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LATEST NEWS : August 2007

Joint session of Oliy Majlis (parliament) of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Cabinet of Ministers and the President's Office devoted to the country's 16th independence anniversary was held on 30th August 2007, UzA reported.

Deputies of the Legislative Chamber and members of Senate, representatives of the President's Office and the Cabinet of Ministers, heads of ministries and departments, chairman of Joqargy Kenges of Karakalpakstan, hokim (mayor) or Tashkent and hokims of regions participated in the meeting.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov made a report on "Uzbekistan: 16 years of independent development" at the session, in which he analyzed the country's development and achievements in the years of independence, and set tasks for the future.

President of Uzbekistan visited Shohidlar Khotirasi memorial complex in the early morning of Friday to honor the memory of victims of repressions, UzA reported. 31st August is annually celebrated in Uzbekistan as the Day of memory of repression victims.

The head of the state familiarized with the exhibition of the Museum of memory of repression victims here.

On the same day, President Karimov visited the Mustaqillik (Independence) Square and laid flowers to the Independence and Humanism Monument.

Representatives of the Parliament’s upper and lower chambers, the Cabinet, ministries and departments, as well as the public also laid flowers to the monument.

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office in Uzbekistan organized a training course in Tashkent, capital city of Uzbekistan, to increase the potential of software and systems development industry in the country.

The short-term training focused on project management issues and students of the Center of Training and Support of Young Programmers (CTSYP) participated in work of the event. UNDP's project "Assisting the government of Uzbekistan in formulation and implementation of ICT policy for development" (ICTP) organized the course, UzReportcom reported.

Modern software development projects are becoming increasingly more complex and integrated, growing not only sidewise, by incorporating many industries, but also demanding vertical and turnkey solutions that are mobilized to solve enterprise wide tasks. This demands from software engineers and other related practitioners to become an active members of system development efforts—designing and implementing various components that are crucial to success and, most importantly, deliver all requirements on time and with required level of quality. Hence, software industry practitioners should be well versed in a number of adjoining fields: project management, team building, systems and risks analysis, and etc.

The course was directed to assist CTSYP to bringing its curriculum to international requirements and trends in Systems Analysis, Project Management and Software Engineering and to enable the center to train skilled software development project managers.

The ICTP is planning to continue cooperation with the CTSYP to organize similar courses on IT management and development of manuals on free and open source software, as well as conduct other joint projects.

UNDP's project "Assisting the Government of Uzbekistan in the formulation and implementation of ICT for development policy" is aimed at supporting the development of ICT policy in Uzbekistan and facilitating use of ICT for achieving development goals.

German company Metro Group opened its representation in Tashkent, UzA reported.

Metro Group is one of the world’s largest companies dealing with trade of foodstuffs and consumer goods. Its trade network covers 30 countries.

Company representative told UzA Metro Group’s activities in Uzbekistan would be related to export of agricultural products.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov visited “Made in Uzbekistan” exhibition held at UzExpoCenter in Tashkent on 30th August, UzA reported.

The head of the state familiarized with automobile industry products presented at the exhibition, including those of UzDaewoo Auto company and Samarkand bus plant.

In the electronics section, President viewed equipment produced at Roison Electronics, Zenit Electronics, Sino and other companies – TV sets, audio and video appliances, refrigerators, conditioners, etc.

UzCable, Deutsche Kabel AG Tashkent, AndijanCable, UzElectroApparat, UMT-Radio and others presented their electro technical products.

Among the participants of the exhibition were such giants as UzMetKombinat, Navoi and Almalyk smelting combines, UzbekQishloqMash, UzElTekhSanoat and other companies.

The exhibition also featured agricultural, meat and dairy, textile and other products.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov familiarized with newly constructed objects in the city of Tashkent on August 28, UzA reported.

The head of the state got acquainted with the new 2.2-km road linking the capital’s Yunusabad and Mirzo-Ulughbek districts.

The construction of the road and the 16.5-m-high railway flyover started in February and was completed on 15 August.

The junction solved the problems related to trains crossing the road and ensured non-stop traffic of the motor and railway transport.

President Karimov also visited the new branch of the Russian state oil and gas university named after Gubkin in Tashkent.

University buildings occupying the territory of 10 ha were reconstructed during the works, which started early this year. The branch has a modern gym, a students’ house and a staff hotel.

The main goal of opening the Russian university’s branch in Tashkent is preparation of highly qualified specialists for the oil and gas sector.

President Karimov met students and professors of the university. More than 100 students have been accepted to the educational institution this year.

President Islam Karimov received deputy chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, foreign minister Rashid Meredov, who is on a visit to Uzbekistan, on August 29, 2007, UzA reported.

Welcoming the Turkmen official, President Karimov said his visit was a sign of developing relations between the two neighboring countries.

The sides discussed issues of further strengthening bilateral relations and fuller use of the available potential.

Rashid Meredov, in his turn, said Turkmenistan was interested in multilateral cooperation with Uzbekistan.

Uzbek and Turkmen people have lived in friendship and consent for ages. Leaders of the two states held a number of top-level meetings during the years of independence.

The present-day relations are based on the Agreement on friendship, cooperation and mutual support of 1996, and the Agreement on friendship, strengthening mutual trust and development of cooperation signed in 2004.

In 1996, Intergovernmental agreement on main directions of long-term trade and economic cooperation was signed between the two countries.

In June 2007, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov met President of Turkmenistan Gubranguli Berdimuhamedov at the informal CIS summit in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan made up USD 47 million in 2006, and USD 32.6 million in the first half of 2007. The main items of bilateral trade are foods and agricultural produce, organic and inorganic chemical products, construction materials, various equipment and others.

Relations between the two states are also developing in the humanitarian sphere.

On the same day, Rashid Meredov held talks with foreign minister of Uzbekistan Vladimir Norov. The sides considered the current state and perspectives of sociopolitical, economic and cultural relations between the countries.

Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan, the country's Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Vladimir Norov, UzA reported.

During the meeting, the parties noted that cooperation between the countries was developing steadily in all spheres of mutual interest. An important legal framework for this cooperation is served by the agreements reached at the meetings of the heads of the two states.

Foreign Ministers also discussed that current condition and future prospects of the socio-political, trade and economic, and cultural relations between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.

Heads of foreign embassies in Uzbekistan laid flowers to the Monument of Independence and Humanism at the Independence Square in Tashkent on 28th August 2007, UzA reported.

The diplomats also familiarized with the Senate building located here and the work of the Uzbekistan Parliament’s upper chamber.

Ambassador of Russia Farit Mukhametshin told UzA: “Uzbekistan has achieved great success in all spheres after attaining independence, including the socioeconomic, educational and parliamentarian spheres. Your country has a great economic potential. I am convinced allied relations between our states will continue strengthening.”

Ambassador of Germany Matthias Meyer said: “I am satisfied with the development of cooperation between our countries in all fields. I believe German-Uzbek relations will continue expanding.”

Turkmenistan’s Ambassador Soltan Pirmuhamedov said: “The Monument of Independence and Humanism is a unique complex, reflecting the peace-loving policy of Uzbekistan and noble aspirations of the Uzbek people. I hope mutual friendship and brotherhood, which linked our people for ages, will strengthen further.”

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov participated in the celebrations of the 2750th anniversary of the city of Samarkand on August 25, 2007, UzA reported.

Officials, representatives of foreign embassies, international organizations, participants of the sixth international music festival “Sharq Taronalari” (“The Melodies of Orient”), tourists and others participated in the celebrations held at the city’s Registan Square.

Greeting the ceremony participants, Islam Karimov congratulated them and all people of Uzbekistan with the 2750th jubilee of Samarkand. He also welcomed the participants of the “Sharq Taronalari” festival, which opened on the same day.

“Sharq Taronalari” has been held since 1997 on the initiative of the President and is included in the UNESCO list of international cultural events. It serves to uniting nations through music, promoting unique samples of national musical art, as well as preserving and developing musical traditions.

Representatives of more than 50 countries are participating in this year’s festival, compared to 32 states in the event’s first year.

UNESCO General Conference adopted a decision to celebrate Samarkand’s 2750th anniversary at its 33rd session on 20 October 2005. On 25 July 2006 President of Uzbekistan signed a corresponding Resolution on celebrating the city’s jubilee this year.

In accordance with the general plan of development of Samarkand until 2025, Registan square has been fully restored, and historical building Chorsu has been reconstructed.

While in Samarkand, President Karimov familiarized with the reconstructed and newly built objects in the city. One of such objects is Shakhi Zinda complex, repaired and reconstructed during 2005-2006.

On the place of Chuqur Bozor market, Green Square was created, and an adjacent car road was fully repaired. A garden replaced industrial buildings of Zarafshon company, and a fountains alley was laid at Ruhobod square.

The new small ring road linked Gur Emir mausoleum, Registan square, Jome mosque, Bibikhanum and Shakhi Zinda madrassahs, as well as Ulugbek observatory.

Apart from new parks and gardens, streets and roads, tens of new objects were built and repaired in the framework of preparation to Samarkand’s jubilee.

Among the reconstructed buildings are Khamid Alimjan musical drama theater, Russian Chekhov Drama Theater, the airport and the railways station. A number of medical institutions were built, gas supply was improved in 45 mahallas (neighborhoods) in the old part of the city and energy supply in 53 mahallas.

The head of the state praised the building and reconstruction works in the city. “There are not many such magnificent and ancient complexes like Shakhi Zinda in the world. Our duty is to protect them and preserve them in their original look for the coming generations,” Islam Karimov said.

President of the UNESCO General Conference Musa Bin Jaafar Bin Hassan, speaking at the celebrations, highly evaluated the role of Samarkand in the world civilization, its contribution to development of science and culture and the importance of the “Sharq Taronalari” musical festival.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov participated in the opening ceremony of the new railway line Tashguzar-Baysun-Kumkurgan on August 24, 2007, UzA reported.

The launch of the 223-km railway line will serve to socioeconomic development of the southern Kashkadarya and Surkhandarya regions and the country’s transport communications in general.

The line, crossing Hissar mountain range at 1,800 meters above sea level, has allowed reducing the distance for passenger and cargo transportations by 170 km.

The uniqueness of the line is also in the fact that it is important for the development of the whole region and the revival of the ancient Great Silk Road. The railway should lead to reduction of the cost and increase of the volume of cargo transportations between Uzbekistan and the Eurasian states via Afghanistan.

The volume of excavation works during the 33-months-long and USD 447-million project made up 52.5 million cubic meters, half of which was rock drilling and detonation.

Together with the railway line, related infrastructure and communications were created, including modern railway stations, locomotive depots, technical service stations and electricity networks.

Six world-standard railway stations were built along the line – Tashguzar, Dekhkanabad, Baysun, Kumkurgan, Okrabot and Darband.

President of Uzbekistan arrived at Dekhkanabad station on the first train and familiarized with the building and its facilities.

At the meeting with builders and residents of the adjacent villages, the head of the state spoke about the strategic importance of the new line, in particular, its role in increasing export and transit potential of Uzbekistan.

The oasis the railway line crosses is rich in natural resources like oil, gas, common salt, potassic salt, coal, haydite, detritus, limestone, gypsum, complex ore and others. Currently, construction of the potassic fertilizers plant is underway near the Dekhkanabad station.

According to Uzbekistan Railways company, a total of 609 objects were built along the Tashguzar-Baysun-Kumkurgan line, including 564 culvert constructions and 43 bridges. On the Bekhkanabad-Baysun part alone, 31 bridges were raised.

Islam Karimov familiarized with the bridge over Konsoy near Qoradahna village (Dekhkanabad district), which is 45 meters high and 234 meters long.

Tens of modern cottages were built for people working on the new railway line. A school for 216 students was constructed at Darband station, and a sports complex at Dekhkanabad station.

President of Uzbekistan also visited Okrabot station, located at the highest point of the railway line.

The solemn opening ceremony of the railway line was held at Darband station (pictured above). The head of the state congratulated and thanked those who participated in the construction works, including foreign partners.

One day earlier, on 23 August, President Islam Karimov signed a decree awarding the participants of construction of the Tashguzar-Baysun-Kumkurgan railway line.

Almost 50 people received titles “Honorary builder of Uzbekistan” and “Honorary transport worker of Uzbekistan”, orders “Fidokorona khizmatlari uchun”, “Mehnat shuhrati” and “Dostlik”, and medals “Shuhrat”. One person was awarded the title of the “Hero of Uzbekistan”.

The total length of the railway lines of Uzbekistan comprises over 4,000 km. Some 70% of all cargo transportations and 80% of export-import cargo transportations in the country are made through railways.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed a decree on August 22, 2007 on awarding the participants of construction of the 223-km-long Toshguzar-Boysun-Qumqurgon railway line, UzA reported.

According to the document, almost 50 people received titles “Honorary builder of Uzbekistan” and “Honorary transport worker of Uzbekistan”, orders “Fidokorona khizmatlari uchun”, “Mehnat shuhrati” and “Dostlik”, and medals “Shuhrat”.

By another decree of the President, machinist of 166th machine station of Uzbekistan Railways company Khamza Mahkamov was awarded the title of the “Hero of Uzbekistan”.
 

Iran's First Vice President Parviz Davoudi cabled a message on August 23, 2007 to Uzbek Premier Shavkat Mirziyayev to felicitate him, the Uzbek government and nation on the country's Independence and National Day, IRNA reported.

According to the Presidential Office, in his message, Davoudi expressed the hope that the two sides' relations would further expand through firm determination and supports of both sides' officials.

A group of young citizens of Uzbekistan received certificates of admission to Russian universities and institutes in a special ceremony at the Embassy of Russia in Tashkent on August 22, 2007, UzReportcom reported. The study expenses will be covered from the Federal Budget of the Russian Federation.

Within the frame of the Russian-Uzbek cooperation in the field of education, every year the Government of the Russian Federation provides scholarships to the citizens of Uzbekistan, which cover the expenses of studying for the jobs in high demand in Uzbekistan. This year, scholarships have been awarded to 180 undergraduate and postgraduate students.

During the past year active measures were taken to inform upper-class students, their teachers and parents of the scholarship programme. The information on the number of scholarships being issued, the study programmes, and the application forms were published in press and on the websites of the Embassy of the Russian Federation, the office of the Russian Foreign Centre in Uzbekistan and the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialised Education of Uzbekistan.

The organizers conducted meetings with students, and presentations describing Russian universities. When selecting candidates, special attention was given to the support of talented youth, who have demonstrated their best at the city, national, and international contests and Olympiads.

At the final selection round, the candidates took a special test conducted by the Commission which included the representatives of the Embassy of Russia, Russian Foreign Centre, Republican Russian Cultural Centre, the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialised Education of Uzbekistan.
 

On August 23, 2007 the study and methodological literature of the UNDP "Improving tax administration in Uzbekistan" Project were handed over to the library of the Tax Academy in an official ceremony at the Academy's Information Centre, UzReportcom reported.

The representatives of the State Tax Committee of Uzbekistan, UNDP, and media were invited to attend.

To assist the government of Uzbekistan in the modernization of the tax administration system, in 2005 the UNDP launched a project titled "Improving tax administration in Uzbekistan". One of the areas of the project's activity involves preparing and improving the professional skills of the members of the State Tax Committee in the field of tax administration, assisting the Tax Academy of Uzbekistan in raising the professionalism of the tax service officers, and enhancing the study programmes and courses.

Opening the ceremony, the Rector of the Tax Academy E. Gadoev said "We are greatful to the UNDP for the assistance in strengthening the resource base of the Academy and highly appreciated the efforts the organization has constributed to the implementation of the complex programme on improvement of the study process."

In total, the Tax Academy has received about 135 books, textbooks, manuals and discs on taxation, tax administration, audit, accounting, etc. The administration of the Tax Academy expressed its interest in further development of cooperation.

Following the ceremony, participants of the ceremony and the representatives of the UNDP familiarized with the Information Resources Centre of the Tax Academy.

Improving Tax Administration in Uzbekistan Project entails the following activities:

- Analysis of tax administration legal foundations and tax administration practices and development of recommendations for improving its mechanism.

- Development of a software package to enable the State Tax Committee (STC) of Uzbekistan to receive tax reporting electronically for subsequent processing.

- Upgrade of STC staff's tax administration skills and assistance to the STC's Tax Academy to improve its curricula and courses.

Another important aspect of improving the effectiveness of tax administration is equipping tax bodies with modern information technology to enable them to collect and process tax information with significantly greater efficiency and speed. Making greater use of information technology in tax administration practices will lower costs for businesses and the government alike while making the taxation process more transparent.

Effective tax administration is not feasible without highly qualified staff. Tax bodies' staffs must be provided the latest knowledge and skills needed to work effectively in new conditions. Hence, the third essential aspect of improving the tax administration system is an educational component.
 

Many foreign tourists participated in the traditional “Melon festival” at the Samanid’s Park in the city of Bukhara, the UzA reported. “Last year I tasted a sort of melon namely “Burikalla” at such event”, - the guest from Portugal Maria Gonzales has said.

“The melon is also grown in Portugal, but its taste is different from yours. I am very glad that my current trip again coincided with this interesting event. Your sunny country, hospitable and kindly people once again brought me here”.

Over 100 farms offered nearly 70 sorts of these sweet melons. The event, which has lasted for three days, showed that concrete work undertaken in the sphere of development the melon-growing, as well as research on rehabilitation of melons on the brink of extinction or have disappeared bear high results.
 

A large-scale campaign to encourage and support women's initiatives is underway in Uzbekistan, UzReportcom reported. A guide in this action is the Presidential Decree "On additional measures to support the activity of Women's Committee of Uzbekistan" of 25 May 2004.

Extensive opportunities being created for the development of entrepreneurship contribute to the activation of women's as entrepreneurs too. Special attention is being given to the protection of the interests of farms being headed by women.

This topic was addressed at the seminar on improvement of the managerial skills of women-farmers and enhancement of their leadership qualities held at the Tashkent State Agrarian University.

Of the 212,000 farms operated in Uzbekistan, over 17,000 are headed by women. That is why the improvement of their professional skills and knowledge of business and economy, assistance in the supply of raw materials, and enhancement of the quality of products produced are receiving an increasingly high attention.

The roundtable with participation of heads and representatives of more than 50 tourist firms and companies, who operate in Germany, was held at the Uzbekistan Embassy in Berlin, Jahon Agency reported. The main goal of the meeting was to promote more flow of tourists to Uzbekistan.

Within the framework of the event the presentation of the Uzbek tourist potential has also been held. The participants got acquainted with the measures now undertaken by the government of the country to better the tourist infrastructure, revive the unique traditions, restore and preserve the ancient architectural monuments.

Those gathered have also been informed on the investment climate in Uzbekistan, privileges and preferences offered for the foreign businesses, as well as the investment projects in the sphere of improving the tourist infrastructure.

The films “Historical places of worth in Uzbekistan” and “Tashkent is the capital of Islamic culture” have been demonstrated at the event. It helped the German businessmen to expand their views on Uzbekistan.

The participants believed it was an interesting idea to organize thematic tours, for instance for such specialists as ethnographers, historians and architects. The value of such trips is that their materials may be used in the regular lectures and meetings with perspective tourists.

No less interesting was the idea on organizing a sports marathon along the ancient cities of Uzbekistan on the Great Silk Road. According to the business people in the area of tourism, the German lovers of such sports will worthily assess its attractiveness, which combines the opportunity to compete and get acquaint with the world known cities of Uzbekistan.
 

The ancient Margilan, where the grand preparations to mark its 2000th jubilee are now underway, becomes nicer and younger on the eve of such commemoration. Not only the Uzbek fellow countrymen underscore it, but also the foreign tourists, who express their sincere admiration with one of the best cities in Uzbekistan, the UzA reported.

Puta Merry Nadine of France:

Before I have read a lot about Marghilan. Therefore I dreamt for a long time to see it on my own. When I had an opportunity to visit this wonderful city, see its historical places, feel the hospitality and modesty of people, I was excited.

Especially I was amazed of the handicraft goods and gracious atlas fabrics. Each day I have spent in this beautiful city I will remember it forever. When I return to France then I certainly will tell to my friends about Uzbekistan, its wonderful cities, kind and generous people.

Safohon Tura Margiloniy of Saudi Arabia:

Marghilan is the Homeland of my ancestors and I was born here. During the former Soviet regime my parents were subjected to repressions and by will of the fate had found themselves in alien lands. Before I have dreamt to visit Uzbekistan. Since Uzbekistan gained its independence almost every year I visit Marghilan.

I am astonished of the scale of creative works now undertaken o­n the eve of the 2000th anniversary of Marghilan. I am already 90. In my old age I have realized that o­ne feels the true love for the Homeland o­nce he is far away from it. I am feeling the thankfulness to my fate for I have become a witness of Marghilan’s happiest days.
 

Ambassador of China to Uzbekistan Yuy Khunczun held negotiations with Minister of foreign economic relations, investments and trade of Uzbekistan Elyor Ganiyev on August 23, 2007 in Tashkent, UzA reported.

The sides considered issues of development and implementation of joint projects. They noted that relations between Uzbekistan and China were steadily developing in sociopolitical, economic and humanitarian fields.

The two officials signed Exchange notes between the governments of Uzbekistan and China, according to which China will issue an interest-free credit of USD 6.2 million for the project of reconstruction of Karakul district pumping station in Bukhara region.

Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and China comprised USD 698 million in 2006. In the first half of 2007, the figure increased by 92% against the same period of 2006.
 

MTS-Uzbekistan, the largest mobile operator in Uzbekistan continues to develop its services to meet and exceed customer expectations. The company has recently announced the introduction of a new tariff plan "We", UzReportcom reported.

The "We" plan is simply and easy, most attractive for those who often calls friends and close ones. All incoming calls within the network are free, and outgoing calls within the network are rated at 2 cents a minute. The subscription fee is 3 cents a day. The calls to fixed phones in Uzbekistan are rated at 3 cents a minute.

Another good news is that the company has introduced new free services based on the new USSD technology – Balance, Call Me Back, and Express Payment Card Activation.

For the convenience of the subscribers, MTS-Uzbekistan makes the operations such as checking the balance and adding money to the balance even faster. It is now also possible to notify another subscriber that you are waiting for his/her call.

1. Balance service is for obtaining the information on the account balance. To check the balance simply dial and call *100#, and in response you will receive the requested information. Now the subscribers do not even have to type an SMS, a method used previously. This option too, however, is kept.

2. Call Me Back service is for those who want another subscriber of MTS-Uzbekistan to call them. To do so the subscriber needs to dial: *110*the number of the subscriber you want to call you in the international format#. For example dial *110*998971300909#, where 99897 is the code of MTS subscribers in Tashkent city. The subscriber of the 1300909 telephone number will receive a message saying "Subscriber of asks you to call him".

3. Express Payment Card Activation service provides a new optional way of activating an MTS express payment card. Previously the subscribers could only send SMS to do so. Now they can simply call: *101*serial number and PIN code of the card# and in response the system will notify the subscriber of the fact that a certain amount has been added to his/her account.

And yet in addition to these news, MTS-Uzbekistan has announced that on 15 August it introduced a new system of rating for the calls within an international roaming.

MTS-Uzbekistan is an absolute leader in terms of the number of countries its subscribers can travel too and continue to use MTS services. For the convenience of its clients, MTS-Uzbeksitan has introduced a simplified system of rating of calls within international roaming. Now all countries where MTS-Uzbekistan has roaming partners are divided into 7 zones: group of MTS companies, Central Asia, CIS, Europe, Asia, Africa and America, other countries.

The call rating is the same within each zone regardless of what partner-company MTS-Uzbekistan has in a particular country or region. Now traveling and staying online has become easier and more convenient!
 

A delegation of Turkish entrepreneurs will visit Tashkent on 26-29 August, UzReportcom reported. The visit is being organised by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce of Uzbekistan with the assistance of the Black Sea & Caspian Park Media & Consultancy Co.

Among the members of the delegation will be the managers of six largest Turkish companies engaged in the spheres of energy and oil and gas, agriculture, cattle breeding, engineering services, telecommunication, security systems production, etc.

On 28 August, a cooperation exchange will be held between the businessmen of the two countries in the Turkuaz hall of the Radisson SAS Tashkent Hotel.
 

More than 30 new jobs were crated at the Uzbek-Russian Mos-Yan-Teks Joint Venture after the installation of new equipment, UzA reported.

The enterprise specialized in the production of knits employs over 70 women. The company's products have found demand in the local and foreign markets. Last year, the enterprise exported about 80% of its products for the total amount of some 200 million soums.

"The new equipment allows us to expand the scale of production and to increase export volumes," said the head of the company Akram Haydarov. "We are currently taking measures to attract home-based workers, and diversify the products."
 

A training week was organized for specialists on effective use of the Environmental Information System for Uzbekistan (EIS-UZ) last month. The event was held at the EcoGIS Centre of Tashkent Institute of Irrigation and Melioration, UzReportcom reported.

It should be noted that this system is capable of processing and analyzing the data of environmental monitoring, revealing the tendencies appeared in the environment within certain periods of time and determining the main environmental problems.

The EIS-UZ includes the Environmental Information Database (EIDB), its website and the Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The system was developed by the joint project of the Government of of Uzbekistan and UNDP - "Enhancement of the environmental indicators database with GIS application to monitor the state of the environment in Uzbekistan".

Representatives of ministries and state agencies dealing with the issues of monitoring and assessment of the state of environment and management of the natural resources attended this training.

The main aim of the training was to instruct the specialist-users to effectively manage the EIS integrated into the GIS. It was important for the project to share the knowledge with national specialists because, after the project's completion by the end of this year, the EIS-UZ will be run by the State Committee on Nature Protection (SCNP). In its turn the SCNP together with other State Agencies will be responsible for the maintenance of the system including updating the environmental data and base map data, to manage and create new supplementary software and scenarios to interpret the data as well as to put these data analysis results onto maps.

The theoretical part of the training programme consisted of chapters "Technical description of the system", "Functions and capabilities of the system", "What is GIS and does it work?", "Using the EIDB-ArcGIS interface", "Using the Metadatabase" and other. Each theoretical lecture was supplemented by practical work.

As a result, the training participants have studied the structure and components of the EIS-UZ, Environmental Indicators Database (EIDB) and its functionality; they have learned how to work with the EIDB using various result formats of a search. They also have studied the principles of GIS and learned to create modern chronological maps on the state of the environment using the environmental indicators data.
 

Upon the initiative of Ferghana region administration and local department of the Republican Center of Spirituality a number of books dedicated to the 2000th anniversary of Marghilan has been published, Jahon quoted UzA.

The books shed light on the past of the ancient city, works of the representatives of science and arts who lived then, as well as traditions of the reviving national handicrafts and the present day of Marghilan, according to the report.

In the book "Places of worth of the ancient Marghilan" by historians Nadira Abdulakhadova and Uktam Eshanbabaev the authors dwell o­n monuments of the bygone days.

The collection "Followers of Uvaisiy" includes the works of young poets and writers, who now live in Marghilan.

The collections – "Happiness of love" and "My pearly Marghilan" also have been issued.

The books published on the eve of jubilee of Marghilan will enrich the information and resource centers in the cities and districts of the province.
 

A press conference for the representatives of mass media dedicated to the preparations to hold the Sixth International Music Festival "Sharq taronalari" and the 2750th anniversary of Samarkand was held at the main square of the city in Registan, Jahon reported.

The participants of the event spoke about the fact that the festival, which is now held for the sixth time gives all of them an opportunity to demonstrate the rich cultural heritage of the Uzbek people, its centuries-old traditions and customs. The participants and guests of the festival are becoming eyewitnesses of the profound reforms underway in the country. The forthcoming festival will demonstrate the continuity of generation. The program of jubilee festivals will also be distinguished with its originality.

It includes in the performances of masters of Arts of Uzbekistan, folklore and popular music groups, which demonstrate the glorious history of the city and uniqueness of the Samarkand people.

The shows are going to take all around the perimeter of the Registan Square.
 

The Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan with financial and technical support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Uzbekistan on August 20, 2007 started the series of trainings on building up and upgrading skills of health care providers involved in emergency obstetric care, UzA reported.

This training is an integral part of the joint initiative of the Ministry of Health and UNFPA on strengthening the system of emergency obstetric care in Andijan region.

The training takes place in the Republic Perinatal Centre in Tashkent and in the Andijan Region Maternity Complex. It is planned that more than 250 health care providers will be trained in the course of the training. This comprises over 66% of the total amount of health care providers in the province working in the area of emergency obstetric care.

The training courses are delivered by national trainers prepared by the international consultant during the training of trainers (ToT) that was jointly organized by UNFPA and the Ministry of Health in July 2007. They aim at discussing ways of improving the management of obstetrical emergencies which may help standardize the skills of practicing maternity care providers and review the importance of utilizing regional maternity care services.

Prior to starting these training programmes that are part of the project on improving the system of emergency obstetric care in Andijan province, UNFPA and the Ministry of Health held a two-day orientation meeting on emergency obstetric care and contraceptives logistics management information system (LMIS) in Andijan on 16-17 August 2007. Health care system representatives gathered in the meeting to discuss the current issues in the area of emergency obstetric care, perspectives for further cooperation on EMOC and LMIS, and launch the training programmes for health care providers from Andijan province.

UNFPA believes that this activity is a significant contribution in the efforts of the Ministry of Health on further strengthening maternal health in the country and achieving Millennium Development Goal 5.

UNFPA is an international development agency that promotes the right of every woman, man and child to enjoy a life of health and equal opportunity. UNFPA supports countries in using population data for policies and programs to reduce poverty and to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, every young person is free of HIV/AIDS, and every girl and woman is treated with dignity and respect.
 

On August 17, 2007 the parliamentary Deputy Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the lawmaker at the national parliament Ms. Midori Matsushima met with the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Minister of Higher and Secondary Special Education Rustam Kasymov, the UzA reported.

During talks the sides are reported to have noted that between Uzbekistan and Japan were consistently developing the ties in all spheres, in particular in the area of science, education, culture and health. The agreements achieved at the meetings of the leaders of both countries serve as an important legal basis in this.

Ms. Matsushima highly assessed the large-scale works now underway in Uzbekistan under the leadership of the Uzbek Leader in the development of economy, science, education, culture, and especially the achievements in the sphere of health. The sides have said that the relations between the two countries were developing in accordance with the Joint statement on friendship, strategic partnership and cooperation.

During the negotiations the sides comprehensively exchanged views on working out and implementation the joint mutually beneficial projects, according to the report.

On the outcomes of the meeting the project “On supplying with medical equipments the Scientific and research institute of midwifery and gynecology” has been signed between the governments of Uzbekistan and Japan. This document foresees ensuring the surgery and diagnostics departments of the said institute with technical equipments.

The same day Ms. Matsushima held negotiations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
 

Parliamentary delegation of Israel headed by Knesset Vice-Speaker Amnon Cohen is on a visit in Uzbekistan. On 20 August, the delegation held talks with the Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis Erkin Khalilov, UzA reported.

The sides considered the current state and perspectives of inter-parliamentary cooperation between Uzbekistan and Israel.

Amnon Cohen said the two countries were successfully cooperating in political, economic and humanitarian fields. “We are interested in further strengthening of the bilateral friendly relations,” he said.

On the same day, the Israeli delegation held negotiations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry for Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of Uzbekistan.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov arrived in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan on August 15, 2007 to participate in the session of the Council of heads of states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), UzA reported.

On this day, President Islam Karimov held talks with President of the People’s Republic of China Hu Jintao, and they discussed the state and perspectives of bilateral relations, as well as cooperation within the SCO.

Mutual trust between Uzbekistan and China is strengthening, and this factor makes a positive influence on development of cooperation, Islam Karimov said at the meeting.

Hu Jintao said he considered Islam Karimov a close friend of China, and stressed that the President of Uzbekistan had greatly contributed to development of bilateral relations.

The two leaders said the cooperation between Uzbekistan and China was developing in accordance with the Interstate friendship and partnership agreement signed in 2005.
 

Uzbek President Islam Karimov spoke at the SCO Summit in Kyrgyzstan. The President emphasized that SCO was growing in importance as a centre for fright against international extremism, terrorism and drug trade, UzA reported.

"We cannot be undisturbed by the situation in Afghanistan, by the growing production and trafficking of drugs. Afghanistan's stability should not be sought in further militarization of the country, but in the solution of its internal social problems," he said.

President Karimov emphasized the importance of the agreement on the long-term good neighbourly relations and cooperation. "Central Asia's reputation increases as the importance of its vast natural resource potential rises. The decisions on the use of the transborder water resources should be made jointly, otherwise we will face an ecological catastrophe. As many as 50 million people depend on the ration use of water resources," he said.

"This Summit and the decisions it reaches will become a new landmark in the development of joint actions and maintenance of security in the countries of the SCO," President Karimov said closing his speech.
 

Dozens of Islamic scholars, religious leaders, and public figures gathered in the Uzbek capital Tuesday to celebrate the Central Asian country's centuries-old Muslim heritage, UzReportcom reported.

The conference followed Tashkent's designation as the 2007 "capital of Islamic culture" by the Islamic Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, an international body based in the Moroccan capital Rabat.

In a statement issued to the conference participants, Uzbek President Islam Karimov said the event would demonstrate "what a large contribution our people and nation have made to the development of Islamic culture."

Scholars' presentations focused on ancient Uzbekistan's role as a bridge linking East and West via the Great Silk Road, before the maritime routes were opened.

Participants also visited a newly-reconstructed religious complex in Tashkent's old city, including restored 16th-century buildings and a massive new mosque that was built in a matter of months.

The complex also includes the library of Uzbekistan's Muslim Council, which contains one of the oldest-known copies of the Koran.

On Wednesday, the conference moved to the Great Silk Road town of Samarkand, home to numerous landmarks of Islamic architecture.
 

Seminar titled "Exposition of museums: modern practice and opportunities" was held in Tashkent. The heads of the leading museums of Karakalpakstan, regions and Tashkent city, and scientists participated in the event organised on the initiative of the Ministry of Culture and Sport, UzA reported.

During the seminar it was noted that large-scale work to improve the activity of museums and strengthen their financial-technical base is being carried out in the country on President Karimov's initiative.

Thus, the Presidential Decree of 12 January 1998 "On fundamental improvement and enhancement of the activity of museums" draws attention to the careful treatment of the rare historical artifacts kept in national museums, their examination, promotion abroad, as well as preparation and training of qualified specialists in the field, improvement of their professional skills.

Today, over 90 museums operate in Uzbekistan. Many of them, particularly historical, local history, art, literary-memorial museums belong to the system of the Ministry of Culture and Sport. Over half a million artifacts are kept in them.

"For years, the museum was located in an old building," the Director of the Local History Museum of Karshi Bahodir Mamadiev said. "Thanks to the attention the sphere has received, the building has finally been repaired and given a new look. It now has the world-standard technology and conditions for keeping and protecting historical monuments. That is why our museum has become a scientific-educational hearth, which is now being visited by an growing number of local visitors and foreign guests."

During the seminar reports were delivered on the topics concerning the strategy of organising the activity of museums, the principles of forming new museum expositions, and others.
 

The symbolic key of the capital of Islamic culture was awarded to Tashkent on 14 August during the international scientific conference titled "Uzbekistan's contribution to the development of Islamic culture", UzA reported.

During the forum it was noted that the Great Silk Road that for centuries connected the East and the West passed through the territory of today's Uzbekistan. The country is famous as a crossroad of different civilizations and cultures, that has contributed greatly to the world civilization. The people of Uzbekistan value Islamic religion and Islamic civilization as an integral part of the world civilization, human development and culture, as an important criteria of the spiritual-moral sophistication of a man, his understanding of the timeless values, such as peaceful life, international and inter-religious agreement, mutual respect.

The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, the Secretary-General of the Arab League Amr Moussa, the representative of the ISESCO Mustafa Ahmad Ali, the representative of the UNESCO General Conference Musa Bin Jaafar Bin Hassan, the Director of the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art, and Culture (IRCICA) Halit Eren, the Minister of Higher Education of Kuwait, the Chairman of the National Commission for ISESCO, ALESCO, UNESCO Ms. Nouriya Subeeh Barrak Al-Subeeh, the Minister of Justice and Minister of Awqaf (Waqf) and Islamic Affairs Dr. Abdullah Al-Maatouq participated in the ceremony.

They noted that the conference organised on the occasion of the pronouncement of Tashkent the capital of Islamic Culture in 2007 will give an opportunity to the world community to closely familiarize with the ancient and rich heritage of the Uzbek nation, and serve for the strengthening of cooperation and mutual trust between the civilizations.

The Head of the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization (ICRO) Mahmoud Mohammadi Araqi, the Director of the Iranian Center for Research on Russia, Central Asia, and Caucasus Mehdi Sanoi awarded the symbolic key to the capital of Islamic Culture to the khokim (mayor) of Tashkent city A. Tuhtaev.

As the International Scientific-Practical Conference “Uzbekistan’s contribution to the development of Islamic civilization” moved to Samarkand on the next day of its opening and work in Tashkent the Jahon Agency spoke to the participants of the forum while they had arrived in Tashkent to take part in such a grand event.

Editor-In-Chief of the “Al-Alamiya”newspaper (Kuwait) Salah Gadr Sajeed Sultan visited Uzbekistan just a month ago.

After returning to my Homeland, my phone kept ringing, - the Kuwaiti journalist has recalled. – My electronic mailbox was full with letters from my friends and close people: all of them wanted to know more about Uzbekistan and the locally prevailing attitude towards religion, traditions and culture. I told them with a great pleasure what I have seen in Uzbekistan, about the attention and care rendered to the history, traditions and religion.

We have visited the “Khazrati Imam” Complex, where we saw the sacred Usman Koran. We were impressed by how carefully this invaluable treasure of the Muslim world has been treated to in Uzbekistan. We have come to realize that this sacred book is in reliable hands.

Uzbekistan is an ocean of the cultural heritage for the Islamic world. The care shown by President Islam Karimov to the education, science and culture, preservation of traditions and history of the Uzbek people deserves much appraisal. The policy of the Uzbek leadership in this area is worth of high assessment and serving as a model for other countries in the Muslim world.

I would like to note that Tashkent has deserved the title of the capital of Islamic culture even thousand years ago. I am sure that it is worthy of bearing this title with a pride and glorifying Uzbekistan and Islamic civilization all over the world.

Reporter the Egyptian newspapers “Al- Masaiyya” and “As- Siyasiy” Muhammad Salama has highly assessed the holding of conference dedicated to the announcement of Tashkent the capital of Islamic Culture in 2007. He has believed, the conference drew much interest in Egypt and other countries of the Arab East, where the contribution of the Uzbek people and the great scholars to the development of Islamic science and civilization is highly regarded.

- Our newspapers wrote about the conference several times. They are going to broadly cover its outcomes, he added.

The participants of the International scientific-practical conference “The contribution of Uzbekistan to the development of Islamic civilization” have arrived in Uzbekistan. The correspondents of the Information Agency “Jahon” have met with some of the guests and asked them to share their views on the role and importance of the conference.

Rector of the “Al-Azhar” University in Egypt Ahmad Tayib:

- I am for the first time in Uzbekistan. And I am confident that this conference allows to know even more about the spirituality, culture, and traditions of the Uzbek people, - the scholar said. - Your country is considered to be o­ne of the centers of not o­nly the Islamic culture, but also the entire Muslim civilization.

Visiting this sacred land I felt myself happy that I have had the opportunity to come to this land, where the great people as Imam al-Bukhariy, Beruniy, Khorazmiy, and other religious figures had lived and created.

The great Islamic scholar Imam al-Bukhariy is well known and honored in Egypt. Our scientists and religious figures often refer to the invaluable spiritual heritage of the prominent ancestors of Uzbek people. It has become a guide for our religious scholars in this sense.

Holding such a high-profile forum in Tashkent testifies to the recognition of the significant role of Uzbekistan and its capital in preserving the centuries-old Islamic traditions for the good of an entire Muslim world.

Imam of the Jama Masjid of Delhi Said Ahmad Bukhariy (India) has said that Uzbekistan had enormously contributed to the development of Islamic culture and this has rightly been recognized by the Muslim world.

The name of Imam al-Bukhariy is broadly known and respected throughout the entire Islamic world, - he has said. – In the 16th century the Emperor Shahjahan constructed the biggest congregational mosque in India and invited my grand grandfather to hold the post of the chief imam for the reason so that the true representatives of Islam might lead the mosque.

Up to date, the representatives of our family generation have been serving in this mosque. I am happy that I am in Uzbekistan, the Homeland of my forefathers.
 

An international seminar on management and development of information resources "U-CONNECT 2007" is being held at the Le Grand Plaza Hotel in Tashkent on 15-16 August as envisaged in the partnership memorandum signed between the IT Association of Uzbekistan and the National Agency for Internet Development of Korea, UzReportcom reported. The seminar is officially supported by the Uzbek Agency of Communication and Information and the Ministry of Information and Communication of Korea.

The aim of the event is to support international cooperation in the field of efficient use and expansion of information and communication technology (ICT), to share of information, experience and materials on Internet and ICT, and to support each other's efforts in the fast-developing international information community. "To establish coordination and the prospects of future cooperation between Uzbekistan and Korea" is the pronounced aim of the forum, as stated in the greeting speech of the Head of the ICT Department of the Cabinet of Ministers A. Ishanhojaev. The target audience of the forum includes the representatives of public structures of the cities and suburbs, leading universities and institutes of the country, and IT business.

The theme of the seminar is broad and includes the reports of foreign and local specialists on the current condition and development prospects of the IT industry. The main topics of the seminar include foreign experience in the development of national IT policy and strategy, formation of the adequate infrastructure, reports on "Internet and society", "Mobile technology", "Internet management: yesterday, today and tomorrow", and others. A wide range of reports will be delivered on the new technical approaches toward the optimization of the process of development and integration of advanced technology projects. Separate sessions of the seminar will be devoted to the issues concerning the formation of the infrastructure and standardization in the field of IT. The legislative framework for the security within the Internet will also be addressed.

Among the topics already discussed is the development of the national IT policy and strategy in the countries of South-Eastern Asia, particularly South Korea, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, and Mongolia. Eminent experts from these countries have discussed the priorities of development of e-government, construction of Internet network, etc. The representatives of the National Agency of Korea for Computerisation, the Association for Telecommunication Technology, KISTI and the University of Sungsil spoke on this topic.

Internet is one of the most powerful IT-instruments in Korea, which assists the country in its economic development. Nevertheless even such a developed country is facing problems with the wireless connection, the President of KISTI Mr. Yang Byung Tae noted. Korean delegates shared the country's experience in successful teaching of Internet-technology, and integration of the latest technological developments of the IT industry. "I hope that this seminar will become the cornerstone for the sharing of knowledge in many countries," the resident of the Korea Network Information Center Dr. Kwanho Song said.

The joint Uzbek-Korean events being held within the frame of long-term strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Korea are diverse and productive. The foundation for this partnership was laid during the state visit of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov to Korea in March 2006. The current seminar is expected to serve further strengthening of bilateral relations between the countries. The main task for today is to concentrate the efforts on the construction of information society through ICT, and such measures underpin the solution of the issue. International experience reveals how the leaders of the information society have reached substantial progress.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov met participants of the international conference “Uzbekistan’s contribution to development of Islamic civilization” at Oqsaroy residence in Tashkent on August 14, 2007, UzA reported.

“Announcement of Tashkent the capital of Islamic culture in 2007 by ISESCO and organization of the large international forum have a great importance in familiarizing the world community with Uzbekistan and its culture and science,” the head of the state said.

General Secretary of the Organization of the Islamic Conference Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, Arab League General Secretary Amr Moussa, President of UNESCO General Conference Musa Bin Jaafar Bin Hassan, Kuwait Education and Higher Education Minister Nuriya al-Subih and Chairman of the Spiritual Management of Muslims of Kazakhstan mufti Absattar Derbesali participated in the meeting.

They said Uzbekistan played an important role in development of Islamic culture and science, and that the Uzbek people had made a great contribution to the Islamic civilization. They also praised the level of organization of the international conference.

Musa Bin Jaafar Bin Hassan presented UNESCO’s Aristotle and the Great Silk Road gold medals to President Islam Karimov. These awards are granted to state and public figures and renowned scientists who contributed to development of education, science and culture, as well as promotion of dialogue between the nations.

President of Uzbekistan expressed gratitude for the awards and said they served as an acknowledgement of the Uzbek people’s contribution to preservation of national and human values.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received President of the UNESCO General Conference Musa Bin Jaafar Bin Hassan at Oqsaroy residence in Tashkent on August 14, 2007, UzA reported.

Islam Karimov expressed satisfaction with the development of cooperation between Uzbekistan and UNESCO.

“Announcement of Tashkent by ISESCO as the capital of Islamic culture in 2007 is a pleasant fact not only for the people of Uzbekistan, but also for all our friends in foreign countries,” the head of the state said. “Your participation in the international conference ‘Contribution of Uzbekistan to development of Islamic civilization’ makes this forum even more important and influential.”

Uzbekistan became a member of UNESCO in 1993. The organization opened its office in Tashkent in 1996. The cooperation with UNESCO includes a wide range of activities from preservation of ancient monuments to development of healthcare and education to introduction of high technologies.

Jointly with UNESCO, jubilees of Amir Temur, Mirzo Ulugbek, Ahmad al-Fargoni, Ismoil al-Bukhari, Kamoliddin Behzod, as well as cities of Bukhara, Khiva, Termez and Karshi, monuments of literature “Alpomish”, “Avesto”, and Khorezm Mamun Academy were widely celebrated on the international level.

The organization actively participates in revival and promotion of historical monuments in Uzbekistan, while cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva have been included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Musa Bin Jaafar Bin Hassan gave a high evaluation to reforms in Uzbekistan in the economic, social and cultural spheres. UNESCO values relations with Uzbekistan and is ready to expand this cooperation, he said.

Islam Karimov and Musa Bin Jaafar Bin Hassan discussed perspectives of cooperation between Uzbekistan and UNESCO.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received Secretary General of the League of Arab States Amr Moussa at Oqsaroy residence in Tashkent on August 14, 2007, UzA reported.

“We know and respect you as one of the leading political figures not only in the Arab, but in the whole world,” Islam Karimov said. “Participation of the Arab League in the international conference ‘Contribution of Uzbekistan in development of Islamic civilization’ will serve to further opening of Uzbekistan’s role in development of Islamic civilization”

The Arab League member states acknowledge Uzbekistan’s great role in the history of Islam and welcome current reforms in the country. In particular, they highly evaluate the activities to preserve monuments of Islamic culture in Uzbekistan.

Amr Moussa has headed the Arab League since 2001, and is a former Egyptian Foreign Minister and diplomat. The League currently unites 21 Arab states and the Palestinian national administration.

The Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) announced Tashkent as the Capital of Islamic Culture in 2007. Amr Moussa noted that ISESCO’s decision serves as an acknowledgement of Uzbekistan’s contribution to preservation and enrichment of Islamic culture and its values. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the international conference and stressed that the Arab League was interested in cooperation with Uzbekistan on the regional and international issues.

Islam Karimov and Amr Moussa discussed further development of relations between Uzbekistan and the Arab League.
 

International conference on Contribution of Uzbekistan to development of Islamic civilizations opened in Tashkent on August 14, 2007, UzA reported.

The two-day forum gathered over 100 scholars and public and religious figures from more than 30 states.

Among them are heads of Organization of the Islamic Conference, League of Arab States, ISESCO, UNESCO General Conference and IRCICA.

Vice Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Rustam Kasymov read the welcoming message of President Islam Karimov to the conference participants.

The conference is one of the events held in the framework of announcement of Tashkent as the Capital of Islamic Culture in 2007 by the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO).

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov welcomed the participants of the international conference “Uzbekistan’s contribution to Development of Islamic civilization”, which opens in Tashkent on August 14, 2007, UzA reported.

The conference is one of the events held in the framework of announcement of Tashkent as the Capital of Islamic Culture in 2007 by the Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO).

“The arrival of famous guests from all over the respected Muslim world – renowned scholars, scientists of religion and experts, prominent statesmen, religious and public figures – in our capital city named the ‘Gate of the East’ on the occasion of today’s conference is a big historical event,” Islam Karimov said in his greeting.

“I believe that this conference will create a favorable opportunity to eyewitness the changes in our ancient and beautiful Homeland, as well as closely learn our country and the life of our hospitable people,” President of Uzbekistan noted.
 

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received Secretary General of the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) Professor Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu on August 13, 2007 in Tashkent.

Welcoming the guest, the head of the state said: “Your visit and participation in the international conference on Contribution of Uzbekistan to development of Islamic civilization makes the event even more important.”

Uzbekistan has been a member of OIC since 1996. The organization supports initiatives of President Karimov aimed at solving the Afghan crisis and creation of nuclear weapon free zone in Central Asia.

OCI also highly values the activities of the President of Uzbekistan on the way to revive spiritual and moral values, and studying the rich historical, scientific and cultural heritage.

Uzbekistan’s cooperation with OIC structural division, Islamic Development Bank, is also developing intensively. Nine projects worth a total of USD 115 million are currently being implemented in the fields of equipment of medical and educational institutions, modernization of enterprises and support of private business.

This August OIC delegation signed agreements on opening credit lines to Uzbekistan’s Ipoteka Bank, Uzsanoatqurilishbank and Asaka bank for USD 15 million. The credits will be used for financing private investment projects in industry and agriculture.

Another structural subdivision of OIC, Islamic Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), announced Tashkent the Capital of Islamic Culture in 2007.

Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu said ISESCO had announced Tashkent the capital of Islamic culture taking into consideration Uzbekistan’s policy of preservation of national heritage and cultural values, monuments of Islamic civilization and the role of Tashkent as one of the region’s most ancient and large cities.

The international conference opening in Tashkent on 14 August will provide the world community with another opportunity to learn the rich heritage of the Uzbek people, the head of OIC said.

During the meeting, the sides discussed the current state and perspectives of relations between Uzbekistan and the Organization of the Islamic Conference, as well as other issues of mutual interest.

World Banks has prepared the ranking of economies of the world in terms of the size of the GDP in 2006. Uzbekistan ranked 89th out of 183 countries with the GDP of US$17 billion, UzReportcom reported.

Topping the list are the US, Japan and Germany. The United States' GDP made up nearly US$13,820 billion, Japan's – US$4,340bn, and Germany's – US$2,907bn. Russia ranked 11th, with the GDP of US$986.94 billion.

Other countries of the CIS were ranked as follows: Ukraine - 51st with the GDP of US$106 billion, Kazakhstan – 55th with the GDP of over US$77 billion, and Belarus – 68th with the GDP of US$47 billion. Azerbaijan ranked 81st with the Gross Domestic Product of US$20 billion.

Lower than Uzbekistan, the World Bank ranked Turkmenistan (104th, US$10.5bn), and Georgia (117th, US$7.5 billion). Armenia and Moldavia were ranked at 122nd and 139th position with the GDPs of US$6.41 and US$3.3 billion respectively. The last CIS country in the rating is Kyrgyzstan (143rd) with the GDP of US$2.7 billion.

Monitoring the situation with human rights is the focus of a training course organized by the OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan in Tashkent region this week, a press release of the OSCE said.

The staff of the Ombudsman Institution and partner organizations taking part in the week-long course are discussing the basic notions of human rights, the techniques and methods of monitoring, composing, presenting and disseminating reports, and international standards in the field.

The event is a part of the OSCE Ombudsman capacity-building project, approved by the host Government this year.

The training course is also attended by members of the Commission on observance of the constitutional human rights and freedoms under the Ombudsman, representatives of the Justice and Interior Ministries, the General Directorate on Execution of Punishments, the General Prosecutor's Office, the Farmers Association of Uzbekistan, and members of the Expert Board of the Ombudsman Institution.
 

The group from Uzbekistan “Tashkent” took part at the 113th “BBC Proms” festival of classical music held with the participation of prominent conductors and performers from various countries all over the world, Jahon Agency reported. The concert of the Uzbek performers at the national instruments was held at the well-known London Royal Albert Hall.

“Tashkent” visited the Great Britain upon the invitation of the famous British composer Peter Vigold, who has been cooperating with musicians from Uzbekistan for several years now. In 2003 the Uzbek group “Tashkent” has participated at the concert held at the Royal Palace of Queen Elizabeth II.

At the Royal Albert Hall the Uzbek group performed along with the musicians of the Royal College of Music, Birmingham Conservatory and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra. They have performed P. Vigold’s musical composition “His divine protection”. It is remarkable that “Tashkent” has performed solo at the concert.

According to the British composer, in his composition he has attempted to tell the story of the struggle of Good vs. Evil, when “the Good in its stage of losing a strength revives under the magic sound of karnay (the Uzbek national music instrument) and conquers the Evil”.

The British audience has welcomed with an enthusiasm the performance of the Uzbek musicians o­n such Uzbek instruments as karnay, nogora and doira.

The authors of the special catalog of the “BBC Proms” festival, while announcing the performance of the Uzbek musicians, wrote that combination of sounds of western wind instruments with those of the Uzbek must attract the attention of the true connoisseurs of music, and they were right.

The participants of the “Tashkent” group had also offered a charity concert in the “Horinman” museum of the world musical instruments, where the Uzbek national music instruments are also o­n the display.

Five masters from Bukhara took part at the traditional international exhibition of handicrafts held in the city of Santa Fe in the United States, UzA reported. The handicraft goods made by the Uzbek masters prompted a profound interest.

A carpet weaved by hereditary master Fatkhulla Kenjaev and his followers brought about a special interest among the gathered.

“The carpets, which have been weaved in the ancient times in Bukhara, were famous in the markets of the East and West”, - Fatkhulla Kenjaev has said. “Their samples are now kept in many museums around the world. I study these exhibits with an aim to revive the ancient traditions and methods of the Uzbek national arts”.

According to him, last year he has learned from Internet that a carpet weaved in the ninth century at the ancient village of Zandani in Bukhara is now kept at o­ne of the Belgian museums. He and his followers have studied its ornament and composition of colors. As a result, he said, they had weaved for over the nine months such Zandanian carpet.

This work of the talented master and his followers from Bukhara has been named as a unique work of art, according to the report.

Besides, the creative efforts of Alisher Khaydarov o­n reestablishing the traditions of the Bukhara jewellery school in 18th – 19th centuries has been highly assessed at the international fair.

The Bukhara masters o­n ceramics and atlas fabrics also demonstrated their unique goods at the expo, the report has also said.

The first International Kurash Tournament “The Grand Prix of the President of Uzbekistan-2007” has been staged in a French resort city of Hendaye, which is located along the cost of the Atlantic Ocean, Jahon Agency reported. The Kurash Wrestling Federation of France has organized this sports event under the leadership of the International Kurash Association.

The Kurash Federation of France, established in 2006, has been developing by intensively attracting even more number of enthusiasts and amateurs of this type of wrestling sports, according to the report.

According to its president, this Federation aims to spread the Uzbek national wrestling sports Kurash not o­nly in France, but also in the other French-speaking countries, as well as in Spain. Therefore, it is not random choice that the tournament has been held in the city of Hendaye, which is located o­n the border with Spain.

Seventy wrestlers from France, Spain, Russia, the Ukraine as well as Uzbekistan have taken part in the said tournament, the report said.

In his speech during the festive opening ceremony of the tournament, the mayor of the city K.Essenaro has noted that he was really proud of the fact that his city had been the first place in France to host the International Kurash Tournament.

Before the single matches, the Uzbek wrestlers have showed the demonstrative performances of the tactics and rules of Kurash.

The competition has been held in different weight categories among seniors, juniors, and the sportsmen of child’s ages, as well as girls. The winners of the tournament have been awarded the medals and memorable gifts.

“I have taken a really great interest in Kurash, which is considered to be o­ne of the dynamic and technical type of wrestling sports. It helps to develop the quick-thinking skill and firm character in the person,” said the French wrestler Florian Kabos while speaking to Information Agency “Jahon”.

For over more than 15 years now the National Air Company of the sovereign Uzbekistan given the full support of the leadership of Uzbekistan has been actively mastering the geography of international flights. For the past period the company has established air links between Uzbekistan and world capitals, as well as largest cities of many countries around the world, the reports of Uzbek media have said.

Last month saw the opening up of the regular flights, which would now connect Tashkent with an Italian city of Milan.

Late August the presentation of the new air route has been held at the Milan International Airport – “Malpensa”. Uzbekistan Airway’s modern “Boeing – 767 -300” is reported to have taken off from Tashkent and by having traveled over about 4,800 kilometers, had landed in o­ne of the largest airports in Italy, which daily receives and allows to take off for about 400 world airliners.

The representatives of the Milan International Airport as well as other Italian partners of the Uzbek National Air Company have said that they were glad to see the opening of a new airline of the young and dynamically developing air company of Uzbekistan. They were also sure of that this air link would expand and strengthen the economic, cultural ties between Italy and Uzbekistan, especially in the sphere of tourism.

Many Italians are interested in the history and places of worth in Uzbekistan along which the route of the reviving Great Silk Road passes through, as well as the unique culture, traditions and customs of the Uzbek people. And now, the northerners in Italy, who would want to travel to Uzbekistan, to visit the world-known Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, to see monuments of antiquity, feel hospitality of the Uzbek people and get acquaint with the modern life of the country, do not need to go to Rome where from the regular flight to Tashkent has already been established.

In its turn, the Uzbek people also can fly directly to Milan – the second by its size city of Italy, which is an industrial, commercial and banking center in the country. Milan is also famous for its cultural monuments, for instance, the main cathedral of Milan – Duomo.

This city is well known also among fashion designers, while staying alongside with New York, Paris, Rome and London as a world capital of fashion. Fans of football undoubtedly know well the local command “Milan”. Besides, not far from Milan there are Turin, Parma, Verona, Genoa and many other cities, which attract tourists all around the world. So the prospects for the new air flight are very good.

On August 31, 2007 the delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Culture and Information of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Abu Bakr Bokodir met with the Minister of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan Rustam Kurbanov, the Uzbek newspapers reported.

During the talks the sides have underscored that the cooperation between the two countries were developing in all spheres, including in the area of culture. The agreements achieved at the meetings of leaders of Uzbekistan and KSA serve as a legal basis in this.

The sides have discussed the issues vis-à-vis the development of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia in the sphere of culture.

The Arab delegation has also held negotiations at the Print and Information Agency of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

The delegation members examined the monument of Independence and Humanism at the Mustakillik Square. They have also got acquainted with the artistic exhibition “The country of the developed Islamic culture” in the Central exhibition hall at the Academy of Arts.

The exhibition has been organized in relation with the announcement of Tashkent by the ISESCO the world capital of Islamic culture in 2007.

Also, the members of the delegation visited the Khazrati Imom complex in Tashkent.


“The announcement of Tashkent by ISESCO as a capital of Islamic culture in 2007 is the international recognition of the profound contribution of Uzbekistan to the world civilization and development of Islamic culture, and that renders us the feelings of pride”, - the head of the delegation has said, “and all of that is an outcome of the enormous work now accomplished in Uzbekistan led by President Islam Karimov to revive, preserve, learn and propagate the rich heritage of the great ancestors”.
 

The Ukrainian “Politic HALL” monthly social and political magazine has published an article headlined “Oases of eternity at the Silk Road”. “History of the Uzbek land equals millennia”, - the magazine wrote. “The favorable geographic location o­n the crossroads, which unites the North with South and the East with West, had reserved to it a role of the most important center at the caravan path, which entered the history as the Great Silk Road”.

Uzbekistan occupies a special place among other countries, which located along the Great Silk Road. One may trace the birth of the human civilization, emergence and development of agriculture, crafts, commerce, religion, and arts. This is an open-sky museum, where the world cultural tendencies had gotten interlaced.

Further the fascinating stories on ancient cities of Uzbekistan have been offered to the attention of readers. In particular, the “Politic HALL” wrote on Khiva: “Khiva is indeed a city-tale, one of the main cities of an ancient Khorezm. Here such handicrafts as coining the metal, embroidery and woodcarving have been developed from ancient times. At the moment the former glory of the famous Khiva carpets, which are traditionally hand- sewn, are revived.

Wealth of the architectural masterpieces of Khiva is concentrated in its city nucleus – Ichan-kala, what means “The inner stronghold”. This is city inside the city, where there are 60 monuments – the Khan courts, mosques, madrassahs, minarets and mausoleums. The historical center Ichan-kala (as much as the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Shakhrisabz) has been included to the UNESCO World Heritage List.” While writing on Samarkand, the Ukrainian magazine paid an attention to the fact that the city located at the oasis of the Zarafshan River is one of the ancient cities of the globe. “The destinies of Alexander the Great and Sultan Sanjar, Genghis Han and Amir Temur, Mirzo Ulughbek and Bobur are related with Samarkand”, - the magazine wrote. “In Amir Temur’s time Samarkand has had an honor to become a capital of the world power. Samarkand has rightly secured the title “The heart of the Great Silk Road”.

The unique monuments of the ancient architecture, heritage of scientific and artistic schools, centers of the national handicrafts, which are in the old town, are famous now all around the world.

Samarkand is one of the ancient cities of the world, stands the same age with Rome, Athens and Babylon. From of old it has been named as “The shining point of the globe”, “The precious pearl”, “Face of the earth” since olden times.

The magazine has also published the interview with the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Ukraine Ilkhom Khaydarov, where he told about the peculiarities of the Uzbek model of development, current state and prospects of the Uzbek-Ukrainian relations.

The briefing organized by Permanent Mission of Uzbekistan to the United Nations and other international organizations took part at the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva, Switzerland.

The members of the UN Human Rights Committee, the heads and staff of the OHCHR divisions on the Central Asian region and coordinating UN Human Rights Committee special procedures and other international conventional bodies have participated in the meeting, Jahon Agency reported.

The Laws “On introducing amendments and addenda to some legislative acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan in view of abolition the death penalty” and “On introducing amendments and addenda to some legislative acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan in view of transferring to courts the right to issue the arrest warrants” approved by Senate of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan have been presented at the briefing. The participants have been informed on the measures undertaken by the Uzbek leadership aimed at liberalizing the penal legislature and judicial and legal system in the country.

The event has also addressed the main goals and principles of adopted laws on abolition the death penalty and transferring to courts the right to issue the arrest warrant, which have earlier been initiated by President Islam Karimov at the Joint Session of the Senate and Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis on January 28, 2005 and the related decrees on August 2005. The guests have highly assessed the laws approved by the Uzbek Senate on June 29 this year.

The members of the UN Human Rights Committee have welcomed the adoption of the aforementioned laws and have pointed to the significance of these national legislative documents in the context of fulfillment by Uzbekistan of its commitments within the framework of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and particularly, its Articles 6 and 14.