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LATEST NEWS :
DECEMBER 2009
ARCHIVES |
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Meeting at Oqsaroy |
| December 28, 2009 |
| President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam
Karimov has met with the Prime Minister of Kyrgyz Republic Daniyar
Usenov at Oqsaroy, December 28.
Greeting the guest with appointment to a position of Prime
Minister, Head of Uzbekistan noted that the participation of Kyrgyz
delegation in the joint Uzbek-Kyrgyz intergovernmental commission on
such a level is remarkable in the efforts to improve mutual
cooperation.
Today, developing bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and
Kyrgyzstan on constructive base is a priority. |
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In particular, taking into account the interests of neighboring
countries and conducting independent international expertise is
important to preserve water and energy balance in the region. Widening
trade and economic as well as cultural cooperation is also essential.
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At the talk, Daniyar Usenov expressed gratitude to
the Head of our nation for warm welcome and delight with the high
level of Uzbek-Kyrgyz intergovernmental commission meeting held
these days in Tashkent.
Prospects to enhance bilateral cooperation as well as other
topics of mutual interest were discussed at the occasion.
www.uza.uz |
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Elections held successfully |
| December 27, 2009 |
| At 8 pm Sunday, voting at elections of the deputies
of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis and local councils
completed at all polling stations in Uzbekistan.
According to preliminary data, about 15,108,950 voters or 87.8%
of all registered voters participated in the elections.
Thus, in accordance with the article 44 of the Law on Elections
to Oliy Majlis, the elections of the deputies of the Legislative
Chamber are considered valid, chairman of the Central Election
Commission Mirza-Ulugbek Abdusalomov said at a 10.30 pm briefing.
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He also said the Ecological Movement completed its conference, where
15 deputies were elected by secret ballot for the seats in the lower
house of the parliament. Currently, the votes are being counted.
The elections to the Legislative Chamber were held with observance of
all democratic norms and principles, outlined in the Constitution and in
the election laws, the CEC chairman said.
No information on violations of the election legislation was received
during the election day, he noted.
At present, votes are being counted for each candidate to deputies of
the lower house separately, in accordance with article 42 of the law on
parliamentary elections.
As reported earlier, more than 270 observers from 36 foreign states
and 4 international organizations (including OSCE ODIHR – 13 observers,
CIS Executive Committee – 84, SCO – 5 and OIC – 7) are monitoring the
election process.
Besides, over 30,000 observers and 30,000 authorized representatives
of the political parties are participating in the elections. In
compliance with the law, the authorized representatives are
participating in the vote counting process at polling stations.
The head of the Central Election Commission informed journalists that
the preliminary results of the elections of the deputies of the
Legislative Chamber will be announced at a press conference on Monday
evening.
www.uza.uz
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Ecological Movement holds conference on elections to parliament |
| December 27, 2009 |
Ecological
Movement of Uzbekistan holds a conference in Tashkent to elect 15
deputies to the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis. Delegates elected at
territorial branch conferences of Ecological Movement in Republic of
Karakalpakstan, in regions and Tashkent city, representatives of Central
Election Commission of Uzbekistan (CEC), as well as observers and media
representatives are participating in the conference.
According to the amendments of the laws on elections, 15 deputy seats
in the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis have been allocated for the
Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan.
In accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan,
the Law “On elections to the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan”
and other legislative acts regulating the elections, the CEC adopted
regulation on the procedures for nomination and election of candidates
for deputies of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis from the
Ecological Movement.
Nomination of candidates for deputies of the Legislative Chamber of
Ecological movement and their election is held by its supreme body, the
Conference of Ecological Movement. The conference elects15 deputies: one
from each territorial subdivision of the Republic of Uzbekistan
(Republic of Karakalpakstan, regions and Tashkent city), plus one member
– from the Executive Committee of the Central Council of Ecological
Movement.
The preparation and conducting of election of deputies to the
Legislative Chamber from the Ecological Movement is performed in full
conformity with existing national legislation based on international
democratic principles of equal suffrage, transparency and openness.
In accordance with the law, Ecological Movement provided the CEC
decision and all accompanying documents to participate in the elections
to the Legislative Chamber. On their basis the CEC adopted a resolution
on holding the Conference of the Ecological Movement on the first Sunday
of the third decade of December in the year when the term of office of
deputies of Legislative Chamber ends, which corresponds December 27,
2009.
Delegates to the Conference of Ecological Movement were elected in
equal numbers at the conferences of the territorial branches of the
Ecological Movement with secret balloting among people who have reached
the age of eighteen years and eligible to vote.
www.uza.uz
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President Islam
Karimov votes at elections |
| December 27, 2009 |
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President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov cast his vote
at the elections of the deputies of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy
Majlis and Tashkent city council. The head of the state voted at the
polling station No.644 on Sunday morning.
“I am sure the principles of justice and transparency will be
strictly observed during today’s elections,” the President said.
“Elections mean a free voting with deep understanding of one’s
rights. By participating in the elections, we not only realize our
right to vote, guaranteed by the Constitution, but also acknowledge
our responsibility for the future of our Motherland.”
Over the years of independence, the election system has been
formed in the country, which complies with the generally
acknowledged standards and democratic principles. A solid legal
foundation has been created in this direction, based on the
country’s Constitution and election legislation.
The election laws were amended recently to further liberalize ad
democratize the election system and strengthen the role of the
political parties. |
“Conduction of the election to the Legislative Chamber and local
councils on the multi-party and alternative basis reflects the formation
of the democratic state and compliance of our election system with the
international norms.
“Our people know that the present elections significantly differ from
the previous ones. The people vote not only for the selected candidate,
but also for the party the candidate is a member of, thus expressing
support to the ideas of this party.
“Therefore, each party has to realize the responsibility that is laid
upon it. The party that does not fulfill the people’s hopes will leave
the political area by itself. In this sense, the present elections are a
very important test for the parties.”
Answering the journalists’ questions, the head of the state touched
upon the problem of the world financial crisis and the measures to
overcome the crisis implemented in Uzbekistan.
“The life has proved that the path Uzbekistan had chosen is the most
correct and the most realistic.
While moving from the administrative system to market economy, we
followed the principle “Do not destroy your old house before building a
new one”. We chose the evolutional and step-by-step way of reforms,” the
President said.
Speaking about the complex environmental situation in the region of
Central Asia, Islam Karimov said the problem of the Aral Sea could not
be solved merely by holding various forums and conferences. Practical
steps need to be taken on this way, he stressed.
Taking this into consideration, 15 deputy seats in the lower house of
the parliament have been allocated for the Environmental Movement of
Uzbekistan.
The people of Uzbekistan live with the goals of building a democratic
state and free civil society. The 2009 elections will serve to achieving
these goals.
www.uza.uz
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Voting continues
at elections in Uzbekistan |
| December 27, 2009 |
79.4% of the
registered voters cast their votes at the elections of the deputies of
the Legislative Chamber and local people’s deputies’ councils in
Uzbekistan as of 5 pm on Sunday.
According to the Central Election Commission, 13,670,387 citizens
voted so far of the total 17,215,700 registered voters.
The Conference of the Environmental Movement is also continuing. It
will elect 15 deputies to the lower house of the parliament.
This information was announced by the vice chairman of the Central
Election Commission Kuchkar Togayev at a press briefing at 5 pm.
The commission has not received any complaints about the violation of
the election legislation, he said.
www.uza.uz
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Elections are held in accordance with democratic principles” |
| December 27, 2009 |
| About 300 representatives of foreign states and
international organizations are participating in the elections to
the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan.
UzA spoke to Sergey Lebedev, chairman of the CIS Executive
Committee and head of the CIS observers mission.
“I visited voting stations in Tashkent, Jizzakh and Khorezm
regions and can say that the preparation to the parliamentary
elections in Uzbekistan was very thorough.
To election system fully complies with international standards
and lets people realize their voting right.
“Our mission participated in the elections of the President held
in Uzbekistan in 2007. Since then, the election system and the
legislation of the country, as well as organization of the elections
have notably improved. All election laws in Uzbekistan comply with
international norms. |
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“Creation of the Ecological Movement for the protection of the
environment and solution of ecological problems, as well as allocation
of 15 deputy seats to the movement is one example of the efforts to
stabilize the ecological situation in the country.
“The elections are being held on the basis of democratic principles,
freely and openly. The voting is very active. The polling stations have
all conditions to hold the elections at the required level.
“We met the representatives of the political parties and the
candidates and studied their election programs, which cover many aspects
and directions serving to the future of the country.
“The diversity of directions and priorities of the programs ensures
healthy competition among the parties.”
www.uza.uz
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Voters are very active at
elections” |
| December 27, 2009 |
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About 300 observers from foreign states and
international organizations are monitoring the elections to the
Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis. UzA correspondents asked
some of the observers to speak about the election process.
Aydin Abbasov, deputy of Azerbaijan Milli Mejlis:
“I arrived at voting station No.166 of Tashkent early in the
morning, and it was already full with voters. Such activity of the
voters is amazing. |
“Based on monitoring the election process, I can say it fully
complies with democratic principles. The elections are held on a
multi-party basis. The strengthened participation of political parties
in modernization of the country will bring high results in the future.
“It is important that voters who cannot visit voting stations,
including the disabled, the elderly and those undergoing treatment, can
vote at their place of residence or at hospitals. This is a
demonstration of the protection of the people’s rights and interests in
your country.
“Every time I visit your country I become a witness of huge changes
in various spheres.
Uzbekistan’s architectural and cultural monuments, as well as its
nature amaze me. Those who visit Uzbekistan once, want to visit this
country again.”
www.uza.uz
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Meeting at Oqsaroy |
| December 22, 2009 |
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam
Karimov has received the Minister for foreign affairs of the Russian
Federation Sergey Lavrov at Oqsaroy 22 December.
As the Head of our state noted, relations between Uzbekistan and
Russia have developed in a durable and steady course.
Today, both countries cooperate in a trade, economic, cultural,
humanitarian and other spheres. |
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Having expressed his sincere gratitude to the
President of Uzbekistan for warm welcome, the Russian Minister
stressed the pertinence of agreements reached in the framework of
previous top-level meetings.
At the talks, the exchange of opinions took place with regard to
bilateral cooperation development, as well as issues of mutual
interest.www.uza.uz |
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Russian Foreign
Minister visits Uzbekistan |
| December 22, 2009 |
Visiting
Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov held talks with Foreign
Minister of Uzbekistan Vladimir Norov in Tashkent on 22 December.
The ministers considered the current state and perspectives of
political, trade, economic and humanitarian cooperation.
The sides noted the consistent development of cooperation between
Uzbekistan and Russia, based on the agreements reached by the heads of
the two states.
After the negotiations, the program of cooperation between the foreign
ministries for 2010 was signed.
Sergey Lavrov also met the professors and students of the University of
the World Economy and Diplomacy and familiarized himself with the
educational process here.
www.uza.uz
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84 CIS observers to
monitor elections |
| December 19, 2009 |
The mission of observers of the Executive Committee of the Commonwealth
of Independent States started its activities to monitor the elections to
the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan.
The Central Election Commission hosted a meeting with the head of the
mission, first deputy chairman of the CIS Executive Committee Vladimir
Garkun.
The head of the commission Mirza-Ulugbek Abdusalomov informed the CIS
observers about the preparation to the elections, which will be held on
27 December.
The election campaign is being held in full compliance with national
election legislation and international standards, he said.
“The mission of observers from the CIS Executive Committee includes 84
observers. It will work in all regions of the country based on the
experience of 50 observations of the elections in various countries,”
Garkun said.
“Our activity is based solely on the data received during the monitoring
process. The mission will present its concluding statement on the day
following the election date.”
www.uza.uz
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Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan: new stage of cooperation |
| December 15, 2009 |
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President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov paid an official
visit to Turkmenistan on 13-14 December on the invitation of the
President of this country Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov.
Uzbek and Turkmen people have since ancient times enriched the culture
of each other and supported trade relations. The scientific and literary
heritage of our ancestors is considered common heritage.
After the proclamation of independence, the friendly
relations between the two states started developing at a new level.
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Both Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are interested in
developing cooperation, which can be proved by the regular meetings of
the heads of two countries.
President of Uzbekistan visited Turkmenistan in 2007, and the head of
Turkmenistan was in Uzbekistan in 2008 and 2009.
In Ashgabat, the two presidents held a face-to-face meeting and
considered cooperation prospects, including political, economic and
humanitarian relations, as well as regional and international issues,
including regional security and stability.
The bilateral relations are currently developing on the basis of the
Inter-state agreement of strengthening of friendly relations and
cooperation signed in 2007. The heads of the two countries stressed that
there was a huge potential for further expansion of cooperation.
During the talks, issues of efficient use of water energy resources in
the region were considered. The presidents noted that construction of
hydro technical structures on the trans-boundary rivers should be
preceded by consultations with all countries of the region and the
expertise of the international specialists.
The presidents continued their talks at the meeting of the official
delegations of the two countries.
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have large deposits of energy resources and
are developing their oil and gas sectors. The two countries are
participating in various multilateral projects, one of which is the new
Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan-China gas pipeline.
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are among the world’s leading natural gas
producers and exporters. The new pipeline will bring both states not
only economic, but also political and humanitarian benefit, since it
will contribute to the strengthening of the relations, create
infrastructure and new workplaces.
The sides considered expansion of cooperation in the international
transportation area. Thanks to effective cooperation the volume of Uzbek
and Turkmen export and import cargo transported via the territory of the
two states comprises almost 2.5 million tons.
The two countries are also interested in expanding cooperation in the
agricultural sector.
Uzbekistan can export cotton harvesting machines,
tractors, trailers and mineral fertilizers to Turkmenistan. In 2008,
during the visit of Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov to Uzbekistan, the sides
signed an agreement on agricultural cooperation.
Tourism is another priority area of cooperation. Development of ties in
this area could attract more tourists and create a basis for wider
cooperation of the two states’ tourist and passenger transportation
companies.
Uzbekistan currently exports to Turkmenistan services, foodstuffs,
mechanical equipment, transport, glass, ferrous metals, optical devices,
chemical and other products. Turkmenistan exports plastic products,
services, mineral and inorganic chemical substances. The trade volume in
the past two years increased more than twice.
The negotiations also touched upon humanitarian cooperation. The
representatives of culture of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan regularly
participate in festivals, exhibitions and forums organized in two
countries.
After the talks, the presidents signed the Joint Uzbek-Turkmen
Communique and a protocol on introduction of changes in the
intergovernmental agreement on mutual visits of citizens and simplified
procedures for citizens living in border areas.
The countries also signed an intergovernmental agreement on improvement
of the activity of the Joint Uzbek-Turkmen commission for
trade-economic, scientific-technical and cultural cooperation, as well
as a program of cooperation between the foreign ministries for
2010-2011.
Speaking to journalists after the talks, President Islam Karimov said
relations between the two countries were developing successfully. “The
economic cooperation has notably expanded in the recent years, the
mutual trade volume increased more than twice.”
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“We highly value our relation with Uzbekistan.
Cooperation of our states is based on principles of national, regional
and international development,” President Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov
said.
On the second day of the visit, Islam Karimov, together with presidents
of Turkmenistan, China and Kazakhstan participated in the launch of the
international pipeline in Turkmenabad.
While in Ashgabat, President Islam Karimov also held
negotiations with the Chairman of the People’s Republic of China Hu
Jintao.
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The leaders considerer issues of bilateral cooperation and expresses
satisfaction with the level of the two states’ relations.
“We highly value every meeting with the head of China and the growing
cooperation with this country. Uzbekistan considers China to be one of
its most reliable partners,” Islam Karimov said.
www.uza.uz
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With Special Care to
Younger Generation |
| December 18, 2009 |
Priorities for the next year mapped out.
President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed a decree “On organizational
measures to develop and implement the state program of the Year of
Comprehensively Advanced Generation”.
The document was developed as Uzbekistan proclaimed 2010 as the Year of
Comprehensively Advanced Generation with a view to taking a wide range
of measures directed at creating ample opportunities and necessary
conditions for raising a healthy and comprehensively developed
generation.
The presidential decree establishes a republican commission which,
together with ministries, agencies and public organizations, Council of
Ministers of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, regional and Tashkent city
administrations, will work out a draft state program of the Year of
Comprehensively Advanced Generation for approval.
The program, along with measures implemented in accordance with state
programs and other efforts taken to ensure fully developed younger
generation, will provide for addressing other important challenges.
Thus, among the priorities of the Year of Comprehensively Advanced
Generation, the decree marks out improvement of the legal framework,
further strengthening of measures aimed at raising a healthy generation
through the “Healthy Mother, Healthy Child” program.
A significant part of the program will be directed at further reforming
the education system, particularly, issues of education and upbringing
of the younger generation, efficient and effective use of available
resources, reviewing and improving professional and secondary education,
improving public education standards, curricula and educational
materials. The priority is given to comprehensive improvement of the
quality of teaching in schools, vocational colleges, lyceums and
universities of the country through an extensive introduction of new
information, communication and educational technologies, electronic
textbooks and multimedia.
The program will also cover issues of material and moral incentives for
hard work of teachers and tutors.
The draft program must also take into account the efforts implemented at
consistent strengthening of physical education of the younger generation
as well as children’s sports. That is regular attraction of youths to
sports, especially girls in rural areas, construction of new sports
complexes, stadiums and facilities, supplying them with modern
equipment, providing with qualified coaching staff and trainers.
The program will also include a set of measures for the further
development of science, creating conditions for active involvement of
gifted youth in scientific research. A special foundation is projected
in 2010 for the development of science, technology and education to be
established at the Academy of Sciences and universities of the country
for young people to realize their creative and intellectual potential.
Among the mapped out priorities in the State Program for 2010, the
President highlighted efforts directed at enhancing the care for young
families, providing legal and social protection, creating necessary
conditions for the formation of sound and stable families which is an
essential and decisive element of the society in the education of
physically healthy and harmoniously developed younger generation.
www.ut.uz
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Publically Important
Creativity |
| December 18, 2009 |
The best social TV and radio commercials of the year selected.
The second National Festival of Social TV and Radio Production organized
by the National Association of Electronic Mass Media (NAEMM) was summed
up in Bukhoro.
Replying to UT questions “What was the interest of addressing so
complicated a topic and how difficult was it to express creative
impulses without hurting the feelings of the target audience” many
journalists just said: “It was the desire to reach out to people’s
hearts, help in solution of urgent social problems”. Merely creative
spirit “Will I be able to?” went afterwards.
“Any contest gives an opportunity of opening capabilities, expressing
opinion, demonstrating one’s own view on the raised topic. From my point
of view, the festival of the social media production gives such
opportunities to teams and independent journalists in full. There is a
huge area for artistic fantasy flight. Meanwhile, one should always
remember that he is responsible for each word and each picture,” shares
Nurbolat Tileuov, presenter of the youth TV program Kelajak Ovozi on
UzNTT network.
It is wonderful that the huge number of young people with their
interesting ideas and unconventional approach participated in the
festival. For example, the video of UzNTT creative group and Fund Forum
by Nurbolat Tileuov and Malika Shaydullina presented for the festival in
the Humanism and Mercy nomination is called Hands of Aid. The story
addresses the dreams of disabled children. However, you will not see
disabled children in it. You will see the hands with the help of which
children dance, draw, sing. There are their wishes there. According to
the author and developers of the video, it is quite possible to realize
those wishes in modern realities. Sometimes, adults do not have enough
desire and intention to help children, focus on the problem. It is
adults who are the purpose of this video.
The contests of the best TV and radio commercials were held within the
festival in such directions as Humanism and Mercy, Popularization of
Healthy Life Style, Preservation and Bringing Universal Values,
Century-old Traditions and Culture of the Uzbek People to Generations,
Year of Rural Development and Improvement, Prevention of Infectious
Diseases.
As commented Sherzod Gulyamov, jury chairman chairman of the Creative
Council of Journalists of Uzbekistan, a total of 400 social TV and radio
commercials were sent for the contest from November 1 to December 10
from artistic workers of nongovernmental TV and radio stations, National
TV and Radio Company of Uzbekistan, as well as independent studios and
creative individuals.
“The jury is represented by national and international organizations.
The best works were selected by means of open electronic voting. The
jury members gave their assessment at the computer after watching videos
in a certain nomination,” he noted.
It should be noted that NAEMM is actively stimulating the production of
socially oriented TV and radio products by nongovernmental electronic
mass media including social videos on consolidation of public efforts in
solution of urgent problems. The Public Fund for Supporting
Nongovernmental and Noncommercial Organizations and Other Civil Society
Institutes under the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan renders
assistance to NAEMM in this line. A total of more than 1,000 social
videos were broadcast about 11 thousand times by nongovernmental TV and
radio stations over the whole term of this project’s implementation.
NAEMM has promoted the development of the activity of regional TV and
radio stations, strengthening their material and technical base,
arrangement of necessary conditions for journalists’ activity to ensure
its compliance with the current legislation for mass media. Supported by
hokimiyats in Bukhoro, Navoi and Qashqadaryo regions, NAEMM assisted in
the establishment of modern TV complexes in regional TV stations
Istiqlol TV, Fazo, Qarshi and provision of them with technical
facilities.
Opening and acquaintance with new buildings of TV studios Fazo (Nukus),
Istiqlol TV (Bukhoro) and Qarshi took place within the festival. NAEMM
managed to improve significantly the working conditions in
nongovernmental TV and radio stations in all regions of the country over
the last five years in cooperation with the Uzbek Agency for
Communication and Informatization and equip them with latest
technologies and facilities, apart from new buildings.
“I think, the participation of regional TV and radio stations in the
festival is very important. A creative competition, this event
stimulates the potential of mass media workers, which in its turn
results in the quality of products and their content increasing the
strength of influence upon the audience. The high moral enlightenment
underlies social TV and radio production. This is mercy, kindness,
morality, love for people beside oneself, involvement in his life. All
that is very important, we shouldn’t forget about that, it is inherent
in our people. The festival is a rather significant and topical
initiative in this respect; it is the necessary project for our
society,” noted Minkhojiddin Hojimatov, head of the Republican Center
for Moral Enlightenment.
TV commercials by creative groups of Samarqand-STV, Istiqlol-TV, Ishonch-TV,
Jizzakh-TV, joint works by UzNTT and Fund Forum as well as radio
commercials by Ruhsor, Grand, Oriat and Vodiy Sadosi radio stations were
declared winners.
All triumphant were awarded prizes. According to the common view of all
participants of this creative review, the festival has become a new
landmark in the development of the national school of socially oriented
TV and radio journalism, served as a new inspiration to make social TV
and radio production effective.
www.ut.uz
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UZ Zone Grew by 25% |
| December 18, 2009 |
The number of
domains in the national zone UZ exceeded 9,500, having increased by
24.6% or 1,870 domain names as compared to the beginning of the year.
According to statistics, the website of the National Domain Zone
Administration registered 4,285 new domains and cancelled over 2,400
domains from this January to the middle of December.
The UZ zone constituted 7,595 domains as of beginning of the year and
this number reached 9,500 by mid Deceber. The increment in the number of
domain names made up 1,830 or 32% last year.
5,730 domain names or 60% were registered by legal entities and over
3,770 or 40% - by individuals, the statistics says. The overwhelming
number of domains – about 7,580 or almost 80% – is owned by Uzbekistan’s
residents.
The second-level domain UZ was established on April 29, 1995. Seven
registrators of the UZ domain are currently operating in the country:
Tomas, Billur Com, Arsenal-D, Sarkor Telecom, Amaliy Aloqalar Biznesi
and others (in descending order of the domains number).
Center for Development and Introduction of Computer and Information
Technologies administrates the second-level domain UZ.
www.ut.uz
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Human Rights
Resource Center opens in Tashkent |
| December 18, 2009 |
Topical issues of human rights training were discussed at the seminar
organized by the Lawyers Retraining Center under the Ministry of Justice
of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
Organizers timed the meeting to the International Year of Human Rights
Training declared by the UN as well as to the celebration of the 61st
anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Speaking about the activity on human rights protection in Uzbekistan,
participants highlighted positive changes in the legal system. Thus,
today the republic has developed and built a system of legislative acts;
national institutions for protection of citizens’ rights and interests
have been established and are operating in the country. At the same
time, improving citizens’ legal competence, training proficient law
specialists remains an urgent task. Lawyers Retraining Center under the
Ministry of Justice has actively dealt with specialist training for 12
years. It should be noted that the Center is successfully implementing
the Assistance to the Lawyers Retraining Center Project. Officers of the
Center have undergone advanced training courses in some foreign
countries over the past period of time.
“1,500-2,000 specialists dealing with legal activity undergo training in
the Center every year. Undoubtedly, the issue of raising their expertise
and deepening their knowledge is very topical. It is very important that
officers know the rights and duties of people addressing them. Therefore
we try to pass our trainees the whole necessary mental furniture of the
law and regulations stipulated in the national legislation as well as
international standards. Starting from the last year the Center conducts
special courses for certain categories of officers who should know the
fundamental international conventions, their execution and comments on
them,” explained Lola Saidova, head of the international law and human
rights department in Lawyers Retraining Center.”
Seminar continued in the opening ceremony of Human Rights Resource
Center. The institution is equipped with modern information and
communication facilities, supplied with special literature, treatises,
learning aids, reports and brochures. There is also an electronic
library with national and foreign literature on human rights.
www.ut.uz
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Cec Registers Over 250 Foreign Observers For The Elections To The
Legislative Chamber |
| December 18, 2009 |
The Central
Election Commission of Uzbekistan resolved to register foreign observers
for elections to the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis.
Previously, CEC had registered 13 observers of the OSCE/ODIHR Assessment
Mission. Its members have taken part in the work of CEC session this
week.
In compliance with the Law “On elections to Oliy Majlis of the Republic
of Uzbekistan” one authorized representative of each political party
that had nominated its candidate to deputy, one observer from mass
media, foreign states, international organizations and movements has the
right to be present in polling stations on the day of election and
during vote counting as well as in all events held within the election
campaign.
The commission resolved to register the observers for the parliamentary
elections from foreign states, international organizations and
movements. In particular, the observer mandates were issued to the
missions of CIS Executive Committee, Shanghai Cooperation Organization,
Organization of the Islamic Conference, as well as 36 states including
Austria, Belgium, Hungary, Great Britain, Germany, Greece, Egypt,
Israel, India, Spain, Italy, Indonesia, China, Kuwait, Latvia, Malaysia,
Netherlands, UAE, Pakistan, Poland, South Korea, Russia, Slovakia, Saudi
Arabia, US, Turkey, Ukraine, France, Japan and other countries.
Totally, over 250 representatives of foreign states and international
organizations were registered as foreign observers for the elections.
The meeting participants discussed the issue of election law observance
in ensuring equal rights for candidates to the Legislative Chamber,
political parties in their election campaign in accordance with the
regulations of the Law “On elections to Oliy Majlis of the Republic of
Uzbekistan” and regulatory documents of CEC.
It is appropriate to remind that the Central Election Commission issued
a resolution “On election campaigning of political parties and
candidates to deputies in mass media” specifying the procedure of
addressing political parties and candidates to deputies they had
nominated.
Each political party is given the equal air time in compliance with the
approved schedule. O’zbekiston and Yoshlar channels assigned 40 minutes
each for TV and radio broadcasting. They include broadcasting 15-minute
TV and radio programs twice a week, and 5 minutes are assigned for the
speech of each leader of political parties. TV and radio commercials by
all political parties are aired as five-minute block for each party.
According to the schedule, Adolat Social Democratic Party of Uzbekistan
campaigns on Mondays, Milliy Tiklanish Democratic Party of Uzbekistan –
on Tuesdays, Thursdays are assigned for the Liberal Democratic Party of
Uzbekistan (UzLiDeP), and People’s Democratic Party of Uzbekistan (PDPU)
campaigns on Fridays.
Each issue of the Xalq Suzi – People’s Word, Pravda Vostoka newspapers
assign their second page for election campaigning coverage with a short
advertisement in the first page. According to the schedule, Adolat and
Milliy Tiklanish publish their articles on Tuesdays and Thursdays and
UzLiDeP and NDPU – on Wednesdays and Fridays.
The CEC has not registered any breach of the law by political parties or
candidates to Oliy Majlis during the election campaigning.
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CIS observer
commends preparation to elections |
| December 16, 2009 |
About 300 observers from foreign states and international organizations
are expected to take part in the upcoming elections to the Legislative
Chamber of the Oiy Majlis of Uzbekistan. UzA spoke to the deputy head of
the CIS observers’ mission Yevgeniy Sloboda.
“Uzbekistan has held a serious preparation to elections and created all
conditions for the process. To ensure openness, the country invited
observers from many foreign states and international organizations. This
makes me believe the elections will be held on the required level,”
Sloboda said.
“We familiarized ourselves with the election legislation, normative and
legal documents and the introduced amendments, the activity of the
Central Election Commission and the preparation to the elections,” he
continued.
“The number of seats in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of
Uzbekistan was increased from 120 to 150. Taking into consideration the
issues of protection of the environment and protecting the health of the
population, 15 seats were granted to the members of the Environmental
Movement.
“The Central Election Commission has established close cooperation with
the CIS observers mission. Our mission plans visiting many regions and
cities to get acquainted with the election campaign of the deputy
candidates and political parties,” the observer said.
“I participated in the parliamentary elections in Uzbekistan in 2004 and
in the Presidential elections in 2007,” Sloboda added.
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For Consolidating
Stability in the Country |
| December 18, 2009 |
A
round table addressing to the upcoming elections to the Legislative
Chamber of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan has been held in
Washington. It was attended by representatives of sociopolitical and
expert circles.
One of the participants of the event – president of the American
Association for Central Asian states B. Pincus pointed out that history,
culture and mentality of people of a country have a fundamental impact
on the formation of political system in any state. Uzbek people, bearer
of ancient civilization, solve issues of social construction and
sociopolitical development taking into account their cultural traditions
and peculiarities.
Discussing the topical issues of Uzbekistan’s foreign policy,
participants of the round table underscored the key role of the republic
in providing for regional security, achieving long-term peace and
stability in Afghanistan. They highly appraised the efforts of Tashkent
to address the Afghan crisis and highlighted the fundamental
significance of the initiative of President Islam Karimov on creation of
“6+3” contact group for Afghanistan. According to experts, many aspects
of the new strategy of the US administration toward Afghanistan have
something in common with approaches and propositions of Uzbekistan’s
leadership.
In general, American participants of the round table remarked that the
increased level of political, social and civic awareness of people,
their understanding and responsibility for what is happening around them
is an important factor that defines the election campaign in Uzbekistan.
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Confident Path toward Open
Society |
| December 18, 2009 |
A
round table on the upcoming elections to the Legislative Chamber of Oliy
Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan has been held in Belgium.
Representatives of the European Union and European Parliament,
analytical and research centers were informed about the course of
election campaign.
The participants were informed that candidates for deputies and
political parties were granted equal rights to access mass media during
the pre-election campaign.
President of the European Institute for International Relations
I.Seminatore, an international observer at the 2007 presidential
elections, believes that forthcoming elections in Uzbekistan are
important for consolidation and expansion of democratic institutions.
“Legislative, normative and parliamentary provisions, increase in the
number of electoral districts, more active participation of civil
society in debates within the preparation to voting – all this is a
positive indicator of Uzbekistan’s government and authorities’
openness,” stressed I.Seminatore.
Participants’ particular attention was paid to female part of the
candidates’ list. Their participation in percentage (31.9%) is an
evidence of women’s activeness in the country’s political life.
Representative of the European Parliament F.Svalba-Hot emphasized a
significant progress in Uzbekistan in the years of independent
development, confidently leading to open society.
Touching upon the system of elections organization, the representative
of the European Parliament positively noted the process of
decentralization in the country, adding to local authorities’ powers.
Director of Geopolitical Studies at the European Institute for
International Relations P.-E.Tomann pointed out that the Uzbek
development model, including development of democracy deserved
attention. He said it provided for both observance of common values and
reflective thinking, ancient history and rich culture, traditions of the
country’s population.
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European Experts in Focus |
| December 18, 2009 |
A
delegation of Uzbekistan participated in the International Congress
Against Death Penalty in Florence, Italy.
Information about measures undertaken in Uzbekistan in order to improve
the legal basis of judicial activity, and video materials on
democratization stages and liberalization of judicial-legal system of
Uzbekistan were presented to participants of the congress.
Further on, participants of the event exchanged experience of legal
practice on abolition of death penalty from criminal law.
Commenting on the current state of the judicial and legal reforms in
Uzbekistan, Chairman of the Regional Council of Toscana R.Nenchini noted
that significant work was done in the country to implement provisions of
international legal documents in this sphere. “This work is integral of
the national policy aimed at strengthening the independence of judicial
power, level of legitimacy of law enforcement agencies’ activity,
comprehensive protection of human rights and liberties in justice,” said
R.Nenchini.
This view was supported by representative of Amnesty International in
Italy K.Waise, who added that political decision to abolish the capital
punishment underscored the adherence of Uzbekistan to universal ideas
and human rights values.
In general, participants of the international congress emphasized that
measures undertaken in Uzbekistan in the last years toward enhancement
of the role of parliament, political parties and civil society,
undoubtedly will produce results in the upcoming parliamentary elections
in the country.
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Business Climate |
| December 18, 2009 |
Importance of
long-term investment cooperation noted by UBTIC participants
The 16th meeting of the Uzbek-British Trade and Industry Council (UBTIC)
was held in London. A large delegation of the Republic of Uzbekistan
took part in the event.
UBTIC is a major bilateral forum which promotes development of
trade-economic and investment relations between Uzbekistan and the
United Kingdom. Meetings of the Council are held annually in Tashkent
and London by rotation.
This time the Uzbek delegation in London consisted of heads of Ministry
of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade, Ministry of
Economy, Uzeltehsanoat Association, Uzkimyosanoat State Stock Company,
Uzbekneftegaz National Holding Company, Uzbek Agency for Communications
and Informatization, Uzinfoinvest Agency, and others. Members of the
delegation of Uzbekistan made extensive presentations of their own
specific activities.
Welcoming the meeting’s participants, UBTIC co-chairman Hartley Booth
read out a message by Lord Davies, Secretary for Trade, Investment and
Small Business, who underscored the improvement in business climate
between the two countries and the increase in the number of business
circles representatives who intend to invest in the Uzbek economy.
In this context, Hartley Booth attracted attention to the
unprecedentedly high number of participants of the current session,
especially the involvement of a number of major British and
international companies. “This is a sign of recognition for Uzbek
economic model of development as well as intention to further the
mutually beneficial and fruitful economic cooperation with Uzbekistan”,
he said.
About 100 participants took part in the meeting from the UK’s business,
parliamentarian and expert circles.
Chairman of Central Asia Multipartisan Parliamentary Group Lord Waverley
noted that Uzbekistan played a key role in the region, which is of
strategic importance, and the country is able to contribute to resolving
regional and global problems. Lord Waverley also informed the
participants of the recent establishment of a British-Uzbek
Parliamentary Group under his chairmanship and expressed his interest in
visiting Uzbekistan in the nearest future.
Chairman of Cambridge Central Asia Forum Siddharth Saxena emphasized the
availability of huge intellectual potential as well as professional
resources as one of the most important factors for success of investment
projects in Uzbekistan. “In this direction your country has an
unquestionable advantage before many other developing markets. When one
mentions the introduction of foreign standards in Uzbekistan, I would
correct – on the contrary, many Uzbekistan’s standards in science and
education should be exported and introduced abroad”.
During the visit the delegation of Uzbekistan met with HRH Prince
Michael of Kent, Minister for Europe at the Foreign and Commonwealth
Office Chris Bryant as well as a number of representatives of British
and international companies and banks, where they discussed a wide range
of current and prospective dimensions for cooperation.
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Memorandum of Understanding |
| December 18, 2009 |
National Holding Company (NHC) Uzbekneftegaz signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with a U.S. corporation Honeywell. Management of
Uzbekneftegaz held talks with a delegation of Honeywell International,
Inc. led by President Norman Gilsdorf of Honeywell Process Solutions.
The sides exchanged views on ways of enhancing bilateral cooperation,
informed Uzbekneftegaz’s press service. In particular, they studied
experience in distribution and storage of gas.
As a starting direction for further close relations, during the meeting
the counterparts proposed to launch a joint program to train personnel
for automated machines. Following the meetings, the two companies signed
a Memorandum of Understanding.
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Steel Production Uplifted |
| December 18, 2009 |
According to the State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan, Uzmetkombinat
increased steel production by 3.7%, to 657,000 tons in January-November
2009.
Rolled ferrous metals output rose by 8.5% to 647,700 tons, including
production of profiled iron that increased by 10.3% to 515,100 tons.
Last year the company produced 674,300 tons of steel. Rolled ferrous
metals production amounted to 643,100 tons, while the rolled section
reached 485,200 tons.
Uzmetkombinat is the only steel enterprise in Central Asia working with
scrap iron. Uzmetkombinat is more than 60 years among leading steel
manufacturers and is in close cooperation with all other industries.
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Uzbekneftegaz Enters Top 35 Oil Companies in the World |
| December 18, 2009 |
Uzbekneftegaz
has been included in the list of 50 largest oil companies in the world.
According to the Petroleum Intelligence Weekly magazine (U.S.), the
company took 35th place.
The rating is based on the performance of companies in 2008 and is
calculated on six criteria: reserves and production of oil and gas,
processing volumes and sales. These criteria allow to compare companies
both private and public across the world. Financial indicators are not
taken into account, since calculations differ from country to country.
The rating is headed by Aramco (Saudi Arabia). Iran’s NIOC goes second,
and Exxon Mobil (U.S.) is rated third.
National Holding Company Uzbekneftegaz is a major diversified industrial
and economic complex in the country and one of the key oil and gas
companies in the Central Asian region, focusing on all activities: from
exploration to sales of finished products to consumers. Uzbekneftegaz is
11th largest natural gas producer in the world, 5th largest in the CIS
in the production of liquid hydrocarbons. The company is one of the
largest suppliers of energy resources to global markets.
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International
jang kurash federation founded |
| December 19, 2009 |
The national sports like kurash, belbogli kurash, turon and ulak-kupkari
are becoming more and more popular in Uzbekistan. This year, another
Uzbek art of fighting called jang kurash joined this list.
The Executive Committee of the International Kurash Association held a
session in India on 6-8 December, which approved creation of the
International Jang Kurash Federation within the association.
More than 20,000 young people in Uzbekistan are currently mastering the
Uzbek art of fighting. They are trained by more than 200 trainers and
specialists, journalists were told at a press conference in Tashkent.
As popular sports, kurash and the art of fighting are contributing to
the promotion of healthy lifestyle in the country.
The new sport was demonstrated at sports events in Russian, Kazakhstan
and South Korea this year.
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Islam Karimov holds
talks in Ashgabat |
| December 13, 2009 |
President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov arrived on an
official visit to Ashgabat on 13 December on the invitation of the
President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov.
The official welcoming ceremony of the head of Uzbekistan was held
at the palace of the President of Turkmenistan. The state anthems of
the two countries were played. The heads of Uzbekistan and
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At the face-to-face talks, the presidents noted that the relations
between the two countries were developing successfully. They expressed
confidence that visit of the head of Uzbekistan would boost the
bilateral cooperation, which is based on mutual trust, respect and
interest.
The heads of the states discussed the present state and perspectives of
cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, as well as regional and
international problems representing mutual interest. In particular, they
considered aspects of political, economic and humanitarian cooperation,
and strengthening regional security and stability.
The bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are based on
the inter-state Treaty on further strengthening of friendly relations
and cooperation, signed in 2007.
The presidents continued talks at the negotiations of the official
delegations of the two countries.
Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are among the world’s leading producers and
exporters of natural gas. The new
Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan-China gas pipeline, to be launched on
Monday with participation of the presidents of these four states, is one
example of the efficient bilateral cooperation.
On the result of the talks, a number of bilateral documents aimed at
deepening cooperation in various areas were signed.
Islam Karimov and Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov said the reached agreements
would undoubtedly contribute to further development of the bilateral
cooperation.
The President of Uzbekistan laid flowers to the Monument of Independence
of Turkmenistan.
Islam Karimov also met the President of China Hu Jintao, who is in
Ashgabat on a working visit. The sides considered issues of expansion of
relations between Uzbekistan and China, as well as other topics of
mutual interest.
The official visit of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov to
Turkmenistan will complete on 14 December.
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President of
Uzbekistan leaves for Ashgabat |
| December 13, 2009 |
President of
Uzbekistan Islam Karimov left for Ashgabat on an official visit on 13
December on the invitation of the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguli
Berdimuhamedov.
During the visit, issues of expansion of Uzbek-Turkmen cooperation, as
well as important regional and international problems, representing
mutual interest, will be discussed.
Signing of a number of bilateral documents, aimed at deepening
cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan in various spheres, is
planned.
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Legal Basis for Creation |
| December 14, 2009 |
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Heads of diplomatic missions in Uzbekistan
congratulate the Uzbek people on the 17th Anniversary of the
Constitution
Wei Zhang: “Your Constitution ensures decent life and free
development”
Charge d’affaires of the People’s Republic of China in Uzbekistan
Wei Zhang assessed the state and prospects of bilateral relations
between Uzbekistan and China in his congratulatory speech.
“Today, the Uzbek-Chinese relations consistently expand on the
basis of mutual respect, trust and interest. Political dialogue is
taking place; contacts in trade, economic, energy as well as
cultural spheres extend. Similarity and closeness of our countries’
leaders’ stands on issues of solving regional and international
problems is the basis for such dynamic development of cooperation.
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It is well known that both Uzbekistan and China significantly contribute
to protection of mutual interests, enhancement of stability and security
both in the region and the whole world.
China respectfully considers and supports the independent way of
development of your country. The Uzbek people have thoroughly using
opportunities provided by the independence and have achieved significant
transformations in all areas. Owing to this, despite the high gear of
the global financial crisis, there is a sustainable economic growth in
Uzbekistan.
Trade and economic and investment cooperation are priorities of the
bilateral relations, therefore, despite of the global financial-economic
crisis, the volume of mutual trade turnover in the nine months period of
2009 increased by 30% in comparison with the same period of 2008 and
reached $1.6 billion.
Speaking about cooperation in education and science, I would like to pay
particular attention to issues of mutual exchange of experience,
personnel training and advanced training of specialists.
All efforts undertaken by our countries today for the expansion of the
Uzbek-Chinese relations serve to interests of our countries’ peoples,
enhancement of peace and stability in the region. I am confident that
they will actively develop further.
The Uzbek people celebrate 17th Anniversary of the Constitution of the
Republic of Uzbekistan. Your Fundamental Law ensures human rights and
liberties, provides for decent life and free development. This is very
important in creation of a democratic legal state and formation of civil
society. Therefore, owing to subsequent introduction of norms and
regulations of the Constitution, there is an atmosphere of friendship
and consent in Uzbekistan, and the level of prosperity of people grows
year by year”.
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Manal Shah Alquadri: “The experience in educating physically and
mentally healthy mature generation is quite telling” |
| December 14, 2009 |
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
India to Uzbekistan Manal Shah Alquadri underscored in his
congratulatory speech the necessity of studying the experience of
Uzbekistan on educating physically and mentally healthy generation.
The current Uzbek-Indian relations based on principles of strong
friendship and mutual interests, hold important place within India’s
foreign policy. Based on this, bilateral meetings are conducted
regularly at different levels, promoting for deepening of
cooperation between our countries.
I am glad that the cooperation between our states in the economic
sphere is expanding. Indian companies express great interest in the
Uzbek economy, they are interested in investing in car manufacturing
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and tourism, extending economic contacts in small and private
businesses, oil and gas, mining,
geology, textile, healthcare, science and education,
agriculture and other spheres”.
While working in Uzbekistan, I observe with enthusiasm consistent
reforms implemented in the country in all areas of social life. The
stage-by-stage work towards democratization of the society gives
significant results.
Major attention is paid to science and education in the country. There
are educational institutions even in remote villages, equipped with
up-to-date training layouts and installations, sport facilities. All
this is a bright example of attention and care for the future of the
country.
Taking into account prospects and tasks related to Uzbekistan’s further
development, head of your state put forward an initiative at the solemn
meeting devoted to the 17th Anniversary of the Constitution of the
Republic of Uzbekistan to announce forthcoming 2010 “The Year of
Harmonically Developed Generation”.
As the Ambassador stressed in his address, issues of wide introduction
of new information and pedagogical technologies, facilitation of uneasy
work of teachers and mentors, subsequent strengthening of activity in
physical education and sport into the education process will be in the
focus of the National Program “Year of Harmonically Developed
Generation”.
“In my opinion, studying of Uzbekistan’s experience in educating
physically and mentally healthy growing generation is illuminative for
us.
Availing this opportunity, I would like to wish the people of
Uzbekistan, which celebrate just another anniversary of their
Constitution, peace and calmness, prosperity and successes”.
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Within the Forum |
| December 14, 2009 |
A delegation
of Uzbekistan headed by First Deputy Prime-Minister, Minister of Finance
Rustam Azimov has taken part in the third “Republic of Korea – Central
Asia” cooperation forum, held in Seoul last week. The Uzbek delegation
consisted of representatives of various ministries and agencies of the
country.
The “Republic of Korea – Central Asia” cooperation forum operates since
November 2007 and is aimed at expansion of cooperation between the South
Korea and Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and
Tajikistan in economy, culture, education, tourism, exchange of
experience in information and telecommunication technologies, building
and transport.
During the event, enhancement of competitiveness of economies of
participating states, creation of economy’s new engines, effective
energy resources use, development of labor potential and cooperation in
healthcare were discussed.
It should be noted that the South Korea is one of the largest investment
partners of Uzbekistan. Till now, the total number of the South Korea’s
direct investments to Uzbekistan’s economy exceeds $2 billion.
In this connection, during the seminar within the Forum, representatives
of Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Uzbek Agency of Communications and
Information, Uzkimyosanoat State Stock Company, Uzbekneftegaz National
Holding Company, Uzyengilsanoat State Stock Company, Uzfarmsanoat State
Stock Company, Uzavtosanoat Stock Company and other delegated
representatives informed Korean businessmen and representatives of
Central Asian business circles about opportunities and potential of
their enterprises in order to further development of mutually beneficial
cooperation.
During this visit, the Uzbek delegation made trip to Philippines, where
discussed preparation of the Tashkent Asian Development Bank meeting.
The Uzbek delegation headed by First Deputy Minister Rustam Azimov,
conducted negotiations with ADB President Haruhiko Kuroda in the
headquarters of the Bank in Manila.
During the talks, two sides discussed issues of preparation of the 43rd
Annual Meeting of the ADB Board of Governors to be held in Tashkent on
3-4 May 2010.
To remind, Uzbekistan has become a member of the ADB in August 1995.
Since 1996 the Bank has approved more than 25 loans for our country,
which totally cost over $1 billion.
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Comprehensive Approach in the Light of New Realities |
| December 14, 2009 |
Not a single
state in the world is able to solve the Afghan problem independently.
American experts who visited Uzbekistan last week focused on some key
directions of the Uzbek-American cooperation. Security, trade and
investment became subjects of expert assessment and opinion exchange in
the meetings held in Tashkent. In consideration of gravity of the
situation in Afghanistan and growing regional significance of this
problem the peaceful resolution of the conflict in the light of new US
strategy for Afghanistan became one of the important topics of the
discussions.
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“Visions of future
and a verified policy” |
| December 14, 2009 |
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Enders Wimbush, Senior Vice-President, Hudson
Institute:
“Taking into consideration the regional development dynamics over
the last 15-20 year and related growing threats, Uzbekistan tends to
ensure security on its territory. Along with that, the country’s
authorities demonstrate a deep comprehension of the situation and
prospects of its development in the region and beyond its borders.
Today, there is a growing confidence in the United States in the
fruitful cooperation with Uzbekistan that would meet the interests
of both sides.
I think it would be enough to look at the map of Central Asia
with Uzbekistan in the center to appraise its regional significance.
Therefore it is hard to imagine any prospects of achieving peace and
stability in
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Afghanistan without Uzbekistan’s participation. Besides,
Uzbekistan conducts the initiative and
verified policy and has a systemic strategic vision of the
future.
Thereupon, I can predict the rise of the priority of the Uzbek-American
relationships in general foreign policy strategy of the United States
with a view to the new US strategy on Afghanistan as well.
I have visited Uzbekistan more than once over the last 35 years and
today I have witnessed many changes. The Uzbek economy has a huge
potential for cooperation development.
As far as the development of Uzbek-American cooperation is concerned I
would like to draw American businessmen’s attention to the investment
climate in Uzbekistan and particularly within the free industrial and
economic zone in Navoi. The Multimodal Transport and Communication
Logistics Center and efforts on the further development of this city’s
infrastructure might enhance the American companies’ interest in
investment cooperation.”
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“The work of
epoch-making significance” |
| December 14, 2009 |
Dr. S. Frederick Starr, chairman, Central
Asia-Caucasus Institute at Johns Hopkins University:
“As a historian I must note the importance of Uzbekistan’s efforts
on economic rehabilitation of Afghanistan including construction of
the railway on the Khayraton-Mazari-Sharif route.
Involving Uzbek specialists, this project bears historical
significance; I will dare call it “the work of epoch”. The
construction of the Khayraton-Mazari-Sharif railway gives not only
big opportunities for assistance to the economic rehabilitation of
Afghanistan. The section Khayraton-Mazari-Sharif in the Trans-Afghan
transport passageway will broaden transport, communication and
transit resources of states in the region and promote the further
traffic network’s improvement. |
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I’m glad this project of continental significance is only one point
within Uzbekistan’s initiative on the Afghan problem solution and
rehabilitation of the country. It is a matter of Uzbekistan’s initiative
on establishing the 6+3 contact group including six countries bordering
with Afghanistan as well as Russia, US and NATO.
Initiated by the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, this overture
presently creates the foundation for the real interaction between all
key interested parties in stabilization of the situation in this
country. It is important because to its deep comprehension of the Afghan
problem and generation of ideas for ensuring stability inside the
region.
Thus, this initiative proposed inside the region itself should be
regarded as a serious positive proposal tough to disagree with.”
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“Military
intervention will not solve the problem” |
| December 14, 2009 |
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John Daly, United Press International observer:
“I entirely agree with President Islam Karimov that there cannot be
only the military solution of the Afghan problem. As the thirty-year
war showed, the gradual raising of economic assistance is necessary
today.
The essence of Uzbekistan’s proposal on settlement of the situation
in Afghanistan is in emergency of persistent necessity of
elimination of acute socioeconomic problems in the Afghan society
related to population’s impoverishment and unemployment. |
Therefore, I think that construction of bridges, railways and power
supply by Uzbekistan play an important role in restructuring
Afghanistan’s economy.
It is not possible not to agree with the opinion of your state’s head on
the necessity of comprehensive consideration of the Afghan people’s
mentality and their religiousness. It is Uzbekistan that can become a
key factor thereupon as the neighboring country which has been
historically and culturally tied with Afghanistan. Besides, Uzbekistan
has been facing the destabilizing situation in that country for 30 years
unlike the American experience there that started from 2001.
Not a single state in the work is capable to solve the Afghan problem
independently. The integral approach of Uzbekistan as the active
participant of the reconstruction process in Afghanistan comes from new
reality.
Thereupon, strengthening of the Uzbek-American dialogue in different
directions, whether it is security, economy, investment or new
technologies, will be of mutual interest and play an important role in
ensuring regional and global safety.”
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Heads of Diplomatic
Missions Appointed |
| December 14, 2009 |
The
resolutions on the appointment of heads of diplomatic missions of
Uzbekistan to Japan and Belgium have been passed at the 20th plenary
session of the Senate of Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
As the press service of the Senate informs, Hamidullo Karamatov was
appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic
of Uzbekistan to Japan, and Bakhtiyor G’ulomov will head the diplomatic
mission of Uzbekistan in the Kingdom of Belgium.
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CEC Meets OSCE/ODIHR Mission |
| December 14, 2009 |
International
experts will assess parliamentary elections in Uzbekistan.
The Central Election Commission of Uzbekistan has presented mandates of
international observers to representatives of the OSCE Office for
Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) for participation in
parliamentary elections.
Earlier, the CEC authorized a decision to register the OSCE/ODIHR
observer mission comprising 13 members.
In accordance with the Law “On elections to Oliy Majlis of the Republic
of Uzbekistan”, all preparations and holding of elections, as well as
premises for voting on election day and vote counting can be attended by
an observer from a political party that nominated its candidate, media
representatives, observers from other states, international
organizations and movements.
On the occasion of awarding mandates of international observers to the
OSCE/ODIHR mission, the CEC held a meeting where the parties could
exchange views and coordinate their actions.
Chairman Mirzo-Ulugbek Abdusalomov of the CEC told representatives of
ODIHR about the Concept on preparation and holding of elections to Oliy
Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, regional, district and city
councils of people’s representatives, which the CEC worked out in
practice for the first time this year. He elaborated on the work done in
the framework of the Concept.
During the meeting, the OSCE/ODIHR experts got answers to their
questions. In particular, they touched on the hanges in electoral
legislation of Uzbekistan, legal foundations of the Ecology Movement’s
participation in elections and procedure of selecting representatives of
the movement to the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis.
“I can see a strong willingness to cooperate, I believe we can work
together. Our mission arrived in Uzbekistan to assist in the elections.
I saw the development of the electoral legislation from its beginning,
and can say that a lot has been changed so far,” said in her interview
Jolanda Brunetti, head of the OSCE/ODIHR Assessment Mission in
Uzbekistan.
As the head of the mission explained, the ODIHR mission plans to visit
several polling stations in different regions of the country to
familiarize themselves with preparations for the elections.
Experts of the mission will stay in Uzbekistan until December 31. The
mission will assess the overall framework of elections in Uzbekistan, as
well as the implementation of previous recommendations of the ODIHR and
prepare an assessment report.
In the coming weeks, the experts will also meet with government
officials, candidates, political parties, as well as representatives of
the judiciary, civil society and the media in Tashkent and other
regions.
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Reliable Legal
Framework for Future Reforms |
| December 14, 2009 |
Upper house of
parliament approves new laws.
Last week, the Senate of Oliy Majlis held a plenary session, the last
one in the current composition. Having considered over 20 issues,
senators laid legal foundation for the development of the country for
the next years.
The plenary session led by Senate Chairman Ilgizar Sobirov was attended
by ministers, heads of state agencies, public organizations,
representatives of the media.
Senators started with the State Budget of the Republic of Uzbekistan for
2010.
It was noted that the key financial document of the country is aimed at
ensuring macroeconomic stability and high growth rates of GDP, formation
of a modernized, diversified and competitive economy, further improving
the welfare and living standards of citizens.
The State Budget 2010 is drawn up in the light of the Anti Crisis
Program approved by the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov to prevent
and neutralize the effects of the global financial crisis on our
country.
The fiscal policy in 2010 will aim at further reducing the tax burden on
economic entities, promoting modernization, technical and technological
re-equipment of production, increasing incomes and purchasing power,
simplifying and improving tax administering, establishing optimal basic
rate of single tax for micro-firms and small enterprises, unifying the
size of the flat tax for individuals engaged in entrepreneurial
activities. According to estimates, the reduction of the current 10%
basic rate of income tax of legal entities down to 9% will allow
businesses in 2010 to save over 52 billion soums, thus enabling them to
increase production, speed up the modernization, technical and
technological re-equipment.
Next year, the minimum tax rate on individual income will be reduced
from 12 to 11%. It is projected to introduce additional allowances in
the form of reducing the taxable income for the amount of fees paid for
higher education tuition as well as voluntarily transferred to
individual pension accounts of citizens in Xalq Banki.
Senators noted that the State Budget 2010 envisages an increase in the
expenditure on social services and social support for people from 55.6%
in 2009 to 59.1% in 2010. It provides more funds for healthcare,
education, social protection of vulnerable strata of population,
increase in salaries, pensions, stipends and allowances. State budget of
Uzbekistan for 2010 has been approved by the Senate.
Then members of the upper house of parliament discussed and approved the
Employment Program 2010 developed by the Cabinet of Ministers to ensure
growth in employment, incomes and living standards and effective use of
available potential of regions and economic sectors, raise the demand
for labor, increase accountability of the Council of Ministers of
Karakalpakstan, hokimiyats of regions, cities and districts for the
creation of jobs and practical solution of employment challenges.
Senators noted that the forecast parameters of the program are based on
jobs available for young people coming to the labor market for the first
time and workers dismissed in the course of structural reforms in the
economy, as well as all potential and opportunities for the creation of
new jobs.
The program provides for the establishment of 950,000 new jobs in 2010
through the Investment Program, programs of localization of production,
modernization, technical and technological re-equipment of leading
industries, small businesses and development of entrepreneurship,
home-based jobs and expansion of farming enterprises specializing in
poultry, fish, beekeeping, fruits and vegetables.
Senators also approved amendments to a number of laws aimed at further
deepening of socioeconomic reforms. Among them is the law “On
introducing amendments and addenda to some legislative acts of the
Republic of Uzbekistan in connection with deepening of economic reforms
in agriculture and water management” developed by the Cabinet of
Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan in accordance with the state
program of the Year of Rural Development and Improvement.
As Senator Gafur Aliyev noted in his speech, the bill introduces
amendments to some laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan aimed at improving
the efficiency of water resources, amelioration, and increasing the
fertility of irrigated land, implementation of energy-saving
technologies. The changes in a number of other laws are also aimed to
increase the minimum size of land plots allocated for farming, taking
into account the optimization of conditions for agricultural production
and specialization of farms.
One of the key issues during the second day of the plenary session was
the question on the implementation of resolution of the Senate of Oliy
Majlis “On the role and responsibility of local authorities for the
unconditional implementation of the Anti Crisis Program for 2009-2012”.
It was stressed at the meeting that the objectives set by President
Islam Karimov on the economic strategy, consistent implementation of
Uzbekistan’s own model of reforms and modernization, prevention and
mitigation of effects of the global financial crisis on the
socioeconomic situation in the country have helped retain high economic
progress. The growth in gross domestic product in the first nine months
of 2009 amounted to 8%, the volume of industrial production increased by
9.1%, consumer goods by 13.7%, agriculture by 3.3%, services by 15.8%.
As a result of systemic measures taken to support domestic exporters,
expand the range of exported goods and destinations, the positive trade
balance exceeded $2.3 billion.
The Anti Crisis Program imposes responsible tasks on local authorities
called to take an active and direct participation in the implementation
of proposed measures.
“The examination of the implementation of Senate resolutions shows that
efforts taken in this direction by local councils of people’s
representatives since April 2009 yield positive developments. During
sessions of the local councils and meetings of their standing
committees, people’s representatives get familiar with reports by heads
of local governing bodies responsible for practical implementation of
regional and sectoral anti-crisis programs,” said Senator Khairulla
Ibragimov.
Comprehensive measures are taken to ensure close interaction and
coordination of local bodies of representative organs with regional
state and economic governance in the implementation of the Anti Crisis
Program. In most cases members of local councils are included in
anti-crisis commissions.
During this period, people’s representatives have mobilized their
efforts to address socioeconomic challenges in the framework of the Anti
Crisis Program for 2009-2012.
Local councils are more effectively practicing such form of work as
addressing their inquiries to organizations upon meetings with mahallas.
The Senate was given specific facts when such inquiries in Andijon
region initiated practical assistance in the acquisition of farm
equipment, creation of jobs, provision of soft loans to enterprises,
repair of multistory buildings, gasification of settlements and other
issues.
Standing committees of regional councils of people’s representatives
have been establishing mechanisms of interaction with committees of
district and city councils. Local councils of deputies of Andijon,
Bukhoro, Navoi, Namangan, Samarqand, Surkhondaryo and Farg’ona regions
jointly with mahallas, staff of educational institutions, instruct the
population about the essence and importance of measures taken to prevent
and mitigate the impact of the global downturn and its effects on the
socioeconomic situation in the country.
A great deal of attention is paid to raising the accountability of
deputies for performance of their responsibilities.
Senators put several proposals to address the shortcomings in some local
councils of deputies and their standing committees on the implementation
of the abovementioned resolutions of the Senate and worked out
recommendations to further enhance the role and responsibility of local
authorities for unconditional execution of measures envisaged in the
Anti Crisis Program 2009-2012.
Then senators discussed and passed the law “On ratification of the
treaty between the Republic of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan on the
transfer of persons sentenced to imprisonment to serve out their
sentences (Tashkent, February 25, 2009)”. Senators also discussed
amendments in the structure of the Constitutional Court of the Republic
of Uzbekistan, Supreme Court of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Higher
Economic Court of the Republic of Uzbekistan; on the appointment of
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to the
Kingdom of Belgium and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
the Republic of Uzbekistan to Japan.
The Senate of Oliy Majlis also considered other issues within its
competence.
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Production
Industry to Enjoy Investment Priorities |
| December 14, 2009 |
Volume of
investment in the national economy to exceed 18.2 trillion soums next
year.
Investment Program for 2010 has been approved in the republic. According
to the document, next year the national economy will draw in more than
18.2 trillion soums. The share of foreign capital (loans guaranteed by
the government and foreign direct investment and loans) in the total
volume of investment will constitute 26%, which is about $3 billion to
99 investment projects. Sixty two projects are planned to draw more than
$2.4 billion of foreign direct investment, while 37 projects are to
attract more than $555 million of foreign loans under the government
guarantee.
Despite the decline in investment flows worldwide caused by the
financial crisis, the expected volume of foreign investment to
Uzbekistan in 2010 is almost two-thirds higher than the forecast volume
of the passing year.
Investments in the next year have another distinguishing feature: the
Fund for Reconstruction and Development of Uzbekistan substantially
increases its share in funding the modernization of production. Its
share in total capital investment in the national economy is to reach
7.5%.
Experts of the Ministry of Finance tend to link this to a program of
major projects on modernization, technical and technological
re-equipment for 2009-2014 within the framework of anti crisis measures
approved by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on March 12,
2009. Over four hundred investment projects worth more than $41.4
billion under this program are planned to attract about $22 billion of
loans and investments from international financial institutions, foreign
partners and companies.
Most of the projects included in the investment program for 2010 are
called to upgrade basic assets of key industries. It is envisaged to
create new production capacities and accelerate the application of
scientific and technological achievements. Experts of the Ministry of
Finance predict that the mapped out priorities of development ensure
stable investment influx from leading transnational companies and
corporations.
The list of major investment projects on creation of new, reconstruction
and modernization of existing production facilities in 2010 includes 192
projects. Thirty four of them are run by Uzbekneftegaz national holding
company. The coming year is projected to be eventful: construction of
Ustyurt gas and chemical complex at Surgil deposit, installation of
propane-butane mixture for increasing the production of liquefied gas at
Muborak gas processing plant, production of equipment for gas filling
and compressor stations and vehicle gas cylinders at the free industrial
economic zone Navoi. As in previous years, oil and gas industry plays
the “first violin” in attracting strategic investors to the economy.
Currently, partners of the leading industries of Uzbekistan in the
petroleum and petrochemical industries are major multinational
corporations – China National Petroleum Corporation, South Africa’s
Sasol, Malaysia’s Petronas, Korea National Gas Corporation and others.
Particular attention is paid to the development of basic sphere – the
electric power industry. Energy-efficient combined-cycle plants are
planned to be built at three thermal power stations - Talimarjon, Navoi
and Tashkent; 1-5 units of New Angren TPP are to be switched to
year-round coal combustion; modernization of Angren open mine;
construction of external power supply in Tashkent city; introduction of
automated electric energy control and metering systems. In total,
fifteen major investment projects will be commissioned in the power
sector.
Considerable efforts are underway to implement 33 investment projects at
Navoi and Olmaliq mining and metallurgy combines.
The chemical industry will focus on the development of new products. In
2010, companies of the sector will launch production of polyvinyl
chloride (PVC) and caustic soda, synthetic detergents and household
chemical goods, as well as porous ammonium nitrate.
Twelve investment projects will be jumpstarted at Navoi free industrial
economic zone in 2010 with the participation of strategic investors.
They include manufacture of electronic gas meters, LCD monitors,
energy-saving lamps, medicines.
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Prospects for Effective Cooperation Discussed by manufacturers of
electrical appliances |
| December 14, 2009 |
Tashkent-based
joint venture O’zelektroapparat – Electroshield, a leading manufacturer
of electrical equipment in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, held a third
meeting of domestic and foreign manufacturers of electrical equipment,
research and design organizations and consumers from countries of the
CIS and South Asia.
As recently as three years ago, the former JSC O’zelektroapparat used to
produce a range of traditional low-voltage devices and equipment. Today
the company ranks among leading manufacturers of electrical equipment
with broad output of 110-0.4 kV devices in the Central Asian market. The
program of technical re-equipment and modernization of production
facilities with the participation of foreign direct investment of
ElectroShchit TM-Samara Group helped raise the company to a
qualitatively new level of development. Since 2006, over $8 million has
been invested in the modernization.
Apart from manufacturing electrical equipment, the industry’s leading
enterprises in Tashkent positions itself as a supplier of integrated
design solutions, contract supervising, installation and adjustment of
equipment, warranty and post-warranty service.
Since 2007, the joint venture, which has its own service center and test
lab, is operating in accordance with ISO 9001:2000 standard.
The company’s traditional consumers in the domestic market are mining,
metallurgical, energy and oil and gas industries that procure more than
70% of the equipment produced. The enterprise is currently involved in
the energy supply for Navoi free industrial economic zone, it carries
out complete construction of a substation at Handiza mining and
processing complex, Surkhondaryo region, supplies electrical equipment
to a number of other major industrial facilities.
The joint venture is expanding the sales to its new consumers,
telecommunications, automotive and transport sector. Their share has
increased from 2 to 16%.
Currently, the production of the venture enjoys demand not only in
traditional CIS markets, but also in Asian countries.
Participants of the conference got acquainted with the company’s output,
discussed trends in the apparatus building, development of vacuum
switching technology, a microprocessor-based digital relay protection,
and a number of other issues.
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Uzbekistan celebrates 17th anniversary of Constitution |
| December 05, 2009 |
| The solemn meeting devoted to the 17th anniversary
of the Constitution of Uzbekistan was held at the International
Forums Palace in Tashkent on 5 December.
The state and public figures, representatives of science, culture
and arts, foreign embassies and international organizations
participated in the event.
The hokim (mayor) of Tashkent A.Tukhtayev opened the meeting. The
state anthem of the Republic of Uzbekistan was played.
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The President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov made a speech at the meeting,
entitled “Constitution of Uzbekistan is a solid foundation of our
progress on the way of democratic development and formation of civil
society”.
The head of the state congratulated the people of Uzbekistan with the
Constitution Day and said this holiday had a special importance this
year, when the nationwide elections to the lower chamber of the
parliament and local representative bodies of state authority are to be
held.
Over the years of independence, Uzbekistan has formed an election system
that fully complies with the universally accepted standards and high
democratic requirements. In early 2009, amendments were introduced in
the election legislation, aimed first of all at further liberalization
and democratization of the election process, as well as strengthening
the principles of transparency, freedom and justice.
Summing up the results of the implementation of the State Program “Year
of Rural Development and Improvement”, the President noted that this
program was not only designed for 2009, but for the short- and long-term
perspective.
Over the past period, an enormous work has been carried out to improve
the legislative base for meeting the demands of the rural residents,
create new workplaces, build new roads and expand the existing ones,
reconstruct electricity and gas lines, raise the level of the service
sector, expand the telecommunication network, as well as build modern
residential areas with kindergartens, schools, sports complexes and
medical establishments.
To implement the “Year of Rural Development and Improvement” program, a
total of UZS 2.612 trillion was spent from all sources of financing, the
head of the state said.
Taking into consideration the perspectives and tasks directly linked to
the further development of Uzbekistan, as well as proposals of the
public, Islam Karimov put forward the initiative to proclaim 2010 the
Year of Harmoniously Developed Generation.
The state budget for 2010 envisages allocation of some UZS 1.7 trillion
for the healthcare sector, which is 30% more compared to the 2009
figure. In all, over 50% of the state budget will be directed to the
healthcare and educational spheres in 2010. All of this is a
demonstration of the fact that the state has been paying more and more
attention to the raising healthy and harmoniously developed generation.
The President said the related State Program for the next year should
cover areas like improvement of the legislation, introduction of new
information and pedagogical technologies in education, stimulating
teachers and development of sports.
The program will also focus on the solution of the existing problems in
the small business and entrepreneurship, and attraction of the young
people, namely professional college and university graduates, to this
sector.
The priority area of the 2010 State Program will be protection of the
families, which are an important constituent part of the society, the
President underlined.
Another important aspect of the program will be development of science.
To boost scientific research, the head of the state proposed creating
new laboratories in the Science Academy and universities, and establish
their cooperation with leading foreign scientific centers.
Islam Karimov also said a special fund should be set up under the
Cabinet of Ministers’ Science and Technology Development Committee in
order to stimulate the talented youth.
The President emphasized that the country had all conditions and
potential for the implementation of the tasks set for the next year. He
expressed confidence that the 2010 State Program would help the young
people to become comprehensively developed persons, capable of living
and working in the new time of intellectual values.
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Address by H.E. President Islam Karimov at the grand meeting dedicated
to the 17th anniversary of adoption of the Constitution of the Republic
of Uzbekistan |
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Assalamu-Alaykum, dear compatriots!
Distinguished friends!
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In these days our people are broadly celebrating the
Constitution Day as a national holiday, among other glorious
holidays that take substantial and special place in the life of our
state and society, which laid a foundation of our independence,
determined the basis of our free and prosperous future.
On this occasion, allow me from the bottom of my heart to
congratulate you, my dears, and in your person our entire nation on
this great holiday and express my sincere wishes.
Dear compatriots! |
Indeed, 17 years ago, i.e. on December 8, 1992 we adopted the Main Law
of our life – the Constitution, which is commensurable with nothing on
its essence and significance and truly the historical document. Thus, we
fully denied the old and obsolete regime and opened up the way and
opportunities to build a new state and new society.
Starting from that very day our Main Law has been serving as a solid
foundation of building the law-governed democratic state, civil society,
the economy based on free market relations, as well as creating
prosperous life for our people, and securing the worthy place on the
international arena.
Today, as we critically assess the path traversed for over the last
period, certainly it is natural to state the results of the reforms
being gradually and consistently carried out in terms of state building,
social and economic development, which were secured owing to the laws
and programs adopted firstly in accordance with main principles and
norms of the Constitution.
As we see how the entire world acknowledges the substantial successes
achieved by our country, time and again we become convinced in the
rightness of the chosen path of independent development set by our Main
Law.
We all know that this year celebrating the Constitution Day has a
special essence and significance. It is reasoned by the fact that on
December 27 there shall take place the general elections to the
parliament and local representative bodies – the local Kengashes
(councils).
With an aim of worthily holding these elections, which are the
significant political event in the life of our country, given full
observance of requirements of the Constitution, the laws on elections,
international norms and standards, for over the span of the last three
months the large-scale and considerable work is being accomplished under
the leadership and control of the Central Election Commission.
In this context, it should be noted that during the years of
independence the electoral system, which comprehensively meets the
generally recognized standards and high democratic requirements, has
been established in our country. In this regard, the solid normative and
legal ground based on our Constitution and the electoral legislation has
been established.
It is notable that for over the last years, in particular, in the
beginning of this year the alterations and new norms that meet the
modern requirements, international norms and aimed at, firstly, further
liberalization and democratization of the electoral legislation, have
been introduced into the electoral system of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
It will be no mistake if we say that increasing the role and influence
of political parties, extension of the number of their proxies,
allocation the additional rights and powers to them during the process
of elections, and in general, these opportunities that envisage
extension of the voters’ rights will make a great contribution for
further improvement of the electoral system.
As a part of the several alterations introduced into the electoral
legislation, with an aim to expand the scope of participation of
citizens in the forthcoming elections the number of seats in the
Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan has
been increased from 120 to 150. As a result, a new principle has been
introduced, firstly, in terms of protecting environment, reasonably
using natural resources and ensuring ecological safety of population.
In line with this principle, 15 parliamentary seats have been allocated
for the deputies elected from the Ecological movement of Uzbekistan.
Most importantly, in the electoral legislation a special attention has
been paid to strengthening the rights and powers of the Central Election
Commission.
As it is stipulated in our laws, anyone, above all, the central and
local bodies of state power, have no right to interfere in the process
of preparing and holding the elections.
Such interference is strictly prohibited by law and it is envisaged
taking relevant measures with regard to persons should they infringe
this norm, and if needed, calling them to accountability.
Summing up the aforesaid, it should be noted that all the measures being
implemented in terms of improving the electoral system in our country
are aimed at, firstly, holding the elections based on transparency,
freedom and fairness.
In a word, I think that each and every person, who lives in this land
with pride and dignity, understands and realizes well that the
forthcoming elections are an important test and serious examination for
all of us.
If we consider the upcoming elections from this very point of view, I
would like that we should realize that this examination, firstly,
consists of the following criteria and requirements:
First, this process stands as a test that confirms the freedom of speech
and freedom of choice in our life;
Second, this process stands for more consolidation of the multiparty
system in the political life of our country, emergence of political
parties in the electoral stage with their own goals and programs of
action, as well as the struggle with one another for the votes of the
electorate;
Third, as a manifestation of the rule of law, this process is to show
creating equal opportunities and conditions for all political parties
and each candidate taking part in the elections irrespective of their
political views and convictions;
Fourth, it reveals the level and maturity of civil society in our
country;
And finally fifth, it will be no mistake if we say that these elections
will test the socio-political level and culture of our population, as
well as its civil self-consciousness.
Let us think about the following. To what extent we are ready to stand
such a complex and responsible political test and hold these electoral
processes at the level of electoral system now effective in the
developed democratic states?
Certainly, it will be appropriate and particularly expedient if today
the answer for this question must be searched not only by the Central
Election Commission and its structures at the local levels, which are
directly responsible for organization of the elections, as well as the
activists of political parties, public movements, non-state
organizations, and broad public, but also by each citizen and each
voter, who is getting prepared for elections.
Since, the aforementioned extremely important factors that we need to
implement reflect the maturity level of any society that goes along the
path of democratic development.
I believe that all of us yet more realize that to follow these
requirements is not just a goal in itself, but, firstly, it is the core
of the program of promoting freedom and liberty, as well as building a
prosperous life. It is also the decisive integral part and main way of
securing the high level of development.
It should be said that we have chosen this path not for showing it off
to someone, or demonstrating it for someone.
And no matter how tough and complex this path is, I am repeating this
time and again, this path is a path of progress that fully meets our
national interests, hopes and aspirations we have been striving for many
centuries.
At the same time, all of us do realize yet another truth, i.e. yet we
need to accomplish quite a lot to secure the set goals, implement both
political and economic tasks chosen by us, and secure a deserving place
among the developed countries of the world.
The major issue in this respect is as follows: it is necessary to
critically assess the accomplished work, not to fall into euphoria, not
to ignore the international experience and achievements of others. We
also need to remove the obstacles and barriers that still exist in our
life in this direction. Primarily, our own apprehension of this acute
truth and drawing practical conclusions take on a substantial importance
in our socio-political life.
Availing myself of this opportunity, with an aim of worthily holding the
forthcoming elections, which is indeed a substantial political event in
the life of our country, I deem it expedient to dwell once again on some
outstanding issues.
First, I wish it becomes the main duty for all of us and every voter to
observe and strictly pursue the Constitution and laws adopted on its
basis on the elections to Oliy Majlis and the local representative
bodies of power, as well as the regulations and norms defined by the
Central Election Commission and its structures at the local level.
Especially, it is necessary to respectfully and attentively treat the
suggestions and views of observers – whether they shall be the
representatives of international organizations or our social and
non-state organizations. Any comments related to some cases proved to be
inconsistent with the generally adopted electoral rules must certainly
be taken into consideration and implemented no matter how formal,
insignificant and unnecessary they may appear for some voters.
Most importantly, all participants of the elections, no matter who they
would be, must clearly understand that the outside interference in the
electoral processes, as well as any improper attempts as exerting an
influence on them shall be fully prohibited.
Second, one has to reiterate once again that all are equal before law.
Creating equal and fair conditions for all parties and their candidates
in the pre-election campaign in terms of meeting and communicating with
their respective constituents by means of print and television media,
conducting canvassing involving constituency, treating equal their
rights and aspirations, making no one inferior – one should say that all
these issues play a substantial and important role in conducting the
elections at the highest level.
The respective bodies responsible for these matters must not allow any
cases of exceptions or give preference to anyone.
Third, in fact, the elections, above all, mean a free choice and
conscious voting with apprehension of one’s rights.
Along with this, to participate in the elections stands for not only
implementing the right to cast a vote guaranteed by our Constitution.
Firstly, this requires to thoroughly realize our civic duty and treat
this matter with considerable responsibility.
Since, each and every voter should have a clear idea about a candidate –
whether tomorrow he will become a member of the local Kengash (council)
or the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis. He should understand whether
this candidate having obtained the deputy’s mandate will be able to
justify the great trust laid on him and will be able to contribute for
the prosperity and betterment of the life of our people. It means that
should not be mistaken while voting.
If we look from this point of view, at the moment, indeed we stand on
the eve of a big political process that determines the future of our
Homeland. No doubt, this process, which will become as a particular
important stage in achieving the set high goals and objectives, shall
directly engage each and every person living on this soil, and no one
should stay aside from it.
Today, looking at your faces, my dears, who are present in this hall,
and in your person I want to address to our entire nation: we shall
worthily conduct the forthcoming elections and certainly are capable to
once again demonstrate our advanced political level on the international
arena.
Since our Uzbekistan, our society is no longer a state and society as it
used to be in the past – figuratively speaking, they are different as
heaven and earth.
Most importantly, today it is impossible not to see, not to notice and
not to comprehend that the worldview of our people, their way of
thinking and range of outlook, attitude towards life and labor, feeling
of involvement with the events unfolding around them, pride of Homeland
and their belief in the future are ever growing from day to day.
I am confident that our experienced people, who treat the fate of the
nation with responsibility, by thoroughly realizing how this political
process is important, firstly, will actively participate in the
elections and cast vote for realization of their noble dreams and
aspirations and those of their families, as well as for tranquility and
progress of our Homeland.
I have no doubt about this.
Dear friends!
As you know, a year ago acting on your advice, we announced the year
2009 in our country as the “Year of Development and Improvement of
Countryside”.
You are also aware that on this basis we have adopted a special State
program with an aim of addressing the priority issue, which has been
remaining on the focus of our attention since the early years of
independence, i.e. to change the image of our villages, deepen reforms
in the agricultural industry, improve the living standards of the
countryside population, as well as increase its socio-political and
cultural level.
The essence and significance, the most important directions and
financial sources of this Program that embodies the idea “progress in
the countryside stands for prosperity of the nation and further
flourishing of our life” have been defined not only for the year 2009,
but also for the medium and long-term perspectives with its
implementation being under strict control.
Taking into consideration the wide scope of this Program, I would like
only to briefly dwell on the initial steps taken on the way of its
implementation.
When we speak about this, firstly, it should be mentioned that we have
paid a special attention to fuller ensuring the interests of the people
in the countryside, as well as to the issues of improving the normative
and legal basis aimed at protecting their rights.
It wouldn’t be a mistake if I say that in the process of improving the
life in the countryside it is of a great importance to change its
outlook, to upgrade the living standards of the people residing in the
villages up to the modern level, and when necessary to bring close those
standards to the urban level.
To achieve these goals in January 2009 the resolutions of the President
of the Republic of Uzbekistan on planning the housing from the
standpoint of modern architecture, enhancing the system of designing and
building the houses and social facilities in rural areas and on
establishing the “Qishloq qurilish loyiha” institute were adopted.
It should be mentioned that by now this Institute has developed the
sample designs of modern dwelling houses consisting of 2 up to 5 rooms,
as well as the facilities of social infrastructure.
The renowned and highly qualified specialists of our country have been
involved in this work. 22 sample designs of individual dwelling houses
and 16 samples of facilities of social and municipal purpose have been
approved and recommended for construction.
The “Qishloq qurilish invest” engineering company, which has been
established to accomplish the preparatory and construction works related
to implementing these projects started its work in the capital city and
in the regions.
These designs were demonstrated to our broad public at the exhibition at
“Uzexpocenter”, which took place in September this year. The regional
centers also hold the similar exhibitions, which are being keenly
welcomed by our people.
With a view of attracting the necessary substantial amount of funds to
implement these projects the Joint-Stock Commercial “Qishloq qurilish
bank” was established upon a special resolution, and its services are
utilized now by a great number of clients.
It should be mentioned that this year alone through this bank 60 billion
UZS were channeled to carry out the construction works in the rural
areas.
And next year it is envisaged to channel additional nearly 530 billion
UZS for these purposes. More than 256 billion UZS of this sum will be
allocated by the state.
To accomplish such large-scale works 670 specialized construction and
repair enterprises have been established in the country and they are
staffed with highly qualified and experienced cadres.
On the basis of such comprehensively and thoroughly elaborated plan,
this year 42 estates have been allocated in the rural areas in the
Republic of Karakalpakstan and provinces of the country with 840
individual private dwelling houses being constructed as an experiment.
They are due to be commissioned in March-April 2010.
It should be mentioned that these experimental housings shall allow to
test in practice the sample designs and after comprehensive study of
suggestions and wishes of their residents to come to relevant
conclusions in terms of fulfilling them.
The funds of the future owners are also being used in building these
houses. Most importantly, the major part of expenditures shall be
covered by the long-term soft credits, which shall be allocated by
“Qishloq qurilish bank”.
These particular conditions, i.e. the order of gradual and step-by-step
repayment of expenditures spent for those housings that spans for 15
years, but not immediate payback of those costs, grant significant
benefits to our people.
In 2010 the work in this direction will gain yet wider scope and in all
159 rural districts of our country 7 630 new dwelling houses shall be
constructed. We expect that certainly in August-September next year we
will commission them.
It is worth particular noting that the construction of not only modern
and developed housings, but also building the kindergartens, general
education and music schools, sport facilities, medical clinics, public
service facilities, developed roads, in a word, the complete
construction of modern residential areas that would include all
necessary conditions for a worthy and comfortable stay of villagers have
been clearly envisaged in our plans.
For over the last period a significant work has been carried out to
expand the production of construction materials, which is one of the
most important issues in this direction.
When we speak about this, it should be noted that 31 enterprises, which
manufacture building materials, in particular, six enterprises with
annual production capacity of 2 million square meters of modern roofing
material, as well as new enterprises on producing gypsum, alabaster,
gypsum plasterboard and other building and finishing materials, precast
structures have been commissioned.
Among them the 12 new brick factories with total annual capacity of 81
million bricks were commissioned.
It should be underscored that these newly established enterprises have
been granted significant benefits and relevant conditions to lower the
prices for the products they manufacture, including the bricks.
Touching upon the development of rural infrastructure, one should note
that nearly 100 billion UZS was spent to address one of the most acute
issues in this sphere – construction of new and improvement of existing
automobile roads. With a view of improving the transport services the
new routes have been launched, which are operated by modern buses
manufactured in Samarkand.
With a view of uninterrupted and guaranteed supply of energy resources
to villages throughout the year more than 16 billion UZS was spent and
at the expense of this the power lines of over 2700 kilometers, as well
as the natural gas pipelines of more than 300 kilometers underwent a
reconstruction or capital repair.
Dear friends!
I think that you are well aware about the activities aimed at deepening
the reforms in agriculture, strengthening the material and technical
basis of this sector, and most importantly, improving the efficiency of
farming, which is turning into a decisive power on the way of developing
the agricultural economy and ensuring the prosperity of our country.
Speaking about this, it is natural to mention the great achievements in
terms of improving the fertility of land and land reclamation carried
out in the framework of the Program on the “Year of Development and
Improvement of Countryside”.
In particular, 81 billion UZS worth works have been carried out on
repairing and reconstructing the reclamation networks, irrigation system
– more than 10 thousand kilometers of manifolds, nearly 1,000 kilometers
of drainage networks, and numerous hydro-technical facilities have been
reconstructed, construction of 50 kilometer-long channels and other
sites has been completed.
With feeling of gratitude one should note that in implementing the large
projects on this direction the investments of the Asian Development
Bank, the World Bank, the Islamic Development Bank, as well as the
financial institutions of the People’s Republic of China, South Korea
and a number of Arab countries have played an important role.
Speaking about accomplishments during the current year, I would like to
give a broader picture about the services, which are further developing
in the rural areas.
It is well known that alongside with traditional services the new type
of services such as telecommunication systems, in particular, the
Internet, cellular phone connection and wide range of computer services
are now actively developing in our villages.
The fact that a number of mobile phone users in rural areas touched 5
million, which makes up 30 percent of the total number of users in the
country, testifies for the progress achieved in this sector. However,
this number has been rapidly growing.
3,000 new stations based on the new technologies have been established
in rural areas to accept fast payments for public services.
The fact that this year 4 200 rural secondary schools, I repeat, only
schools located in rural areas were connected to the Internet speaks
about the serious work we have accomplished in this sphere.
Dear friends, was it possible five or six years ago to imagine that
using such communication services people, who reside in remote villages
– be that a farmer or entrepreneur, craftsman or a teacher – would be
able to connect with any part of the world, make remittances and fulfill
other operations.
Above all, these kinds of services not only meet the demands of our
people, but allow to provide employment to thousands of our children,
who acquired modern knowledge and professions in rural lyceums and
colleges, enjoy the opportunity to obtain such modern jobs. Doesn’t it
determine the future and prospects of the youth, who are just stepping
into a mature life?
This year alone in districts and villages 460 thousand jobs were
established, including nearly 380 thousand new jobs were created thanks
to development of the services sector. And we are pleased with the fact
that mainly the youth are employed there.
Speaking of raising the culture and quality of life in the countryside,
it is natural that we must constantly think about addressing one more
important issue.
It is an issue, which is inseparably and directly connected to
protecting our invaluable asset – health of a human, protection of
maternity and childhood, nurturing a healthy generation, strengthening
material and technical bases of medical facilities, raising the medical
culture of people.
One can mention as an example the following: equipping of all district
central hospitals with medical tools, providing 44 “UAZ” type ambulance
coaches, 280 specialized “Damas” type ambulance coaches worth 12 million
US dollars; and supplying the rural medical stations with medical
laboratory worth 1 million dollars.
Most importantly, within a year 3 million 750 thousand rural residents
underwent a qualified physical examination, more than 22 thousand
pregnant women have been examined at screening centers, 400 thousand
patients have been treated and improved their health at the clinics.
Dear friends!
I believe it is relevant to dwell upon one more priority direction of
the State program of the “Year of Development and Improvement of
Countryside”.
Today we deservedly can be proud of those enormous results achieved
along the implementation of wide-scope reforms in the sphere of training
and education, which have indeed historical significance and win a high
appraisal of the world community.
Indeed, the National program for cadres training, which started 12 years
ago and its integral part - the State program for development of school
education adopted in 2004 made up a turning point in our social life.
Not many people could imagine the real scopes of such enormous tasks and
objectives as construction and reconstruction of thousands of lyceums,
colleges and schools, their equipment on the basis of the highest
requirements carried out in the framework of these programs.
Today with pleasure one should note that regardless of all hardships we
have steadfastly implemented these programs and in line with the sample
designs and single criteria we have managed to erect modern educational
facilities not only in the cities, but in remote villages and auls.
Today, with time passing by, we all realize what a solid foundation
these two programs have laid. They have created deserved conditions for
the rural youth so that they have as all of our young people the
opportunities to master the modern knowledge and professions, enter and
study the higher educational institution of the country.
For over the last period more than 1 million 446 thousand of our
children have graduated from lyceums and colleges, of them more than 1
million 55 thousand are from the countryside. Today they are employed in
the sphere of manufacture, agriculture, governing and social sphere, in
all sectors, and this is our most important achievement on this way.
Let us recall in what condition our schools and in general the
educational facilities used to be ten or fifteen years back.
At that time not many could imagine that our schools would be armed with
state-of-the-art educational-laboratory equipment, computer electronics,
manuals and workbooks, would have sports infrastructure and wide access
to Internet.
The fact that during this year the work on this direction has been
raised to a new level, 1957 schools have been built or reconstructed all
over the country, of which 1622 are located in the countryside, deserves
a special attention.
Also, one should note that in 2009 214 academic lyceums and professional
colleges were erected, and out of them 170 were built and reconstructed
in the rural areas.
895 billion UZS has been spent for construction, capital reconstruction
and current maintenance of those educational facilities in the
countryside, which is an unprecedented event in the history of our
country.
Dear friends, when I travel across the regions and meet people, farmers
and dekhkans we talk about the changes in rural life, about cotton and
grain. It is of course necessary.
But at these meetings both young and elderly people note, above all,
that the schools, lyceums and colleges erected in their villages or
districts drastically changed the rural life.
It is quite natural that our fellow countrymen speak of this with
special emotions and inspiration, since it is peculiar to our people to
live not only with their own interests but for the sake of their
children, their future and happiness.
From this point of view, these significant results and achievements do
confirm how timely and prudent were our big far-sighted programs in the
sphere of education and training, which are becoming an integral part of
our path of development, to be more precise, its firm foundation.
Speaking about this one should underscore that the program of the “Year
of Development and Improvement of Countryside”, whose practical
embodiment started this year with its deep essence and objectives is
uninterruptedly and directly connected to the aforementioned programs.
Most importantly, these programs complement one another, bear a
foundation for each other, stand as a logical continuation of each other
and thereby make an invaluable contribution to further development of
our country and society.
In this context, the Program of the “Year of Development and Improvement
of Countryside” with its scope, significance and content is aimed at not
only development of material aspects of our present and future, but also
at raising our cultural and spiritual level, in a word, will improve our
entire life and, undoubtedly, secure its deserving place in the history
of our country.
As a confirmation of the aforesaid I would like to draw your attention
to the following fact which speaks for itself: this year alone more than
2 trillion 612 billion UZS from all sources were channeled for
implementing this program.
Inshallah, I am confident that in 2010 the amount of funds allocated for
these purposes will not be less than in 2009.
Taking this opportunity, allow me on my own behalf, on behalf of our
people to express a sincere gratitude to the state and non-state
organizations of our country, farmers and entrepreneurs, foreign states
and funds, international structures, ambassadors and representatives of
foreign countries present in this hall, to all, who have selflessly
contributed to this great, large-scale and noble cause.
Dear compatriots!
I think now it would be expedient to consult with you on how to name the
forthcoming year 2010, and in other words, to concretely determine the
most important and priority tasks that meet the kind aspirations of our
people.
Thinking about this, firstly we should take into consideration the
prospects and tasks immediately relating to further development of our
state and society, which are of an ultimate significance in implementing
our large-scale goals.
Identifying the name of each new year, we envisage mobilization of
forces and resources of all state and non-state organizations, economic
entities and enterprises, commercial structures of our country in terms
of implementing the set concrete tasks.
If we are to clearly realize the essence and significance of this task,
the importance of which is consonant with the dreams and intentions of
our people, I believe it will become obvious to what extent this issue
is so important and not easy at a time.
Having thought much on this topic, exchanged views, taken into account
the proposals and views of many people, I propose to announce the
forthcoming year 2010 as the “Year of harmoniously developed
generation”.
I think it is not difficult to explain the reasons why we may give the
new year such a name.
Above all, what is in the core of all noble aspirations of our people,
our state and each of us, whatever goals we would put forward, whatever
great deeds we would accomplish?
Naturally, we all respond to this question that on the focus of our
aspirations there lays a dream to bring up our children physically and
spiritually healthy, being inferior in nothing and to no one, see their
happiness and prosperous future.
Indeed, isn’t it the core essence of our life?
Undoubtedly, we all well understand that only the comprehensively
developed generation stands today as a main condition of achieving the
set substantial goals, addressing the challenges of time, overcoming the
tough and difficult trials.
Let us elaborate on this issue more in detail.
Could we preserve peace and tranquility in the country, ensure the
stable growth rates of economy and given the difficult conditions of the
global financial-economic crisis secure the continuous increase of
people’s living standards, if we hadn’t thought on time about the future
and hadn’t created the necessary conditions for the youth to acquire the
deep knowledge and modern professions?
Certainly, no.
One indisputable truth is obvious for all of us, i.e. whatever well-
elaborated programs on development of the country we work out, whatever
logistical basis and opportunities we create and whatever means we
invest to achieve, yet there is an extremely important factor, which
shall pave the way to implement everything planned and achieve the set
goals, and this is the highly qualified workforce, young specialists
capable to take on a responsibility for the future and further
development of the country.
This extremely important task must always stand as priority for our
state and society.
There is no need to speak that on the occasion of announcing 2010 as the
“Year of harmoniously developed generation”, taking into consideration
of the experience of the previous years we shall elaborate and implement
the State program.
The interested agencies, state and non-state organizations, khokimiyats
(governor’s office) at the local levels, relevant specialists and broad
public shall be involved to its elaboration.
Taking this opportunity, among the number of directions of this program
and major events subject for implementation I deem it necessary to touch
on the most important issues and tasks.
Above all, we should critically analyze the available normative and
legal basis, introduce the relevant alterations and addenda to it in
line with modern requirements, if necessary to work out the new legal
norms consonant with achieving the set goals and have them approved by
Oliy Majlis.
Certainly, the healthy generation first means the healthy progeny. For
over the last years in this direction based on the “Healthy mother –
healthy child” program the large-scale measures were worked out and
implemented.
It is widely known how much efforts and means have been invested to the
cause of protecting the health of motherhood and childhood, including
the construction in the capital city and provinces of diagnostic,
screening and perinatal centers supplied with modern medical equipment,
as well as the new maternity complexes.
At the same time, the new tasks are emerging in terms of preventing a
number of diseases that pose danger for the people’s health,
strengthening the material and technical basis of medical
establishments, and stimulating the work of medical personnel.
In this regard, taking into account the extensive tasks to be
accomplished, we envisage to allocate nearly 1 trillion 700 billion UZS
in the State budget of 2010 for financing healthcare, i.e. to increase
the funds to be channeled to this sphere as compared to this year by 30
percent.
It should be underscored that in the new year 2010 almost 50 percent of
the State budget shall be channeled to the development of the spheres of
education and healthcare alone.
When we speak about harmoniously developed generation, I think it is
obvious for all of us that it is important to concentrate on the issue
of reasonable and effective utilization of the material and technical
basis, created at the expense of substantial efforts and means in the
sphere of education for over the last years.
It is necessary to improve the state educational standards, curricula
and academic literature, reconsider the educational directions and
specialties in the system of the higher and secondary special education
from the standpoint of modern requirements.
We should also keep on the focus of our attention the issues of active
introduction of new information and pedagogical technologies,
stimulating the difficult work of teachers and instructors, who bring up
the children as harmoniously developed persons. In a word, it is
necessary to take the system of education and upbringing up to a
qualitatively new level.
I want to repeat once again that we all must deeply realize to what
extent it is really significant to create yet broader basis to introduce
and assimilate (not only at schools, lyceums, colleges and higher
educational institutions, but also in the life of each family) the
latest information and computer technologies, digital and broadband
telecommunications and Internet, which now in general determine the
level of development of the country and society.
The forthcoming program must broadly reflect the issues of consistent
continuing the substantial work that we have started in the sphere of
physical training and sport, in particular, further developing the
children’s sport, erecting modern sport grounds, facilities and
complexes in each town and village supplied with necessary sport
inventory, where children shall be trained by highly qualified trainers
and instructors.
At the same time, the principally important issue of broadly employing
the graduates of professional colleges and higher educational
institutions in the sphere of small business and private
entrepreneurship with an aim of practical application of modern
knowledge and skills acquired by them must secure its worthy place in
the program.
In this, we must keep in mind the fact that today more than 70 percent
of the country’s socially active population is engaged in the sphere of
small business and entrepreneurship and without further developing this
sphere we cannot see future development of the national economy.
This particular sphere of activity now serves as a main source of income
for the enormous part of our population, the small business and
entrepreneurship, as much as in all of the developed countries of the
world, is an important component part of the middle class being
established in Uzbekistan – the basis and buttress of socio-political
life of the country.
Taking into consideration all these extremely important factors, all of
us, and firstly, the officials at the local levels must understand that
a special place must be secured in the forthcoming program to addressing
the acute problems of developing small business and entrepreneurship,
removing all barriers along this road and creating in all provinces,
especially in the countryside area, the necessary conditions to attract
the youth to this sphere, rendering relevant benefits and preferences in
this regard.
I consider it appropriate to draw your attention yet to another
important issue. When speaking about the modern progress, one cannot
imagine it without developing science.
Today, thinking about the future of our country and with an aim of
developing the most advanced, perspective scientific research and
exploration work, which are on the focus of attention of scientific
community of the developed countries, it is necessary to establish the
new laboratories in the system of Academy of Sciences and higher
educational institutions, and ensure their effective cooperation with
leading foreign scientific centers.
The time itself requires that this issue needs to be considered as one
of the most urgent priorities.
With an aim of supporting the work in this direction, procuring the
latest scientific equipment and installations from abroad, attracting
and stimulating the most gifted and talented youth to this cause it is
expedient to establish a special fund at the Committee for coordination
of development of science and technology and provide it with necessary
currency resources.
I think that those present in this hall will support this proposal.
The measures on rendering a special attention to family and protecting
it, which is most important, I would say, a decisive part of society in
upbringing the physically healthy and harmoniously developed generation
must also become an integral component of the program.
There is an Uzbek proverb: “Any child does what he is taught in the
family”. It has a very deep meaning.
I think that we all well understand that upbringing, making our sons and
daughters worthy representatives of their nation, who will tomorrow
become the true citizens of the country, take place in the bosom of
family, in a healthy family atmosphere, which is notable for the love
and respect of parents to one another.
From this it can be drawn a conclusion that the issues of a healthy and
solid family, firstly, the young families, must be considered as
priority issues, which remain on the focus of attention of makhalla
(neighborhood community), society and state as a whole.
Enriching the spiritual world of our children, upbringing them in the
spirit of national and universal values remain the most urgent task for
us.
Especially, at this complex and restless time, when various attacks are
ever gaining strength aimed against national identity, centuries-old
values of our people, and mercenary aspirations are being manifested to
secure the minds and souls of our youth, and certainly, all these impel
us to greater vigilance.
Therefore, the problems of promoting among the youth the principles of
healthy lifestyle, shielding them from drug addiction, immorality,
various pernicious influences and threats that penetrate from outside
under the guise of “mass culture” must remain on the focus of our
constant attention. Such issues must surely be reflected in the program.
Dear compatriots!
Today it is not a secret for anyone that the 21st century is a century
in which the intellectual power dominates.
And if someone did not realize this truth on time, and the aspiration
towards intellectual knowledge, intellectual wealth did not turn into
the essence of daily life for the nation and state, then this state will
inevitably find itself in the backwards of the world civilization.
The state and society, which has deeply realized this axiom and come to
such a conclusion and which aspires to secure a worthy place in the
world community, consider it the most important and most sacred task
that the young men and women enter the mature life as comprehensively
and harmoniously developed individuals.
Today, when the international community acknowledges our successes and
sustainable results on the way of building the democratic state, civil
society, modern system of economy, securing a worthy niche in the world,
naturally the following question emerges: on what these achievements are
based?
The reason for this lays, above all, in the rich history, cultural and
spiritual heritage of our people, deep intellectual potential and roots,
as well as the ability of our nation to secure great accomplishments on
the way of achieving the set high goals.
The reason for this is the fact that we have never been inferior to
anyone in anything, and undoubtedly, shall be second to none in securing
our cherished goal – to build a free, independent and prosperous life,
inshallah.
It gives me an enormous pleasure standing from this high rostrum to once
again express to you and in your person to the entire nation of
Uzbekistan my deep respect and appreciation, as well as the kindest and
sincerest wishes.
© Please note that the text is translated from the Uzbek language
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President
of Uzbekistan Meets a Group of US Scholars |
| December 04, 2009 |
President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov met a group of
US scholars headed by S.Frederick Starr, chairman of the Central
Asia-Caucasus Institute at Johns Hopkins University’s School of
Advanced International Studies, at Oqsaroy residence on December 2.
As the head of our state noted, the visit by prominent American
political analysts to Uzbekistan constitutes a good opportunity for
them to get closely acquainted with the life of the republic, the
level of economic, educational and academic development, and the
potential of the country in general. |
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According to leading representatives of
international expert community, Uzbekistan plays a key role in
strengthening regional security, peace and stability in Afghanistan.
The current state of the Uzbek economy and the scale of its
development represent a serious interest for long-term trade,
economic and investment cooperation. |
The American experts expressed their sincere gratitude to the President
of Uzbekistan for the warm welcome and underscored once more the
importance of a constructive foreign policy pursued by the leadership of
Uzbekistan on the international arena.
During the meeting, an exchange of opinions took place on a number of
issues concerning regional security and other topics of mutual interest.
www.ut.uz
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Uzbekistan is Our Common Home |
| December 04, 2009 |
These very
words constituted the symbol of a republican festival of friendship and
culture
International Cultural Center of Uzbekistan hosted
an academic conference titled “Independence: Essence of Reforms,
Progress and Democracy” timed to the 17th anniversary of the
Constitution of the Republic. The conference was marked by a gala
concert presented by art troupes of national cultural centers at
Alisher Navoi State Academic Bolshoi Theater.
For centuries, Uzbekistan has been a home for representatives of
various cultures and nationalities living here in peace and harmony.
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Upon gaining independence, the Constitution of Uzbekistan laid the
foundations for human rights and freedoms.
The country’s basic law guarantees equality of citizens before the
law regardless of gender, race, nationality, language, religion, social
origin or views, and on the legislative level fixed such age-old
traditions of Uzbek people as respect for languages, customs and values
of all nations and nationalities.
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Representatives of over a hundred nationalities
living in our country enjoy equal rights and opportunities; there
are 145 national cultural centers, more than two thousand religious
organizations belonging to 16 denominations.
This is the evidence of tolerance and ethnic harmony
reigning in our country, as well as all conditions for the revival
and development of spiritual values.
“Representatives of all nationalities residing in Uzbekistan, all
national cultural centers annually celebrate the Constitution Day as
a major national holiday,” says |
Munojat Nurmatova, candidate (PhD) in philosophy, deputy chairman of
the Republican International Cultural Center.
“The Constitution guarantees full and free participation of
representatives of all nationalities in public, economic and cultural
life, and stresses that all citizens regardless of ethnicity constitute
the nation of Uzbekistan. It has become a ten-year long tradition on the
eve of Constitution Day to hold such conferences. This year our forum
was attended by heads of state and public organizations, chairs of
coordinating council for work with national and cultural centers, as
well as activists of mahallas, scientists, representatives of
spirituality organizations, agencies and diplomatic corps accredited in
our country.”
In their speeches, participants analyzed the results achieved in
promoting interethnic and interreligious harmony, the role of
constitutional norms in their realization.
“The role of the basic law of Uzbekistan is very high, it stipulates the
equality of all ethnicities, faiths which contributes to interethnic
harmony, stability and welfare in the country,” said Orazmirat Kurbanov,
chairman of the Turkmen Cultural Center.
Each nation is rich in its own unique customs and traditions, national
values that have deep historical roots. The cultural heritage of various
nationalities residing in Uzbekistan is embodied in national cultural
centers established and successfully functioning in the republic. The
outcome of their activities is revival and cross-cultural enrichment,
strengthening ties between nationalities.
“Today we are celebrating the greatest holiday of friendship, and the
fact that there is International Cultural Center, an organization
uniting more than a hundred ethnicities and nationalities is unique,”
said Ilshat Hasanov, chairman of Tashkent Bashkir Cultural Center.
The highlight of the cultural life in the country was the festival
“Uzbekistan is Our Common Home” which was attended by representatives of
national cultural centers from all regions of the republic. Here
everyone could see an exhibition of applied arts and striking costumes,
listen to enchanting music, dance containing elements of identity,
traditions and customs. In the finale, there was a gala concert for
winners of regional stages of the festival.
“Seventy years ago, my ancestors settled in this fertile land where we
live in peace and harmony with other nationalities,” says Irina Kim,
chair of Uchtepa Korean Cultural Center. “Uzbeks are the warmest, most
hospitable people, and that I am very happy that I was born in this
splendid country and I can live and work in the name of its beautiful
and bright future.
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British Ambassador
to Uzbekistan Visits CEC |
| December 04, 2009 |
This week, Central Election Commission was visited
by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Great Britain to
Uzbekistan Rupert Joy.
Deputy chairman of CEC Kuchkar Togaev told the Ambassador about the
peculiarities of the electoral legislation of the republic, about
introduced amendments and the current elections campaign to the
Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis and local councils of people’s
representatives. |
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CEC deputy chairman reported on the progress of preparations for the
forthcoming elections, while emphasizing the importance of the Concept
adopted in May this year of preparations and holding elections. It was
noted that all political parties operating in the country – Adolat
Social Democratic Party, Milliy Tiklanish Democratic Party, Movement of
Entrepreneurs and Businessmen - Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan,
People’s Democratic Party of Uzbekistan – have submitted the necessary
documents to CEC and received clearance to participate in elections.
Political parties held conventions where they put forward their
candidates for seats in Oliy Majlis. CEC has registered 517 candidates
competing
for 135 seats in the lower house of parliament.
As was noted during the meeting, CEC just concluded a series of regional
and national meetings with chairmen of district election commissions to
clarify the nature of innovations in the electoral legislation and the
way the upcoming elections will be held.
In his turn, Rupert Joy said he was able to observe the quality of
preparations for the elections during his visit to Farg’ona regional
election commission.
“I had a very interesting meeting in Farg’ona with the electoral
commission. I am convinced that the organization is in full swing. As
you know, in my country, too, will soon be held parliamentary elections,
and for me the process for elections to the parliament of Uzbekistan is
very interesting. It is possible to compare electoral traditions and the
work of the two parliaments. At the meeting in CEC, I learned a lot
about the development of electoral processes in Uzbekistan, whose
dynamics are positive. Uzbekistan makes all efforts to develop the
parliamentary system,” said the British ambassador.
He also asked the representatives of CEC about chances for
representatives of the British Embassy to participate as observers
during the elections.
In accordance with the national electoral law, representatives from
other states, international organizations and movements have the right
to participate as observers in the run-up and holding of elections, as
well as visit the premises for voting on the election day and vote
counting. Their powers should be supported by relevant documents.
Interested organizations declare their observers in district electoral
commissions on elections to the Legislative Chamber at least fifteen
days prior to elections.
The district election commission, within five days of the receipt of
application by an interested organization, provides the observer with
the mandate whose model is established by the Central Election
Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
“Our goal is to hold elections at a high democratic level. In early
September, CEC sent invitations to several international organizations
in over 40 countries for their observers,” said deputy chairman of the
Central Election Commission of Uzbekistan, Kuchkar Togaev.
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For People’s Security and
Protection |
| December 05, 2009 |
As we informed
earlier, the Senate of Oliy Majlis will gather for a regular plenary
session on December 4. The agenda includes the laws elaborated at
legislative initiative of deputies in the lower chamber of parliament.
These include laws “On introducing addenda to the Administrative
Liability Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan”, “On introducing
amendments to some legislative acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan”.
As Maruf Usmanov, chairman of the Committee for Security and Defense of
the upper house of parliament commented, the first of these legal acts
is directed to ensuring execution of requirements in the sphere of
protection of population from natural and anthropogenic emergency
situations. It introduces new articles 2041 and 2491 and amends the
first part of Article 245 in the Administrative Liability Code of the
Republic of Uzbekistan. In particular, Article 2041 consist of three
parts charges for non-compliance with requirements in the sphere of
protection of population and territories from natural and anthropogenic
emergency situations as well as civil protection. This article also
envisages charging for delinquency entailing damnification to human
health, property of legal entities and individuals, causing a threat to
environment and people’s life, for concealment and inopportune
presentation of information or presentation of false information on the
emergency situation.
According to Article 2491, officers of establishments under the Ministry
for Emergency Situations should draw up a record on administrative
infaction at ascertaining delinquency specified by Article 2041 of the
Administrative Liability Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Such
records are submitted to court in the order established by Article 282
of the Code.
As regards the Law “On introducing amendments to some legislative acts
of the Republic of Uzbekistan”, it brings some certain notions and
theses used in 16 laws of the Republic of Uzbekistan into accord with
terms used in the laws “On conscription and military service” and “On
the state border of the Republic of Uzbekistan”.
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Tourism in Uzbekistan
is a Vivid Matter |
| December 04, 2009 |
Writes Latvian
Telegraph in an article devoted to the tourism potential of the Republic
of Uzbekistan
The article tells the Latvian traveler about the value of making a trip
from Riga to Tashkent. In this connection, the author writes:
“Uzbekistan is one of several countries of the world, which tourists
know and value for its ancient culture and unique architecture. Cities
of the Great Silk Road, mosques and mausoleums, madrasahs and bazaars,
spacious parks and numerous fountains are the very things for which it
is worth making this trip”.
Furthermore, the edition cites Director of Latinas Turs Company I.Gurkin
who believes that tourism in Uzbekistan is not only a tender matter, but
also a vivid issue. Telegraph also writes: “Tourists from the West have
just started getting acquainted with new countries, that’s why a tour to
Uzbekistan for average statistical German or British is so far rather
brand-new than an annual ritual. As far as Latvia is concerned, citizens
of the country visit Uzbekistan on business trips more often than on
excursion tours. To no avail. In the country of Amir Temur there are
many amusing things even for experienced travelers”.
The article also cites comments of those Europeans who visited
Uzbekistan. They, in particular, write: “A hearty hospitality here
combined with high level of service and moderate prices – Western
travelers leave Uzbekistan satisfied by pleasant combination of price
and quality”.
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Equal Partners, Mutual Respect
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| December 04, 2009 |
The delegation
of Uzbekistan has taken part in the 17th meeting of the Council of
Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the OSCE.
Issues of global security and stability were in the focus of a two-day
meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM), OSCE, which opened in
Athens on Tuesday. Balanced and thorough working style of the Greek
chairmanship in profound differences in perceptions about the role,
purpose and future of the OSCE has contributed to the vigorous pursuit
of common ground among participating states on a wide range of issues on
the agenda of the organization.
Representatives of 56 member-countries of this organization took part in
the event. The Uzbek delegation was headed by Minister of Foreign
Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan Vladimir Norov.
In his speech, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan highlighted
some issues that should be considered in developing approaches to
further the activities of the OSCE.
In this regard, he stressed that incomplete institutional building
negatively influences the effectiveness of the OSCE. “Established almost
35 years ago, the organization still does not have its own constitution,
which prevents the transformation of the OSCE into a full subject of
international law. Today, the OSCE must adapt to modern realities,
characterized, including the fact that its members have joined the new
European and Asian countries with different historically developed
political, economic and social systems,” said the minister.
Referring to the ever-increasing threats to environment, Vladimir Norov
mentioned serious problems and possible catastrophes and man-made
hazards that could seriously undermine the already fragile ecological
balance. He pointed out that Uzbekistan will continue to insist that all
major construction projects of hydraulic power stations planned in the
region of Central Asia will be implemented only after an objective
international peer review under the auspices of the UN. It is necessary
in order to exclude possible effects that could be catastrophic.
Then the Minister addressed the situation in Afghanistan, which
continues to threaten regional and global security.
Today, the Afghan crisis and the ways out of it are the focus of major
powers and the world community. In this regard, Vladimir Norov said:
“The new program of U.S. President Barack Obama to resolve the Afghan
problem, in our opinion, above all, attracts attention to their desire
to define a strategy and, most importantly, the timing of the completion
of the military campaign in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and
potentially allows to transfer all responsibility for peace and
stability on the troubled land of Afghanistan into the hands of the
Afghans themselves.”
Of course, this program can not be implemented by itself without
coordinating efforts of all forces that are interested in the speedy
conclusion of the war continued in Afghanistan for more than 30 years.
“In our opinion, a particularly relevant issue is that to ensure peace
is impossible without a consensus within the Islamic Republic of
Afghanistan and reliance on neighboring countries.
We are convinced that the establishment of a Contact Group “6 +3” under
the auspices of the UN will also facilitate the speedy resolution of the
Afghan problem. As repeatedly emphasized the President of the Republic
of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, the implementation of this initiative, and
thereby involving the countries directly bordering Afghanistan would
lead to agreement, both within and around Afghanistan.”
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan also spoke
about the election process which takes place in full accordance with the
Constitution of Uzbekistan, national legislation and international
obligations of the Republic in the field of elections.
As is known, in order to ensure transparency of the electoral process,
elections are expected to be attended by a large number of local and
international observers.
According to the diplomat, the forthcoming parliamentary elections will
be an important step in the development of democratic institutions in
the country as well as give new impetus to the process of democratic
renewal and modernization of the country, continuing development of the
state based on the rule of law and strong civil society.
In concluding his speech, Norov said that Uzbekistan is willing to
develop cooperation with OSCE institutions and states-participants as
equal partners, based on mutual respect, mutual understanding and
constructivism.
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On Great and Invaluable |
| December 04, 2009 |
An
international scientific conference devoted to the 615th anniversary of
Mirzo Ulugbek was held in Paris. The event’s hosts – Permanent
Representation of Uzbekistan to the UNESCO, Astronomic Society of France
and Paris Astrophysics Institute – have given an opportunity to
scientists and specialists from various countries to familiarize
themselves with invaluable heritage of the great thinker.
The great astronomer and mathematician, outstanding scientists of his
epoch, a statesman, Mirzo Ulugbek significantly contributed to the
development of science. His star schemas became a highest level of the
medieval astronomical science before an invention of telescope.
Listening to and discussing reports related to different aspects of
Mirzo Ulugbek’s activity, in particular, the role of thousand stars
movement schema – Ziji Kurag’oni – in development of the world science,
conduction of scientific researches on study of the great thinker’s
heritage, the forum’s participants stressed large-scale work to
popularize heritage of great ancestries in Uzbekistan.
An activity to carefully study of Mirzo Ulugbek’s scientific heritage is
in the focus of the consistently continued process. As it is well known,
the year of 1994 was announced Year of Mirzo Ulugbek in Uzbekistan,
whose 600th Anniversary was celebrated internationally, in particularly,
in Paris, where the UNESCO headquarters is situated.
The current international forum has once more demonstrated the scale of
interest to Mirzo Ulugbek’s scientific and spiritual heritage s in the
whole world. There is gravure by Johannes Hevelius in his Atlas of
Constellations published in Europe in 17th century, which shows a
symbolic gathering of the greatest gastronomes of the world, which lived
in different periods of time and countries. Among them is a son of the
Uzbek people – the great scholar Ulugbek.
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The National Bank is the largest investor in the stock market |
| December 04, 2009 |
As the economy
progresses, the center of gravity for attracting financial resources to
the manufacturing sector of the economy moves from bank loans to
securities market. Commercial banks have become not just active
participants in this market, but they also assumed some of the tasks
related to establishing the market infrastructure. One of the leading
places in this area belongs to the National Bank for Foreign Economic
Activity of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
With a view to developing a secondary securities market and attracting
free funds of the population, the banks created an electronic system of
off-exchange trade, Elsis-Savdo. Given that Elsis-Savdo today has its
own platform for trading shares of joint stock companies in the
secondary market on the basis of a cooperation agreement with the
National Bank, it organizes a network for reception of applications
running on new software.
A distinctive feature in the organization of securities exchange through
offices opened in bank branches is not only convenience, but also an
opportunity to choose the most advantageous of banking services,
including investment in bank deposits, securities sales services and
others, as well as possibility to transfer savings to another bank
product.
Investment policy of the bank in securities as well as equity
participation of domestic enterprises as the principal criterion, along
with increasing the activity, attracting more customers, ensures profit
to the fund portfolio.
For further developing the securities market, the Central Bank of the
Republic of Uzbekistan in spring this year registered the “Conditions of
issuing, circulation and redemption of lottery savings certificates of
the National Bank of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Foreign Economic
Activity for individuals”. The most important innovation in the issuance
was the lottery on savings certificates held for the first time in bank
securities market.
The bank participates in equity capital investment processes,
modernization, technological and technical re-equipment of enterprises
in different sectors of the economy by becoming a shareholder in the
strategically important enterprises of the republic. For example, the
bank invests in domestic enterprises as a shareholder in such companies
as Uzavializing and Uzmetkombinat.
To date, the NBU has taken over 28 insolvent companies totaling 241
billion soums. On the basis of the acquired property, the bank has
created 23 new businesses. In order to ensure their efficiency,
technical and technological re-equipment, the recreated companies are
run by subsidiary investment companies of the National Bank: JSC NBU
INVESTMENT and NBU Invest Group. As a result, as of 1 November 2009,
these companies restored production, produced 25.9 billion soums worth
of goods, exports amounted to $12.8 million, and created over 3,400
jobs.
Among these companies, there is Chinoz Textile formed on the basis of
Uzbek-Japanese-Turkish joint venture Chinoz To’qimachi and transferred
to the management of NBU Invest Group. The Bank has already invested
about 3.2 billion soums in the company. The timely received investment
helped the company, supplied with high-tech equipment from Japan and the
US, to increase production of cotton yarn and cotton cloth.
NBU Investment has overtaken one of the major textile enterprises in
Qashqadaryo region, Oqsaroy Textile, formed on the basis of
Uzbek-Japanese-Turkish joint venture Oqsaroy To’qimachi. The National
Bank as the biggest investor in the domestic market has invested over 2
billion soums. The rehabilitation of production has allowed the joint
venture to retain 600 jobs and to manufacture high-demand and globally
competitive produce.
With its 100% stake of the National Bank, a new company, Khorazm
Gilamlari, was formed on the basis of JV Khiva Carpet. It has already
employed about 500 people.
Today, these businesses are making their first steps in the market. They
maintained their staff, produce high value added output, use the
advantages of local social and production infrastructure.
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Formidable Cement Additive |
| December 04, 2009 |
A new cement
plant worth $200 million will be built in Surkhondaryo region.
National Holding Company Uzbekneftegaz, Joint Stock Company
Uzstroymaterialy and Oman Investment Fund plan to build a new cement
plant in Sherobod district of Surkhondaryo region toward the end of
2013.
In accordance with the preliminary feasibility study, the plant with a
design capacity of 1 million tons will produce special types of cement,
including oil well cement for oil and gas industry as well as Portland
cement. The project will be implemented in the framework of the
Memorandum of Cooperation signed by the Ministry of Foreign Economic
Relations, Investments and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan,
Uzbekneftegaz and the Ministry of National Economy of Oman.
Currently, there are two cement plants operating in the country,
Qizilqumtsement and Quvasoytsement, producing oil well and
sulfate-resistant cement for Uzbekneftegaz’s business units. The new
plant will enable production of these types of cement within the country
and cover the current needs of the industry.
According to Uzstroymaterialy, there are three new cement plants being
constructed in the republic with total capacity of 2.36 million tons,
worth about $290 million. They are scheduled for late 2011.
In particular, Uzbek-American joint venture Rakhnamo-Nur is building a
plant in Karakalpakstan worth $128 million with a capacity of 1 million
tons per year. Ohangaron Rangli Tsement is building a cement production
facility with a design capacity of 0.8 million tons. Besides,
Quvasoytsement and Bekobodtsement are jointly building a cement plant
with a production capacity of 1 million tons per year.
Currently, there are six cement plants operating in Uzbekistan with
total installed capacity of 6.5 million tons. The largest ones are
Qizilqumtsement (3.08 million tons), Ohangarontsement (1.736 million
tons), Quvasoytsement (1 million tons).
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From Technical
Assistance to global projects |
| December 04, 2009 |
Tashkent
Thermal Power Plant (TPP) has started a major model project on
modernization of heat and power stations. The TPP has approved its
preliminary feasibility study and signed a contract with a Japan-based
Tohoku Electric Power. Business partner - New Energy and Industrial
Technology Development Organization of Japan, NEDO, has announced a
tender for production of modern equipment for gas turbine power
aggregates in Japan. This will be followed by an announcement of an
exact cost of the modernization projectinitially determined as $38
million.
This is the largest of 21 projects initiated under the resolution of the
Cabinet of Ministers “On measures to galvanize the attraction of
technical and grant assistance to the Republic of Uzbekistan”. According
to Uzbekenergo, Tashkent TPP was built and put into operation in the
1930s. Gradually increasing its power capacity, the TPP has become a
major source of heat supply for Tashkent city. The new stage of
development is in line with the increased energy production capacity
through the introduction of high technologies. The further development
in high-tech energy sector of the major heat supplier in the capital is
ensured by expanding the capacity, accelerating the introduction of
science and technology. The upgraded production facilities will have a
positive impact on the quality of heat-supply services provided to the
population of Tashkent.
Priority investment projects in the national economy, as international
practice shows, often require technical assistance from foreign
partners. Uzbekistan’s laws clearly define the mechanisms of technical
assistance provided by international financial and economic
institutions. They can be allocated for the purchase of goods
(equipment), advisory services, development of feasibility studies for
projects involving loans and investment from international financial and
economic institutions, government agencies and foreign investors, as
well as for training courses.
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Uzbekistan, ADB develop
cooperation |
| December 04, 2009 |
The Asian
Development Bank (ADB) and the Republic of Uzbekistan have signed in
Manila a $60 million loan agreement to support the government’s efforts
to strengthen the water supply and sanitation sector.
The loan, from ADB’s concessional Asian Development Fund, is the first
tranche of a $300 million multi tranche financing facility (MFF).
“ADB has been developing a long term partnership with the government of
Uzbekistan in the water supply and sanitation sector since 2000,” said
ADB’s President Haruhiko Kuroda. “ADB has provided $193.1 million in
loans and $5.1 million in grants to the sector. We are committed to
continuing and further strengthening collaboration with the government
in this important sector for basic human needs.”
The loan will finance improvements in water source and distribution
systems in Damkhoja and 11 district administrative centers in Bukhoro
and Navoi regions, as well as upgrade wastewater treatment plant and
sewerage systems in Surkhondaryo region. The program will also
strengthen water supply and sanitation institutions and support capacity
development.
The total project costs are estimated at $75 million. ADB will provide a
$60 million loan with a 32-year maturity period, including a grace
period of eight years with a 1% annual interest rate, rising to 1.5% for
the balance of the term.
History of cooperation
ADB in Uzbekistan
ADB began its operations in the Republic of Uzbekistan in 1995 and
established the Uzbekistan Resident Mission in 1997. By the end of 2008,
the country had received 29 loans worth $1.23 billion. ADB also provided
$45.5 million in technical and grant assistance to Uzbekistan.
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Life
Expectancy Increases by Five and a Half Years |
| December 04, 2009 |
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For the last 18 years, average lifespan in
Karakalpakstan has increased from 67 to 72.5 years. In conditions of
the Aral Sea ecological disaster, this positive dynamics has greatly
been promoted by reforms in healthcare that have brought skilled
medical aid closer to people.
Improvement in the quality of medical care has been made with the
development of a network of rural medical stations. |
Today there are 183 rural medical stations in the republic, and their
number is constantly increasing. Skilled medical personnel and modern
laboratory and physiotherapy equipment of stations have made many types
of procedures previously performed only in the district hospitals
available on premises. Among them is the electrocardiogram and advanced
blood diagnostics of diseases.
“The infrastructure of the medical station that develops as well plays
an important role,” said Muyassar Solieva, head of Toza Baza rural
medical center of Ho’jayli district. “We have our own herbal tea room
and a pharmacy - Dori Darmon joint-stock company branch, where one can
buy medications delivered directly from manufacturers. Today, our
patients no longer need to go for drugs to the district center.
All this, as noted by specialists of the Institute of Health and Medical
Statistics of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, contributed to the fact
that over the last five years the number of primary outpatient visits
increased more than twofold and significantly boosted the level of
medical culture of the population.
Karakalpakstan is a region that provided the experience which the
government used in development of programs for preventative maintenance
and prevention of several diseases. So, the first Mother and Child
screening center in Uzbekistan was created in 1997 in Nukus and served
the population of Karakalpakstan and neighboring Khorazm region. The
effectiveness of this institution’s activity in preventing the birth of
children with severe developmental disabilities served as a basis for
adoption of a corresponding program and establishment of similar
institutions in all regions of Uzbekistan.
“As a specialist who spearheaded the development of the service in
Uzbekistan, I would like to underscore the changes that occurred during
these years,” says Amina Kalandarova, director of the screening center
of Karakalpakstan. “Today, screening of mother’s and her child’s health
is no longer something unusual and young families seek to learn more
about their future baby in order to give birth to a strong and healthy
child. And implementation of a set of preventive measures in the
country, including the saturation of the market with enriched food
improves the health of people.”
In recent years, the development of healthcare in Karakalpakstan is
characterized by intensive development of advanced diagnosis and
treatment methods. In many respects, this was promoted by the opening of
branch offices of the Ministry of Healthcare of Uzbekistan – they are
the Surgery Center named after Vahidov, center of obstetrics and
gynecology, emergency medical aid center. Specialized clinics also
contribute to the development of highly effective techniques, especially
antituberculous clinic, cancer and endocrinology clinic, and
ophthalmologic hospital. During one and a half years diversified adult
and children’s medical centers function in Karakalpakstan. They became
centers of development of all medical fields in the republic.
“In the process of restructuring research divisions have opened in our
clinics, which promote for adaptation and application of advanced
methods of diagnosis and treatment,” commented PhD Alima Matkarimova,
chief medical officer of the National Diversified Children’s Medical
Center. “The fact that we have clinical bases of the majority offices of
the Nukus branch of Tashkent Pediatric Institute contributes to
establishment of scientific work in our center. We pay particular
attention to the transfer of experience on application of high
technology to professionals of district medical associations.”
“Our clinic is one of the oldest in Karakalpakstan,” highlighted PhD
Salamat Begaliev, chief doctor of the National Diversified Medical
Center. “Many surgeries in the region that subsequently have been widely
used in daily practice were first conducted here. And we strive to
preserve these traditions. Over the past year or two we have established
a surgery to remove the spinal disc hernia, and today almost no one is
referred for treatment in Tashkent with this diagnosis. During this year
we are introducing surgeries of varicose veins with the use of drugs
that can stop varicose veins dilatation once and for all. Now we are
working on a technique for diagnosing lung diseases with the use of
contrast agents, the remnants of which can have a negative impact on the
patient’s condition. We have proposed a method of rapid washout of
contrast material from bronchi.
To help doctors
Karakalpakstan management pays great attention to strengthening the
financial-technical base of medical institutions. Since the beginning of
the year, buildings of 11 major medical institutions underwent capital
overhaul, in particular Chimboy, Nukus, Ho’jayli regional medical
associations. In addition, this year new equipment was delivered to
obstetric units of all district medical associations, regional branches
of emergency medical aid center, obstetrics and gynecology center and
other institutions. Extensive work on consolodating the
financial-technical base of five other medical facilities is planned for
the next year under the investment program designed for 2010-2014.
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Uzanimatsiya is
to make presents for children |
| December 04, 2009 |
Masters of
Public Corporation O’zbekfilm are to present six new animated cartoons
by the end of year 2009.
These are works of both young and experienced animators including Nozim
To’laho’jayev, Dmitriy Vlasov, Gayane Matevosyan, and others.
“Each our animation takes its ground from fairytales, parables, scripts
and other literary works,” tells Nozim To’laho’jayev, art director of
the association Uzanimatsiya. “The studio creates six animated films
annually, and altogether 300 works have been produced during the
operation of the Uzbek animation.”
Plots of animation films are quire diverse: philosophic films,
melodramas, fantasy and historical ones. Today, new films are created on
the basis of national fairytales, one of the major parts of folklore,
that reflects cultural values and special features of the Uzbek people,
and which plays no less important a role in fostering perfect young
generation.
Illiterate Fortuneteller is the name of a new animation by the
production director Mavzur Mahmudov. The namesake Uzbek fairytale was
the basis of this animation. This pretty story is about a jobless
unfortunate person whose ready-witted spouse sends him to a bazaar for
he tells people their fortunes. He gets into various funny situations,
yet always finds way out.
Artist and director Gayane Matevosyan has already completed her
animation Sumalak And A Thousand Wishes which she created using the
namesake poem by modern children’s writer Kavsar Turdiyeva.
Nozim To’laho’jayev’s animation Falconry is in process now. The main
hero of the film is a farmer who visits the ruler’s palace to get a
reward. But, an artful and greedy security officer wants to get a half
of that reward. Keen-witted farmer
unmasks the trickster and punishes him.
Nozim To’laho’jayev is the author of another animation Gold Coin
directed by Marina Kudrina.
Animator Dmitriy Vlasov is currently working on the cartoon White Hen.
The director notes that this philosophic twelve-minute film is for
adults and tells about aspiration of people to reach perfection, and
that it is impossible to return anything, and that how memories of the
past haunt them for the rest of their lives. As the author underscores,
just the white hen embodies the past life.
Another more animated cartoon Skilful Hands written by Dmitriy Vlasov,
tells about a young man who achieves his goals using the mastery of his
hands.
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Report by the
Information Agency “Jahon” |
| November 25, 2009 |
| On November 23 this year in its evening broadcast
the Russian television channel “RBK” reported that “Uzbekistan has
unilaterally closed the border with Kazakhstan, without explaining
the reasons for it”. |
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This totally groundless and purely engaged report, as the Uzbek side
believes, has aimed to create in an information space the atmosphere of
unfolding tension between the two neighboring close states of Uzbekistan
and Kazakhstan, as well as place a ground for various insinuations.
In fact, the point is about the temporary border quarantine measures
announced by the Uzbek side yet on November 13 this year brought about
the spread of seasonal influenza. Earlier the Kazakh side has been
informed about such undertakings.
Such provocative acts on the part of the Russian channel cannot but
arouse the feelings of surprise and all kinds of condemnation.
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Next Goal – World Cup |
| December 04, 2009 |
Such is the
goal of last two years’ best referee of Asia Ravshan Irmatov
For the second year in a row, the chairman of the refereeing committee
of the Asian Football Confederation Yousef Al-Serkal (UAE) presented the
continent’s best referee prize to Ravshan Irmatov, thus reaffirming the
high professionalism of the Uzbek referee, who is one of the candidates
to be included in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
“Of course, I am very pleased to receive such an award twice. But
becoming the best never was my goal,” said the 32-year-old Uzbek referee
after receiving the prize, which is the highest award for AFC referees.
“I simply tried to do a good job every time I entered the pitch. This is
most important for me. The most difficult match of the season I had was,
probably, the one between the national teams of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain
in World Cup qualification round.”
Since 1994, the best referee of Asia is determined by calculating
records obtained from the matches’ inspectors. Each candidate was
required to have at least five games in World Cup 2010 qualification,
Asia Cup 2011, as well as the AFC Champions League and the AFC Cup,
including at least one final match since September 2009 in the current
season.
Best five marks gained in these matches go to the score sheet, with
consideration of the importance and difficulty of each and stability of
the referee. The mark 8.4 points and lower did not allow a candidate to
enter the number of nominees. Irmatov’s average mark for the year was
8.96 points.
Before Ravshan Irmatov only two referees - Chinese Lu Chung and
Singaporean Shamsul Maidin – had won the award twice. And only Maidin
was named referee number 1 in Asia for two consecutive years. Irmatov,
the best referee of Asia of the last two years repeated this record.
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