundtable entitled "Strengthening information content of non-governmental radio stations", UzReportcom reported.

Representatives of over 11 non-governmental radio stations attended the event.

Firdavs Abduhalikov, chairman of board of NAEM, said the association has great experience to support non-governmental electronic media and he added that representatives of over 150 radio and television studious underwent training this year,

He said that NAEM also works to develop non-governmental radio stations and organize seminars for them. The association helps non-governmental radio stations to purchase new equipments.

Sherzod Kudrathodjaev, Uzbek Prime Minister's Press Secretary, said journalists of local media do not show their professional skills in communication with press service of various organizations. He said that media can report on various events immediately quoting specialists, but Uzbek media are silent.

The meeting noted that almost all state bodies and local administrations have their press services and this allows local media to obtain correct information.
 

The Korea Herald, leading Korean newspaper in English, published an article on achievements of Uzbekistan in social-economic reforms, Pravda Vostoka newspaper reported.

The article entitled "Uzbekistan targets modernization, structural changes in economy" assesses development results of the country in 2006 and priorities for 2007.

Speaking about results for 2006, the report noted growth of GDP, decrease of tax burden and inflation level, increase of investments, almost half of which directed to modernize production and purchase new equipment. It also noted that growth of export and the country created 570,000 news jobs in 2006.

The report said further decrease of inflation rate, attraction of investments, development of services and creation of favourable conditions for businesses are among priorities for 2007. The country will also pay attention to improve life standards of population within The Year of Social Protection.

The government plans to increase salaries by 2.5 times in three years and increase share of small businesses in GDP to 50-52%.

The newspaper said 2007 was the year for wide-scale reforms, continuation of which becomes guarantee for sustainable development and achievements of goals.
 

China's Eximbank has prolonged till 2011 the validity of the agreement o­n allotment of the US$300 million export-crediting credit line to the National Bank for Foreign Economic Activity of the Republic of Uzbekistan, according to Jahon agency.

The Inter-bank Framework Agreement between the Chinese and Uzbek banks was signed in 2004 for the period till 2007.

Under its terms Eximbank of China pledged to extend a credit line to the NBU to finance the importation of Chinese technology and equipment.

Overall, 16 joint projects were planned for implementation with its help in areas such as power engineering, oil and gas, municipal services, social sphere, irrigation and infrastructure. The total value of these projects was put at US$598 million.

In 2006 the National Bank for Foreign Economic Activity of the Republic of Uzbekistan attracted from China's Eximbank credits to the tune of US$18.07 million towards the cost of three projects. To be more exact, US$8 million went to the reconstruction of Uzbektelekom Joint-Stock Company's telecommunication network; US$4.97 million was directed to establishing of a television-radio-broadcasting system based o­n satellite communication line and US$5.1 million was used to carry out land-reclamation measures in Bukhara, Navoi and Kashkadarya Provinces.

At a recent meeting the National Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Eximbank of China have signed two credit agreements for a total amount of US$15-93 million. The credit resources will be channeled to the acquisition and assembling of equipment for two small-scale hydropower plants: o­ne - at the Andijan Reservoir (US$10.03 million) and another - at the Akhangaran Reservoir (US$5,9 million).

According to the National Bank Press Service, till now some 30 leading foreign financial institutions extended their credit lines for the Uzbek bank to fund its export-import operations. In particular, in 2006, the NBU signed a number of bilateral agreements totaling US$80 million.

Founded in 1991, the National Bank for Foreign Economic Activity of the Republic of Uzbekistan is a universal commercial banking institution.
 

Both fans and experts of the professional boxing all around the world are impatiently waiting for the forthcoming April-14 fight for the WBA championship title in the German city of Stuttgart among the two super heavyweights – Ruslan Chagaev of the Republic of Uzbekistan and Nikolai Valuev of the Russian Federation.

According to experts, the battle among the prominent athletes, who have so far never left the boxing arena beaten, is considered to be as one of the most significant events of the world boxing this year.

As a rule, prior to such eminent standoffs the renowned masters attempt to evade various interviews for the press. However, Ruslan Chagaev manifested his deepest respect to the millions of fans in Uzbekistan and agreed for an exclusive interview for Jahon agency.

- Ruslan, the boxing fans all around the world as much as in Uzbekistan are impatiently waiting for your fight with the current WBA super heavyweight champion Nikolai Valuev of Russia. Uzbek fans are quite keen to know how are you being trained for the upcoming battle. How do you feel?

- The training goes o­n in two stages. First, we have been to the city of Schwerin. Alongside with my trainer Michael Timm we have held an intensive training, did a lot of running, heavy lifting, and other things. And, now we are in Hamburg, where we are busied with the last stage of tough preparations for the fight. For over the last two weeks we have been having the active sparring bouts.

- Ruslan, Nikolai overcomes you both in height and weight. Would that be difficult for you to deal with?

-Certainly, Valuev beats me both in height and weight, but I believe that doesn't grant him an absolute supremacy. Indeed, the fight with such fighter is a much hard task to deal with. But, we took that fact into account and therefore during our training bouts we had selected the physically similar partners alike to Nikolai. For instance, o­ne of the sparring fighters had a two-meter height but was much less in the weight than the Russian boxer. Still another o­ne was a two-meter high but weighed nearly 160 kg. So, I have been keenly preparing for the fight. Also, I have thoroughly learned Nikolai's fighting tactics. I will do my best to beat Valuev.

- How are you going to lead the fight?

- I am going to unveil the tactics right o­n the boxing ring.

- What would you like to say to your many-millions of fans in Uzbekistan?

- I address them my best hello. And I would like to thank them indeed for their constant support and attention to the forthcoming battle. O­n my part, I promise I will do best so that the state flag of my beloved Uzbekistan will fly high o­n April 14 in Stuttgart, and so that the world will know that Uzbekistan has its own super heavyweight professional boxing world champion!

Another eminent Uzbek boxer Arthur Grigorian is o­n the site to assist Ruslan in his training and all-round preparations for the April-14 face-off against Russia's Nikolai Valuev. Uzbek supporters of Chagaev now sincerely hope that Arthur's much expertise and skills will help Ruslan to earn the WBA super heavyweight belt.

- For over the many weeks we have been holding the tough training bouts for the forthcoming standoff, - Michael Timm, Ruslan Chagaev's head coach, has said in an interview. Ruslan has set a tactics for the future fight. I do hope that he will be able to realize it against the Russian super heavyweight. Until April 14 we are going to have several more 12-round training bouts. After that we believe Ruslan shall be fully fit to fight. He knows well the objective. Every day we are speaking to him of the victory and giving him confidence that he shall beat Nikolai, which would turn into the main victory in his life!

So, Michael's confidence gives Ruslan's fans much optimism to believe that they will raise their hands high in a week's time when the Uzbek boxer shall earn the WBA super heavyweight title!
 

Yuko Haga, the Japanese national, from the Japanese dance academy "Ort-dance" is reported to have been learning the Uzbek national dances for three months now, Jahon agency reported.

The newspaper writes that Ms. Haga has already learnt the basic elements of the Bukhara classical dance and other.

She says that yet from childhood she wanted to learn the art of the Uzbek dancing with its unrepeatable features in each individual area of the country.

The Khorezm dance of "Lazgi" is known for its inflammatory tones, while the dancing of the Ferghana Valley, southern areas of Kashkadarya and Surkhandarya are no less the mood-stirring.

"Given some performance differences they have all common features sometimes resembling the Japanese dances," Yuko Haga said, "and indeed the bright and colorful costumes can not but arouse more interest in the person".

All of that, according to the newspaper, is a connecting link of the two cultures, which unite the people of Uzbekistan and Japan.
 

Uzbek-Bulgarian Business Forum was held on April 4, 2007 at the Navoiy Hall of the International Business Centre, Tashkent, UzReportcom reported. The event was attended by the representatives of a number of ministries and agencies, companies of both countries operating in different industries, such as energy, banking and finance, transportation, tourism, agriculture, pharmaceutical, food, etc.

The Minister of Regional Development and Welfare of Bulgaria Asen Gagauzov told forum participants about the financial condition of the country, investment opportunities available, and the interest in resuming trade and economic relations between Uzbekistan and Bulgaria. Mr. Gagauzov said Bulgaria was intending to increase trade turnover with Uzbekistan to US$100 million.

Bulgarian delegation was represented by 6 companies engaged in the spheres of food production, metal-working, construction, organization and administration of exhibitions and fairs. After the business forum, the representatives of business circles of the two countries met to negotiate on the possibilities of cooperation.

The two events were conducted in the framework of the visit of the business delegation of Bulgaria to Uzbekistan. The visit was organised by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Uzbekistan. The aim of the visit was to establish contacts and develop relations with organizations, companies and enterprises of Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan's export to Bulgaria currently consists mainly of cotton, yarn, non-ferrous metals, mechanical equipment, the products of chemical and oil processing industries. Bulgaria, in turn, supplies medications, plastic, essential oils, confectionary, and accessories. Bilateral relations between the countries are based on around thirty documents signed at the intergovernmental and interdepartmental levels. Among them are agreements on the stimulation and ptrotection of investments, economic and scientific-technological cooperation.

The legislative base for trade and economic relations between Uzbekistan and Bulgaria was established during the official visit of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov to Bulgaria in June 1998.

In 2004 trade turnover between the countries made up US$13.26 million, which exceeds the results of the preceding year three times. During the reporting year export volumes increased 10 times to US$9.15 million. During the same period import increased by 38.3% to US$4.11 million. For the first time in four years, a trade balance surplus of US$5.04 million was recorded. The potential of the two countries to develop trade and economic cooperation further is great, as it is early to say that the available opportunities are being used at their fullest.

In 2006, trade turnover between the states made up US$4.13 million. The number of operating enterprises set up with participation of Bulgarian investors currently totals 20, of them 16 are joint ventures, 1 is 100% foreign company, and another 3 are enterprises with partial foreign investments.
 

The global fund for combating AIDS, TB and malaria has issued a US$13.8 million grant for five years to implement a national programme to fight TB in Uzbekistan, UzA reported.

A total of US$13.8 million will be attracted to fight TB in the country in the next five years. Work in this area is being carried out as part of the national programme on fighting TB, the priority aspects of which are the prevention, detection and medical treatment of TB among the population, the report said.

Experts note that the results of the implementation of the national programme have resulted in a rapid decrease in TB rate in recent two years, the report added.
 

Uzbek President Islam Karimov signed a Law of Uzbekistan "On ratification of protocol on integration of Central Asian Cooperation Organization [CAC] to Eurasian Economic Community [EurAsEC]", UzReportcom reported.

The protocol was signed in Minsk on 23 June 2006 and Legislative Chamber (lower house) of Oliy Majlis (parliament) of Uzbekistan approved the law on 28 February 2007. Senate of Oliy Majlis approved it on 30 March, 2007.

The document also listed several inter-governmental agreements on use of water-energy resources and create of Central Asian Cooperation and Development Bank.
 

A business delegation led by the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works of Bulgaria Asen Gagauzov is visiting Uzbekistan, Uzbek Media reported.

During the visit, the second session of the Uzbek-Bulgarian inter-governmental commission on trade and economic, scientific and technical cooperation took place in Tashkent, Uzbek radio first channel reported on April 3, 2007.

Uzbek President Islam Karimov visited Bulgaria in 1998 and 2003. Currently, 14 enterprises with Bulgarian investments are functioning in Uzbekistan.

Within the framework of the Bulgarian delegation's visit, an Uzbek-Bulgarian business forum and a cooperation exchange will take place on April 4, 2007.
 

Uzbek President Islam Karimov signed a Law of Uzbekistan "On ratification of agreement on nuclear free zone in Central Asia", Uzbek Media reported.

Central Asian foreign ministers signed this agreement in Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan, on September 8, 2006.

Legislative Chamber (lower house) of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan (parliament) passed the law on 26 January 2007, while Senate approved it on 30 March, 2007.

Head of Uzbekistan's mission to North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Isan Mustafaev handed over credentials to NATO's Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, Jahon reported.

Uzbek Foreign Ministry's Jahon news agency reported that the sides discussed issues of current affairs and perspectives of bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and NATO.

Isan Mustafaev is Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to Brussels and head of Uzbekistan's mission to NATO.

Senate (upper house) of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan (parliament) appointed Mr Mustafaev as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to Brussels and NATO on 1 December 2006.

Prior to appointment, Isan Mustafaev worked as first deputy foreign minister of Uzbekistan.
 

Young Uzbek Pop Star Iroda Dilroz is planning a tour around the world very soon with a new collection of her songs recorded in co-producership with a range of outstanding musical experts, UzReportcom reported.

"I am quite excited, - says Iroda when talking about her new tour. - Althought this is not something I am doing for the first time, the work with world's noted producers and composers overfils me with excitement and ...fear. Fear of not being able to justify the trust."

The tour is scheduled to start with a special visit to firstly CIS, then Europe and overseas subsequently. The new musical program of Iroda Dilroz features her new songs like "Ko'ngillar bog'landi" (Hearts got tied) and her current hits like "Tushunmaysan" (You never understand me) and "Eski shaharim" (My Old town). 
 

The first "Education Abroad – 2007" Exhibition was held on March 31 –April 1, 2007 at Dedeman Silk Road Hotel in Tashkent, UzReportcom reported.

The exhibition was organised by the Global Study Company with the support of the British Council and the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Uzbekistan.

The exhibition was intended for students wishing to learn foreign languages abroad, prepare for the entrance exams of Russian and other foreign universities, apply for internship aboard, and those seeking employment in foreign companies. It was also intended for those who wish to spend their summer vacations by combining recreation with learning foreign languages, excursions, and sports, or those planning to continue their education in Europe or the United States.

For several past years, the demand for foreign degrees has been growing steadily in Uzbekistan. The range of programmes offering education abroad is very diverse. They include summer courses, and programmes envisaging studying for a degree at foreign colleges an universities.

Educational facilities from around the world participated in the Education Abroad 2007. Among them were Thames Valley University (London), EF International School, INTO University Parnterships, MLS International College, Karlov College (Prague), Tech Music School (London), and others.

The exhibition is the first event of its kind in Uzbekistan. It was an opportunity for educator-participants to introduce themselves to the Uzbek population, and explain the advantages of foreign degrees. The visitors not only had the opportunity to speak directly to the representatives of the educational institutions, they could also receive advise from the representatives of the Association of Educational Agencies of Uzbekistan.

The Global Study Group has been successfully operating in the market of foreign educational programmes since 2002. It currently has offices in Tashkent and Samarkand. The company offers a wide range of programmes, among them are language courses, academic programmes at colleges and universities of more than 30 countries of the world. The company provides an opportunity for young men and women to study in London, New York, Sydney, Prague, Tokyo and other cities of the world. Individual approach is taken in selection of the study centre, course, its duration, and intensity that is best for you.
 

The European Union Centre of Information and Documentation was opened on the territory of the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (Tashkent), UzReportcom reported.

The Centre has been opened thanks to the joint efforts of the EuropAid Project "Support for the implementation of the Partnership & Cooperation Agreement between the European Union and the Republic of Uzbekistan – Phase III", the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan. The Centre will be financed by the Technical Assistance Programme of the EuropAid.

The EU Centre of Information and Documentation will store extensive information about the European Union, its relations with Uzbekistan, PCA between the European Union and Uzbekistan, World Trade Organisation, European Council. Today, the Centre works in the following major directions: publications, specialized library, events (trainings, seminars).

The Centre is equipped with office furniture, specialized literature, personal computers with Internet access, as well as other technology that may be helpful in gathering information within a short period of time. The Centre has all the conditions for effective work. Staff is prepared to help to find the necessary information and provide consultations.

The representatives of the EU member-states' embassies accredited in Uzbekistan, ministries and agencies of Uzbekistan, scientific and public figures attended the event.

Relations between Uzbekistan and the European Union were established with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Uzbekistan and European Commission in April 1992. On the 16 of November, 1994 diplomatic relations were established.

The embassy of Republic of Uzbekistan to Brussels was opened in January 1995. It now also performance the functions of Uzbekistan's mission in the European Council. The Office of the House of Europe in Uzbekistan was opened in August 2002. The Partnership and Cooperation Agreement remains the main document regulating the relations between the EU and Uzbekistan.
 

On the first day of the ninth plenary session of the Senate of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, the Senate discussed and approved the Law "On prophylactic of iodine-deficiency diseases", UzReportcom reported.

The law is intended to assist the liquidation of iodine-deficiency in the population of Uzbekistan and prevention of related diseases. In particular, the law envisages iodine-fortification of salt, food products, the use of medications, etc. Besides, the law establishes state control over the quality and safety of iodine-fortified salt and food products, supervision and monitoring of the prevalence of iodine-deficiency diseases and the efficiency of measures being taken to prevent them.

The World Health Organisation and the UNICEF are making efforts to promote the most efficient techniques for elimination of iodine-deficiency. One of such techniques is the iodine-fortification of salt. Table salt is not only a popular spice, it is also a vital element for human health. Although they make up only a small proportion of human body weight, minerals are essential to the functioning of the human body because as electrically charged ions, they are responsible for up to 95% of daily bodily functions. Table salt is an integral to the support of the balance of water and electrolytes. A component of salt, sodium plays an important part in the process of digestion, as it stimulates the activeness of different enzymes.

The most popular type of salt in households is rock salt. Its deposits form over millions of years as a result of drying up of ancient seas. Rock salt is extracted in three ways: in underground adits, in open-cast mines, and dissolving salt deposits and pumping up of the liquid.

Another type of salt is sea salt. Approximately 30% of salt produced around the world is produced through the evaporation of sea water. This type of salt contains sodium chloride as well as potassium chloride, magnesium carbonate, calcium sulfate, iron, boron, iodine, phosphorus and silicon. Experts promote the benefits of consumption (rational consumption!) of sea salt, in view of its richness in micronutrients and minerals.

There is also dietary salt. However, it can be rarely found in our market. This type of salt is quite popular among Americans. It is a substitute for regular table salt. It contains potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride.

And yet another type of salt is iodized salt, which is growing in popularity among the population of Uzbekistan. A feature which distinguishes it from the regular rock salt is the supplement of KIO3, or Potassium Iodide. This element is very important in the prevention of iodine deficiency in human body.

Among the diseases caused by iodine deficiency are thyroid disease, development disability, pregnancy pathologies, infant death, and cretinism.

Apart from this, it has been proved that iodine-deficiency leads to the development of cardio-vascular diseases, gastrointestinal disturbances, nervous system disorders, reproductive function in women, and sexual potency in men. An interesting thing to note is that for normal functioning, human body requires not more than one tea-spoon of pure iodine for the whole life. The daily dose thus makes up only 100 micrograms.

Iodized salt is good for all people of Uzbekistan without exceptions. It can bee consumed not only as a medication but together with food. Simply buy iodized salt instead of regular one when shopping.
 

An exhibition entitled "Education in Korea" took place at the Uzbek Art Academy on March 30-31, 2007, UzReportcom reported.

The exhibition was organized by Education Ministry of Korea, National Institute for International Education Development, Embassy of Korea in Uzbekistan and Korean Cultural Centre at technical support of YUSO-Design.

The event presented information about 30 universities in Korea and education system of the country overall.
 

A delegation led by president of Travel Agents Association of India (TAAI) visited Uzbekistan from 30 March to 2 April, 2007.

The delegation held a meeting with representatives of Uzbektourism, Ecosan, Ecosan-Tour and local tour operators at the Uzbek Foreign Ministry's Reception House. The meeting discussed development of tourism and ecotourism.

Yusuf Shadimetov, chairman of Ecosan, said India represents great interest in development of multisided cooperation for Uzbekistan.

Mr. Prasad, President of TAAI, and other members of Indian delegation said that India interested in development of cooperation in tourism and ecotourism.

The meeting presented information on opportunities in Uzbekistan for development of tourism and ecotourism, as well as unique natural objects, rich cultural-historic heritage and Uzbek national culture.
 

According to the State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan, manufactured cars at Joint-Stock Company UzDaewooAuto in January-February, 2007 has increased for 68 percent in comparison with the similar period of 2006 and has made up 21522 units.

In particular, the number of manufactured Nexias has made 11000 units (growth - 36,3 percent), Matiz - 7700 units (growth - 2,3 times), Damas - 1905 units (growth - 45,5 percent), Lacetti - 917 units (growth - 11,6 times), Uzbekistan Today reported.

In 2004, the company manufactured 70,000 cars instead of the planned 62,000. Half of all produced automobiles were exported.

Production of vehicles at the enterprise in 2006 grew for 38,7 percent in comparison with 2005, to 140 080 units. The number of manufactured cars on 2007 is planned to be at 180 thousand units.

By 2008, the company is expected to gradually reach the full designed capacity of 200,000 cars per year.

In May, 2005 Uzavtoprom JSC bought 50 percent of shares of Daewoo Motor in UzDaewooAuto joint venture for almost 110 million US dollars. In the mid-October of 2005 UzDaewooAuto prolonged the contract with General Motors on delivery of auto parts till 2010.

generation (2000), Year of women (1999), Year of family (1998), Year of human interests (1997).