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LATEST NEWS :
MARCH 2009 |
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Tashkent Opens up in Children’s Eyes through Fine Drawings |
| March 30, 2009 |
How do the
young citizens of Tashkent see their beloved city, its past and the
present? How do they imagine the future of capital of Uzbekistan? The
competition of children’s drawings “Ecology of the native city –
Tashkent is 2200 years old” helps to find it out.
The competition has been organized by the municipal Committee for Nature
Protection, the “Ekologiya Khabarnomasi” (‘Ecological Bulletin’)
magazine and the representation of the Regional Ecological Center of
Central Asia in Uzbekistan, the Narodnoye slovo newspaper reported.
The goal of the competition is not only to draw attention of the
forthcoming generation to environmental problems which exist in Tashkent
as much as in any other megalopolis of the world, but also to induce
them to search for their solution, as well as more responsibly treat
natural resources and environment.
The ideas of children expressed in the drawings on what could be done so
that a fine pearl of the East – Tashkent – would be able to shine with
brighter colors allow to throw a glance at the native city with a new
look and see the new facets of its unique beauty.
By the terms of competition, the children from 5 to 14 years of age can
take part at it with the works executed by a water color or crayon. “A
future city is an ecologically pure city”, “The nature of a native city
today”, “Me and my city”, these are some of the topics which are offered
to young artists.
The main criteria of an evaluation of works are the depth of disclosing
the topic and originality of execution. The competition results will be
brought by June 5 this year – to the World Environment Day.
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SCO
Anti-Terrorist Structure holds session in Tashkent |
| March 27, 2009 |
UzA
The 14th session of the Council of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure
of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization was held in Tashkent on 27
March.
The representatives of Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan
and Uzbekistan participated in the session.
The council approved the draft Program of cooperation between the SCO
member states in fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism for
2010-2012.
The document was developed with consideration of the proposals of the
parties and the dynamics of cooperation within SCO in combating the new
threats and challenges.
The members of the council also made decisions on the issues of
organizational character, financial provision of the SCO RATS Executive
Council and formation of the legal base of cooperation of SCO member
countries in fighting terrorism, separatism and extremism.
The participants reviewed the activity of the SCO RATS Executive Council
in 2008 and positively evaluated the fight with the three evils in the
SCO member states.
They noted that this was made possible thanks to implementation of the
Program of cooperation of SCO member states in fighting terrorism,
separatism and extremism for 2007-2009.
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Schoolchildren
learn how to protect health |
| March 25, 2009 |
UzA
Health lessons at the schools in Uzbekistan serve to raise the
children’s medical culture and knowledge, as well as help protect their
health.
According to the Ministry of public education, health classes are held
on the basis of the special learning programs from the first to fourth
grade.
The fifth to ninth grade students have a class called Healthy
generation.
The ministry is working on introduction of the new topics in the school
programs, including on infectious diseases, psychological changes,
reproductive health, healthy family and others.
In order to improve the knowledge of the teachers, they attend special
courses and study seminars, held in cooperation with the Health
ministry.
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Uzbekistan celebrates
Navruz holiday |
| March 21, 2009 |
UzA
Uzbekistan celebrates Navruz holiday on 21 March, which symbolizes the
coming of spring. The grand celebrations of the holiday were held at the
National park named after Alisher Navoi on Saturday.
The members of the government and the parliament, the representatives of
the science, culture, arts, sports and other spheres, foreign diplomats
and representatives of the international organizations participated in
the celebrations.
The President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov participated the gathered with
the Navruz holiday.
The head of the state said that Navruz differed from other holidays with
its beauty and philosophical meaning.
Navruz symbolized the richness of the spiritual world, ancient values
and national traditions.
During the years of independence, Navruz has become a truly national
holiday, reflecting the people’s kindness, open-heartedness and
generosity.
This year Navruz was met with wide-scale improvement and tree-planting
activities.
The celebrations at the National park started with the children’s songs
and dances, followed by performances of known and young singers.
The songs and dances were accompanied by the holiday fireworks.
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Welcoming address by President Islam Karimov at the celebrations
dedicated to the Navruz holiday |
| March 21, 2009 |
IA “Jahon”
Dear compatriots!
Distinguished guests!
At these days, when from the warm breath of spring the land turns green,
uncovering all of its magnificence, we are infinitely glad to welcome
the inimitable in its beauty and long-awaited Navruz.
The holiday of Navruz, which came about thousands of years ago, along
with other nations of the East has been revered by us yet from the times
of “Avesto” as one of the most ancient, beloved and truly nation-wide
holidays, which is especially valuable and safeguarded spiritual
heritage inseparably linked with our national traditions and customs.
The holiday of Navruz, which is notable for its noble essence and deep
philosophical meaning, occupies a special place in our life and is
comprehended as a symbol of renewal of nature and the start of Oriental
new year.
At a beautiful time of spring awakening of the surrounding world, the
person, as well, as if regenerates anew while with an entire self
feeling to be its small part and whose heart fills with bright hopes and
his soul – with noble aspirations.
Therefore, at these days thousands and thousands of our compatriots at
all cities and villages, at spacious venues of the country celebrate
Navruz holding the public fetes and various performances, decorate
bountiful dastarkhan (festively laid national table) with traditional
empowering springtime viands with sitting at it of the kith and kin,
friends and neighbors.
Indeed, in such moments, entirely feeling the manifestations of
kindness, solidarity and clemency of our fellow citizens, time and again
we all involuntarily realize with enormous pride and gratitude that we
are the representatives of noble and magnanimous people.
At these radiant days all nationalities and ethnicities that live in
Uzbekistan once again better understand the significance of the Navruz
holiday, which calls upon to live always in accord and friendship
showing respect to one another, to the people of elder generation,
rendering a gratuitous help to the sick, lonely and orphans, without
exclusion to all in need of care and attention.
Our cordial and hospitable people have always wished and wish only the
best as much to themselves as to other people. Availing myself of this
opportunity, allow me on your behalf to cordially congratulate on the
holiday of Navruz and express a sincere respect to all foreign guests,
ambassadors and staff members of foreign representations, who are
participating at today’s festivities, to all friends and partners, who
are showing respect to us, to our ancient traditions and customs.
Dear friends!
At the moment, our people selflessly work with full confidence in the
future for the sake of tackling the great tasks set for this year. The
true masters of this bright holiday – the dekhkans (peasants) and
farmers – are starting the new season with noble intentions inspired
with announcement of 2009 as the Year of Development and Improvement of
Countryside.
From of old the people say: the fertility and success of the whole year
depend on how the days of arrival of Navruz are going to be and in what
mood we are going to welcome it. In this context, it won’t be a mistake
to say that abundant spring rains, harmonious shoots of winter crops,
the ongoing creative work, the large-scale efforts on improvement and
betterment of the entire country, as well as the joy, pure hopes and
emotional enthusiasm with which we are welcoming Navruz witness about
the fact that we will surely secure the great achievements and goals set
for this year, as well as the most cherished wishes will come true.
At the same time, we have all grounds to assert that despite various
difficulties the economic development of our country, increase in the
amounts of salary, pensions, allowances and stipends, in a word, this
year the further growth of real indicators of the level and standards of
life of the population will be no less than last year.
Dear compatriots!
At this joyful holiday of Navruz I consider it an enormous happiness to
express to you, who have gathered at this beautiful and colorful square,
and in your persons to the entire people of Uzbekistan my heartfelt and
sincerest congratulations and best wishes.
Let kindness and love, abundance and sufficiency stay at our homes!
Long live our esteemed fathers and mothers!
Let come true all our dreams and aspirations!
Let peace always reigns on our soil!
I congratulate you all on the holiday of Navruz!
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Treaty on Establishing a Nuclear Free Zone In Central Asia Comes Into
Effect |
| March 21, 2009 |
IA “Jahon”
The Initiative on establishing a Nuclear Free Zone in Central Asia by
the efforts of all interested sides and international organizations and
for the sake of high interests of each country of the region, which for
the first time was enunciated by President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov
at the 48th session of the UN General Assembly on September 28, 1993,
has been implemented.
The Central Asian initiative has become possible thanks to careful
examination of international experience in the area of nonproliferation
and determination of one’s role in enhancing the global security.
The initiative of the Republic of Uzbekistan was fully supported by our
neighbors – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan on the
basis of Almaty Declaration, which was adopted in February 1997. This
document has created the atmosphere of political trust in the area of
nuclear nonproliferation.
The “Central Asia – Nuclear Free Zone” international conference, which
took place in Tashkent on September 15, 1997 is considered to be a
significant event along the way of establishing a nuclear free zone. The
efforts of countries of the region, who strove to expand the areas of
the planet, where nuclear weapon and nuclear tests would be banned
forever, were positively assessed during the meeting. The Regional
Expert Group (REG) for preparing the relevant treaty was established on
the outcomes of the conference.
From 1997 to 2002 with active contribution of the UN Disarmament
Department and IAEA experts a number of working meetings of REG was held
in such cities as Geneva, Ashgabat, Tashkent an two meeting were held in
Sapporo (Japan) and Samarkand (Uzbekistan). At the last meeting in
Samarkand on September 27, 2003 the agreement was achieved on holding
the signing ceremony of the Treaty in the city of Semipalatinsk in
Kazakhstan. The two consultative meetings with the experts of “nuclear
five” (UK, China, Russia, USA and France) were held in the second half
of 2002 at the UN headquarters. Upon the outcomes of these meetings the
significant amendments and proposals were introduced into the draft of
the document.
On February 7-9, 2005 Tashkent hosted the 7th meeting of REG during
which the common position of Central Asian countries was agreed upon the
text of the Treaty with taking into account the proposals and comments
of the countries of the “nuclear five”, IAEA and the UN Legal
Department.
Signing of the document on September 8, 2006 has become a result of a
several years-long joint work of region’s countries with active
contribution and participation of the United Nations, IAEA countries of
the “nuclear five” – UK, China, Russia USA and France. It should be
especially underscored that the initiative has been supported by all UN
member-states, including countries which possess the nuclear weapon.
Also, the role of the United Nations, which for the first time took a
direct part in elaborating and agreeing the draft Treaty, should be
stressed.
According to the document each side commits itself not to conduct
research, not to develop, not to produce, not to store the reserves or
acquire in any other way, not to possess or not to exercise control over
any nuclear weapon or other nuclear explosive device in any form. The
Treaty comprises of 18 articles, Protocol and Rules and Procedures on
implementing the Article 10, which include the procedure of holding such
consultative meetings.
After ratification by the Republic of Uzbekistan (May 5, 2007), Kyrgyz
Republic (July 27, 2007), Republic of Tajikistan (January 1, 2009),
Turkmenistan (January 17, 2009) and Kazakhstan (February 19, 2009) the
Treaty came into effect on March 21, 2009. The Treaty is of
indefinite-term.
According to the Protocol to the Treaty the states which officially
possess the nuclear weapon (the Peoples Republic of China, Russian
Federation, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, United
States of America and French Republic) will have to sign and ratify this
document, which means that they legally guarantee not to use a nuclear
weapon or other nuclear explosive device and not to threat their use
against any Party to the Treaty.
The practical implementation of the initiative of President of
Uzbekistan coincides with the priority tasks of foreign policy on
maintaining the national security for a stable and sustainable
development of our country and the Central Asian region as a whole,
contributing to the enhancing of the regime of nuclear nonproliferation.
The Joint constructive efforts on the problem of maintaining the
security of all five Central Asian countries is obvious. It should be
noted that the Republic of Kazakhstan has organized a signing ceremony
in Semipalatinsk, Kyrgyz Republic is performing depositary functions,
while the first meeting is due in the Republic of Tajikistan. Aspiration
of countries – the international partners on performing the necessary
acts on securing of the Treaty’s coming into effect confirms their
commitments on enhancing the regional and international peace and
security, as well as practical inclusion into the global regime of
nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament.
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UzACI holds
seminar on innovative projects, ideas |
| March 20, 2009 |
March 20, 2009
The Uzbek Agency for Communication and Information (UzACI) hosted a
scientific-practical seminar dedicated to innovative projects and ideas
and participation in the Second National Fair on Innovative Projects and
Ideas.
Specialists of enterprises of communication and information sector
participated at the seminar, the UzACI said.
The seminar was aimed at discussing development of innovative processes
in the industry, development and introduction of innovative
technologies, formation of innovation portfolio, etc. The participation
at the Second National Fair on Innovative Projects and Ideas was also on
the agenda.
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Meeting Discusses Intellectual Property Protection Issues |
| March 19, 2009 |
The
intellectual property is a valuable treasure related to knowledge and
intelligence of citizens. Its protection and support promote the
progress of state, the Uzbekistan National News Agency Russian-language
website reported.
Uzbekistan pays a particular attention to these issues and undertakes a
tangible work in this direction. The country has formed a legislative
basis, and now improves it in line with the requirements of time and
international standards.
This urgent topic became a subject to the discussion at the board
meeting of held at the State Patent Agency of the Republic of
Uzbekistan. The meeting was dedicated to the analysis of the Agency’s
activity in 2008 and prospects for the future.
The delegates to the meeting have said that the main part of almost six
thousand applications filed with the State Patent Agency for legal
protection of objects of intellectual property were related to the
inventions, and the rest – to the effective models, samples of art,
trade marks, computer programs and databases, as well as the selection
achievements. For over the past year the state registry of objects of
intellectual property has registered about 2.5 thousand objects.
At the moment, the priority tasks of Uzbekistan are to introduce modern
innovative technologies, raise competitive and export potential. In this
direction the country implements perspective projects that provide for
modernization, technical and technological renovation.
The participants of the meeting in Tashkent are also reported to have
underscored the need to further improve the intellectual activity,
ensure qualified management of inventions and other types of
intellectual property, broad attraction of youth to the process of
elaboration of inventions.
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Legislators Talk to Professionals on Uzbekistan-Joined Treaties |
| March 19, 2009 |
The
parliamentary Committee for International Affairs and Parliamentary
Relations held the roundtable dedicated to the issues of systematizing
and arranging the international conventions, treaties and agreements
recognized and signed by the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Narodnoye slovo
newspaper reported.
The participants of the roundtable have said that at the moment
Uzbekistan had recognized and signed over 500 international documents in
the form of universal, bilateral, multilateral and regional conventions,
treaties and agreements. In line with the Constitution of Uzbekistan,
they became a component part of the national legislation.
Starting from establishment of bicameral parliament in the country, the
ratification and denunciation of international agreements or joining
them are carried out by way of adopting the law of the Republic of
Uzbekistan – the practice, which more strengthens the basis of such
process.
The international treaties recognized and signed by Uzbekistan are
related to almost all spheres of state and public construction.
Therefore, the increase in the number of documents has necessitated
their systemization and classification since they are used by
organizations of various branches of state power, public structures and,
firstly, the legislative power.
The tasks of popularizing the norms of international law among the
public, raising the legal awareness, and particularly, the legal culture
of young generation also make the work on systemizing and classifying
international documents urgent as never before.
The delegates to the roundtable are reported to have listened to the
reports on the activity of ministries of foreign affairs and justice in
this direction, as well as on the state of preparation and prospects of
publication of the “Collection of international treaties of the Republic
of Uzbekistan”.
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Uzbekistan Energyweek starts |
| March 18, 2009 |
UzA
The fourth international specialized exhibition Uzbekistan Energyweek
2009 started in Tashkent.
The veent has been organized by exhibition company IEG Uzbekistan with
support of the Uzbekenergo company, State committee for nature
protection, Commerce and industry chamber and other structures.
According to organizers, the exhibition aims to demonstrate the
scientific and industrial equipment and latest technologies, as well as
assist in exchange of experience and establishment of contacts.
Companies from Uzbekistan, Russia, Ukraine, China and germany are
presenting their products and services at the exhibition.
The expositions at the three-day forum are split into industrial,
communal, hydro-, electrical, heat energy and other sectors.
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Children's fashion festival
held |
| March 17, 2009 |
UzA
The festival of children’s fashion Bolajonlar-Shirintoylar 2009 was held
in Tashkent.
More than 370 samples of new clothes from almost 50 collections were
presented at the event.
The designs were prepared by students of the colleges and universities,
as well as professional designers.
In the framework of the festival, contests of children’s photo and
models, as well as a conference on children’s fashion were held.
Among the festival winners were Rano Zohidova, Turgunoy Olimova, Denis
Tomilin, Fotima and Zuhra Muhamedovs, Nadezhda Bushnyak, Marina Dyu,
Nargiza Atadjanova and others.
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Executive Board on CDM under UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
registered first CDM projects of Uzbekistan |
| March 16, 2009 |
UzReport
On 14 and 16 March 2009 Executive Board on CDM under UN FCCC registered
two first CDM projects of Uzbekistan in the framework of Clean
Development Mechanism of the Kyoto Protocol.
The Kyoto Protocol is an international legal document that defines
qualitative commitments on greenhouse gases (GHG) emission reduction.
For achieving its environmental objectives the Kyoto Protocol use so
called 'flexible mechanisms', of which Clean Development Mechanism (CDM)
is the most suitable one under conditions of Uzbekistan. CDM is a
trading of emission reduction resulted from project implementation in a
country that has no commitments on emission limitation. To turn an
action (emission reduction) into a commodity (Certified Emission
Reduction, CER) is subject to satisfying to definite rules regulated by
Executive Board on CDM. Having passed through all the steps and
procedures of the preparatory stage that ended up by the registration at
the UN body, Uzbekistan is now proceeding to a new phase – actual
implementation of activities on emission reduction.
The first registered CDM projects are "Reduction of Nitrous Oxide
Emission at "Navoiazot" Plant, Shop 25, Line No. 3" and "Reduction of
Nitrous Oxide Emission at "Navoiazot" Plant, Shop 25, Line No. 2", which
are implemented in accordance with President's Resolution No. 525 dated
of December 6th, 2006. It is expected that more 4 similar projects to be
registered soon, also implemented by SJSC 'Uzkimyosanoat' in cooperation
with Japanese company 'Mitsubishi Corporation'.
The projects are implemented under technical support and coordination by
the Ministry of Economy, in its capacity of Designated National
Authority (DNA), and located at 3 shops on nitric acid production at
chemical plants in cities of Chirchik, Fergana and Navoi under SJSC 'Uzkimyosanoat'.
According to expert estimations, implementation of these CDM projects
would secure GHG emission reduction in scope of around 1 million tons of
СО2-equivalent per year.
The projects will be financed at the expense of funds attracted by
'Mitsubishi Corporation', with no warrantees of the Government of
Uzbekistan, to be repaid through transferring to the company a part of
produced CERs.
The total investment costs of these 6 projects are estimated to US$6
million, while the expected annual CER sales return is about 10 million
euros.
Uzbekistan has vast potential for implementation of CDM projects in key
economy sectors such as energy, oil & gas, chemicals, municipal
services, agriculture and others. The Republic possesses considerable
reserve of natural resources, the GDP growth rate is high, favorable
conditions were created for foreign investors for capital attraction to
the economy of Uzbekistan. Since DNA started its activity the
institutional and legal base for CDM implementation has been developed
and improved.
Thanks to technical support of UNDP project "Capacity Building on Clean
Development Mechanism in Uzbekistan" more than 80 CDM projects were
developed, whose current status varies from formulation of Project Idea
Note to searching for investors and submission of Project Design
Document to UN registration.
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VALENTIN BOGATYRYOV: “THE CENTRAL ASIA IS NOT A VENUE FOR INTEGRATION
AND REGIONALIZATION BUT THE ONE OF A GEOPOLITICAL BREAK-UP” |
| March 17, 2009 |
By Radislav
Safin, the Bishkek Press Club
“The fact that the presidents of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan found a
common language, and even what is more, the “common enemy” in the person
of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan suggests that the new situation has been
unfolding in the region,” said today the Kyrgyz analyst Valentin
Bogatyryov to the Bishkek Press Club (BPC).
BPC: On the outcomes of the recent meeting of leaders of Uzbekistan
and Turkmenistan Islam Karimov has stated that the interference of third
countries in water-energy problems of Central Asia was inadmissible. How
can you comment that?
Valentin Bogatyryov: In my opinion, the meeting of the leaders of those
two countries has become as one of the latest landmark events. Here we
should note that the actions spearheaded by Russia in Kyrgyzstan, and
particularly, the fact that they have signed the Agreement on investing
the Russian money to the development of energy sector of Kyrgyzstan, had
given a certain go-ahead to this process. Such process should have taken
off a long before, to such an extent, that I and some other experts
spoke of that the Central Asia was not a venue for integration and
regionalization but the one of a geopolitical break-up. To my mind, this
process started to take a clear shape since it has become quite obvious
that the interests of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan had found a common
ground. Meanwhile, it was the biggest problem in the relations between
the two countries.
The fact that the presidents of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan found a
common language, and even what is more, the “common enemy” in the person
of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan suggests that the new situation has been
unfolding in the region. In fact, the point is about emergence of a
unique informal bloc of the two countries, which, obviously, will start
a quick rapprochement and engage in shaping the joint policies in terms
of the water use.
At that meeting President Karimov has made one serious statement which
related to Kyrgyzstan both directly and indirectly. I am speaking about
that, as President Karimov believes, the issue of water must not be
resolved with participation of third parties. It is obvious that he
didn’t speak about the United States or China, but he spoke about
Russia. Along with that it is also clear that the point was not about
Kazakhstan or Afghanistan, but was about Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
Islam Karimov has clearly stated that neither Russia, nor some other
country must interfere in the water-energy problems inside Central Asia.
BPC: What would be the reaction for that on the part of Russian
leadership?
Valentin Bogatyryov: I think there will come no reaction on the part of
it. One should understand that the issue related to the Agreement
between Russia and Kyrgyzstan must be interpreted somewhat in another
way. The point is not about the construction of power stations
themselves, but about the attempt to use this process as a powerful tool
of influencing the situation. Thanks to this construction Russia may
gain control over the energy sector of Kyrgyzstan, on the one hand, and
over Uzbekistan, on the other, thanks to gaining control over water,
which flows in to this state and southern part of Kazakhstan.
This is such a business project the essence of which is far not about
gaining profits from sales of electrical power. Thank God, Russia does
have the places where it might build the stations, and there is enough
deficit of electrical power on its territory but right of a sudden it
decides to build hydropower stations at this particular place… So, we
are speaking here about particular political interests.
Therefore, as it seems to me, Russia will not especially react to the
statements made by President Karimov since it has already done what it
has done. Russia has stated that it stood ready to control the water
resources in these countries, and even though it had shown off a
diplomatic reverence towards Uzbekistan during Medvedev’s visit to that
country. But the latest acts and signing of the Agreement with
Kyrgyzstan showed that Russia didn’t think about to reckon with
Uzbekistan on that issue.
We should pay attention to the fact that the water is a real problem
which is already urgent today. Last year Uzbekistan faced the acute
water shortage, according to the Uzbek experts, so now the issue of
providing irrigation water for Uzbekistan will be of a special
importance. At the moment, Kyrgyzstan is being shaped as a foe in
Uzbekistan that is denying water to it.
I think, gradually this can pour into conflicts on this ground.
Certainly, they will be local related to water, but we know how
dangerous they can be in the Ferghana Valley. I want to add that the
caution expressed by President Karimov was also related to this part of
the issue. That is he has accidentally expressed a concern about that
Russia must not interfere in these conflicts, that Russia must not offer
its help in reconciling this type of incidents. Along with that, we all
recall the old idea of many Russian officials and especially the
military brass on establishing their base in the south of Kyrgyzstan.
So, I think that this idea will be raised again and will be speculated
anew.
BPC: What actions in this situation do you think Kyrgyzstan should
take?
Valentin Bogatyryov: First, one should stand ready to that the issues of
volumes and schedules of water supply will be very acute. I want to note
that for Kyrgyzstan this situation is exacerbated by the fact that we
must build up a very tight regime of water saving. It is known that
despite broad restrictions there are no considerable moves in rectifying
the situation in Toktogul water reservoir. As there has been the water
shortage and still there is.
Therefore, it is absolutely obvious that there is a need to go on
keeping the regime and save up the water otherwise we will lose the
water reservoir.
Along with this, it is also obvious that with the start of irrigation it
is in the interests of Kyrgyzstan to maximally restrict the water
supplies to Uzbekistan. Naturally, this will come into conflict with the
Uzbek side, and I think that this issue will be addressed by Uzbekistan
in a rather tough form. Such situation will also be unfolding with
Tajikistan with regard to the Amudarya flows.
Second, if to speak about the long-term prospect, than the position of
Uzbekistan has already been clearly shaped. Uzbekistan will require the
international examination on the projects related to the construction of
hydropower stations in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan. Here we should note
that such kind of projects in one way or another are always subject to
examinations. The point is about that the construction of such large
facilities demands multi-billion investments, and it is clear that this
will be the credit money. But in the practice of international
organizations that allocate such big money the feasibility of such
projects is always used. At that, the point is not only about the
ecological assessment but also the feasibility of political risks which
arise in connection with such construction.
In other words, if a particular international financial structure
expresses the wish to finance such project then in any case it will not
give a penny until it makes sure about that the station will work and it
will not stay ineffective since Uzbekistan, for example, has opposed
such project and undertook the active efforts. Therefore, nobody will
give money until Uzbekistan gives its permission.
Here the same situation comes up as the construction of a railroad from
China to Uzbekistan through the territory of Kyrgyzstan. The
construction is not going to take off until Uzbekistan gives the
go-ahead. Otherwise no one will finance this project.
In this issue the case is not only about the environmental
considerations. I think that some kind of expert examinations, including
the ecologic ones, may be conducted successfully since such types of
reservoirs are constructed at many places. They certainly have an
influence upon the ecology, but this influence is fairly controllable
and doesn’t pose a threat of serious shifts or problems. The case is not
even about the legal expert assessment since this issue is quite clear
in international law. There are the precedents of rivers being given a
trans-boundary status, the cases of applying the right of a joint use,
there are the precedents when these territories have been recognized as
the areas of legal space of one country and another side could not
interfere in its businesses. In this regard, the international legal
expert examination will not bear any results and particularly the
funding of these stations will emerge as a problem.
Kyrgyzstan should, above all, come to terms with Uzbekistan: to seat
over the table and discuss this problem in a specific aspect. The best
would be to conduct these negotiations so that it would be beneficial to
both countries. In this regard, Islam Karimov gave some signal. He said
that Uzbekistan stood ready to participate in investing if the country
is convinced that it would meet its interests. Thus, we just need to
seat over the table and come to terms on the water regimes, possible
implications for forestry, how to minimize them and so on. It has just
to be stressed that the discussion of problem must start today.
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Uzbekneftegaz
to create joint ventures in Navoi |
| March 13, 2009 |
UzReport
Uzbekneftegaz is planning to create several enterprises in Navoi Free
Industrial Economic Zone. The company signed agreements on cooperation
on several projects at the Seoul conference Free Industrial Economic
Zone In Navoi City: New Investment Opportunities for Korean Partners in
Uzbekistan".
The company signed agreement with South Korea's Blitix Co. Ltd on
creation of joint production of equipment for gas fuelling compression
stations and car gas tanks.
Uzbekneftegaz and Honam Petrochemikal (Korea) will create capacities on
production of plastic products.
An international consortium led by Italy's T&T Sistemi will organize
production of car fuel equipment.
The Uzbek company and another Korean firm - DongHo ENC Co. Ltd. – will
create enterprise on production and assembly of gas meters.
Uzbekneftegaz developed several projects with the Chinese partners.
Tianye and Uzbekneftegaz will produce drip irrigation system, while
Baihaihuimin will launch capacities for polyethylene pipe production in
Uzbekistan. Tian Jin Ring-Top Petroleum Manufacture in cooperation with
the Uzbek collegues will organize production f oil and gas equipment, as
well as drilling equipment.
The products, manufactured by these enterprises, will be realized both
in internal and external markets, Uzbekneftegaz said.
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State Demonopolization Committee analyzes publishing market |
| March 13, 2009 |
UzReport
State Demonopolization Committee analyzed over 115 markets in 2008 and
one of such analyzes was carried out in market of book and magazines
publishing.
The market produced goods for 25.6 billion soums in 2006. 52.4 billion
soums in 2007, of which 16.7 billion soums fell to share of state order
for Public Education Ministry and Higher and Secondary Special Education
Ministry.
The committee also studied placing of state orders and revealed some
problems. Only 15 businesses entities carried out state orders out of 81
enterprises, which have license. 12 out of 15 enterprises are state
owned and they are large enterprises.
In nine months of 2008, share of private enterprises in implementation
of state order made up 2.6% of total work volume. At the same time, the
state order was placed by special state commission and the main
criterion for selection was the lowest offered price.
Main producers are such large enterprises as Publishing house named
after Gafur Gulyam, Uzbekistan, Cholpan, Oqituvchi, Manaviyat, Sharq,
Uzbekistan Milliy Entsiklopediyasi and others. About 81% of total
produced goods, manufactured for Public Education Ministry, fell to
share of these seven enterprises.
Private enterprises from regions of Uzbekistan almost have no access to
state orders. The main factors for that are old equipment, difficulties
in receiving credits for modernization and problems in supply of spare
parts from abroad.
The committee developed a proposal to stimulate participation of private
businesses in placing of state orders. The committee proposed to change
order of placement of state order and oblige state enterprises to place
up to 25% of state order to private businesses.
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UZS 241
billion of mortgage credits issued in 2008 |
| March 12, 2009 |
UzA
The banks of Uzbekistan provided mortgage credits worth UZS 241 billion
to the population last year, which is 74% more than in 2007.
The preferential credits comprised almost UZS 70 billion, it was said at
a meeting on mortgage and consumer credits held in Tashkent.
67 apartment houses were built at the expense of the banks’ funds in
various regions of the country in 2008, it was noted.
The citizens of Uzbekistan also received consumer credits worth UZS
177.5 billion last year.
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UzBuild and
MebelExpo Uzbekistan exhibitions open |
| March 11, 2009 |
UzA
International exhibitions UzBuild 2009 and MebelExpo Uzbekistan
(Furniture) exhibitions opened in Tashkent on 10 March.
The events have been organized by the companies ITE Uzbekistan and I.T.E.
Exhibition & Conferences Ltd (Great Britain) jointly with the Ministry
of foreign economic relations, investments and trade, Commerce and
industry chamber, State architecture and construction committee,
Uzstroymateriali company, Tashkent city administration and Fayz holding.
At the 10th UzBuild exhibition, more than 100 companies from almost 20
countries are presenting their products and services, ranging from
construction materials and equipment to lights and electronics.
About 20 companies are participating in the MebelExpo Uzbekistan
exhibition, among which are Alterna Group (Uzbekistan), Gamma (Italy),
Skif (Russia) and Yutor (China).
The sixth exhibition demonstrates a wide range of directions in
furniture production and wood processing industries.
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Children's fashion festival |
| March 11, 2009 |
UzA
Children’s fashion festival “Bolajonlar-shirintoylar 2009” will be held
in Tashkent during 12-14 March.
The main aim of the festival is identification of talented designers and
modellers, and introduction of production of their works, created
according to local climatic conditions.
The chairperson of the Fashion Designers Association of Uzbekistan
“Osiyo ramzi” Holida Komilova said more than 370 models and designs from
about 50 collections will be presented at the festival.
Among the participants are students of professional colleges, academic
lyceums and universities, as well as light industry specialists.
The festival includes nominations like “City Streets”, “School Uniform”,
“Holiday Clothes”, “National Style”, “Sportswear” and “Debut”.
During the festival a fashion exhibition, a model contest and a
conference on children’s fashion will be held.
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Global financial and economic crisis, ways and measures to overcome in
Uzbekistan |
| March 05, 2009 |
UzA
Publishing house «Uzbekistan» released the book of President Islam
Karimov, «Global financial and economic crisis, the ways and measures to
overcome in Uzbekistan».
One of the most pressing issues of contemporary is the assessment of the
causes and conditions for the brake out of the global financial and
economic crisis in 2008 that only deepens over the time, as well as on
that basis to find out the necessary steps to overcome its negative
effects. At the same time, while evaluating the reasons for the
deepening crisis, many international experts and specialists come across
to more questions than answers.
The essence and significance of the published work is that it is based
on comprehensive and objective examination of the situation and puts
forward a particular view for the mentioned problems and provides
practical conclusions.
The book consists of two parts, the first of which is called «The impact
of the global financial crisis on the economy of Uzbekistan and the
factors that prevent and mitigate its consequences». This part provides
a comprehensive analysis of the causes of the global financial and
economic crisis, its emergence in connection with the pressing
socio-economic problems on an international scale, as well as the
expected future impacts.
The author stresses that the early exit from the global financial crisis
and mitigation of its impacts depends largely on the effectiveness and
coherence of the measures taken within specific countries and the world
community as a whole.
The second part of the book is called «Support to the banking system,
modernization, technological upgrade and diversification of production,
the widespread adoption of innovative technologies is a reliable way to
overcome the crisis and the exit way for Uzbekistan to the new frontiers
of the world markets».
Amid the growing integration of our economy to the world economic and
financial system, the crisis and its outcomes can have a negative impact
on Uzbekistan.
However, despite all the problems and difficulties in 2008, the country
has achieved not only stability of the economy, but also ensured high
sustainable growth, and developed a whole range of measures,
specifically an anti-crisis program and mechanisms for its
implementation.
As highlighted in the book, the realization of this program will not
only be worthy before the challenges and threats of global financial and
economic crisis, but also will prevent its negative impacts on our
economy, and help to have more robust, sustainable, balanced economy to
take solid niche in the world markets. Ensuring that basis for the
robust economic growth will help overcome the challenges of further
improving the living standards and welfare of our people.
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Contest Reveals Best Photography Works Depicting Countryside |
| March 05, 2009 |
Narodnoye
slovo newspaper.
The regional stage of the photography contest, which is held with a
purpose of revealing and stimulating the young talents, has come to an
end in Bukhara, according to the The photographs reflected on the
history and today’s life of villages, ongoing improvement and betterment
work at the local levels, national traditions, customs and values.
The regional office for culture and sports is reported to have organized
the contest alongside with territorial scientific and methodic center of
national creative art, cultural and enlightenment work.
For his works “Tuybola” and “Qishloqda tuy” Alisher Asadov from the city
Bukhara secured a right to participate at the Republican stage of the
contest.
Elyor Nematov from Vobkent District secured the second place for his
works “Mening qishlogim” and “Nuroniy”.
And, finally, for his works “Nevesta” and “Moyo pole” Khasan Bazarov
from Kagan has found himself among prizewinners.
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Press-conference on program of state statistical works for 2009 |
| March 03, 2009 |
UzA
The great importance of timely, objective and reliable reporting
capabilities was stated at a press conference at the National Press
Center, during where representatives of the Republic of Uzbekistan State
Committee for Statistics briefed on the program of state statistical
works for 2009.
Head of the deparment of methodology in statistical work of the State
Statistics Committee E. Kiyatkina noted that in accordance with the
decision of the Cabinet of Ministers the state program of statistical
work is approved for 2009. It has been prepared taking into account the
suggestions of relevant ministries and agencies and provides the
implementation of coherent work that characterize the socio-economic
development of the country and territories, the structural and market
reforms, reforms in the sectors of economy, small business and farming.
Distribution of statistical information is also implemented by the
program, published in official publications and media, as well as at the
official website of the State Statistics Committee in the Internet –
www.stat.uz.
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On the Meeting with Mass Media Dedicated to the Outcomes of the Official
Visit of President of Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan |
| March 02, 2009 |
IA Jahon
On the invitation of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov the
official visit of the President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly
Berdymuhamedov to Uzbekistan took place on February 24-25, 2009.
On the outcomes of the negotiations a news conference with participation
of presidents was held during which the sides have assessed the state
and prospects of bilateral relations, discussed situation in the Central
Asian region, as well as expressed their vision of the ways and
mechanisms of addressing the pressing regional and international issues.
A particular attention was paid to resolving the Afghan problem and the
management of water resources in Central Asia.
Assessing the situation in Afghanistan President Islam Karimov has said
that as early as in April 2008 at the NATO/EAPC Bucharest Summit
Uzbekistan made proposals the essence of which is as follows:
First. There is no military solution to the Afghan problem. This stance
is acquiring a growing support on the part of the states involved in
peace-making operation in Afghanistan.
Second. A serious attention should be paid to the solution of pressing
social problems associated with poverty and unemployment. During 30
years of war the living standards and social state of the Afghans have
worsened; the unemployment rate reached 60-70%. In such circumstances,
various segments of the population and, above all, young people are
forced to seek sources of means for existence. This creates a fertile
ground for recruitment into the ranks of “Taliban” and other groups, as
well as to encourage the active involvement in drug trafficking.
President Islam Karimov has noted that the Afghan problem cannot be
solved ignoring the opinion of people, religious and national
peculiarities of the Afghans. Afghanistan is a multi-faith, multiethnic
state, which is inhabited by different ethnicities that have their own
approaches to resolving the problems of this country. The historical
experience of various wars in Afghanistan with involvement of external
forces has clearly demonstrated that it is necessary to take into
account the people's mentality and their religiousness, and respect, but
not defy this religion.
Regarding the resumption of activity of the «6+2» Contact Group on
Afghanistan, which operated under the UN auspices, the Uzbek Leader
pointed to the necessity of its expansion by converting it into «6+3»
format, consisting of six states bordering on Afghanistan, as well as
the US and Russia, with inclusion of NATO, which is the active
participant in the international coalition. The meaning of this
initiative is as follows – this problem cannot be solved without
participation of countries surrounding Afghanistan, which are suffering
this calamity more than others for thirty years.
In this regard, in any case, in one form or another, this decision will
be taken since without such approach resolution of the Afghan problem is
impossible. If the issues related to comprehensive solution of the
Afghan problem are not going to be resolved it can be even worse and
those countries, whose troops are in Afghanistan as peacekeeping forces,
tomorrow will turn into occupants.
Uzbekistan continues to contribute to stabilization of the situation in
Afghanistan, particularly, in the form of participation in projects on
supply of electricity power, construction of “Termez - Mazari-Sharif”
railroad via Khayraton, where the main contractor will be the Uzbek
side.
Speaking about the transit of goods through Uzbekistan, President Islam
Karimov said that during the recent visit of the Commander of Central
Command of the U.S. Armed Forces General David Petraeus to Uzbekistan,
an agreement was reached on implementing the transit of the non-military
goods by the US through the territory of Uzbekistan to Afghanistan on
the conditions of strict compliance with laws functioning on the
territory of Uzbekistan.
Referring to the situation related to coverage of the issues of
non-military goods transit by foreign media, President Islam Karimov has
underscored: “... we are ready to participate in the transit of
non-military cargo through the territory of Uzbekistan. Many countries
say “yes, so we are” and this is broadly covered by television and
newspapers. However, if the cargo is intended for Afghanistan will not
pass through Uzbekistan, how will they get there? Resounding statements
that “we are ready”, “we have already signed” are made though.... The
goods will come from all sides, but what will be the final destination?
They will surely come to Termez bridge across the Amudarya River.
Therefore, the consent of Uzbekistan for transit through its territory
of those goods - costs a lot. Therefore, it also must be reckoned with.
We have repeatedly underlined that in respect of relations with
Afghanistan we do not hold to the bloc-wise thinking. We proceed from
the interests of Uzbekistan only and those relationships that develop
between the Republic of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. We do not agree with
the participation of mediators or institutions that wish to implement it
in the form of a bloc approach.
As stated by President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, in Uzbekistan it is
believed that the decision to wage war in Afghanistan in 1979 was made
without taking into account the interests of Uzbekistan, which was a
part of the former USSR. “... We were not asked - who needed that war?
Those losses and what we now have as a neighbor of Afghanistan, it is an
outcome of the decision that was made absolutely without taking into
account the interests of Uzbekistan and other neighbors of Afghanistan.
We believe that again taking a group-based decision today is to step on
the same rake (to drop a brick once again). Each country must decide
itself how to behave in relation with Afghanistan, proceeding from its
own interests and the interests of Afghanistan...”
Addressing the issue of urgency of reasonable water management of
transboundary rivers in Central Asia, President Islam Karimov pointed
out that the problem had been existing for many centuries. But the
utmost urgency it has gotten during the last years due to the active
discussions about construction of hydropower stations in the upper
reaches of Amudarya and Syrdarya.
President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov emphasized that “two great rivers
of the region - Amudarya and Syrdarya – nourish the whole Central Asia
and part of Kazakhstan. It is spoken about a new interference in the
distribution of water resources. Too many “great” ponds, “great” water
reservoirs and hydropower stations were built in the Soviet times and
impacts of that we are feeling now. According to the assessments of
environmentalists, any interference into distribution of water resources
and water management, any violation of original development of nature
are intolerable. If we look at it through this kind of perspective, we
will see that such a gross violation of natural processes always leads
to not very pleasant results. And not only this, but the next following
generations will suffer from that”.
President Islam Karimov has stated that “given the conditions of great
water deficit this issue was raised, moreover, it started to create
problems and tensions in relations”. The Uzbek Leader pointed out that
the supply of water resources of countries in the region accounts for
70%. There is a saying in the East: “There is no life without water”.
Therefore, we must more cautiously deal with those problems. We clearly
see that each year there appears less useful soil for feeding people and
getting food. There are droughts, water-logging and desertification. I
would like to say about it in detail in order to explain what the water
problems do mean for the countries in this region”.
President of Uzbekistan has underscored that the water-energy projects
which started to be discussed raise many interpretations. President
Islam Karimov pointed out that “there is even one interpretation which
is actively used, first of all, by Russian scholars and mass media.
There are statements that this issue is allegedly insoluble problem of
the region.
It means that states and nations of the region are not able to come to
an agreement between one another. Therefore, in order to solve the
problem the participation of a particular third party with great
resources is needed”.
Uzbekistan considers such kind of interpretation as absolutely
intolerable. As President Islam Karimov has underscored that “the
nations have been living on this territory for millennia, absolutely
different states were here, but those issues used to be solved. The
statement that the problem is insolvable pursues absolutely different
goals.”
According to the President Islam Karimov “if we look at the position of
Uzbekistan we will see that it is understandable, clear and precise. We
are not against construction of those hydropower stations, if it goes in
line with the interests of not only two countries, but also comforts the
interests of all countries and nations in the region. Why the populace
of the lower reaches of rivers have to suffer from great hardships
tomorrow. To explain that to the people of those countries is very
difficult”.
President Islam Karimov stated that Uzbekistan stood ready to
participate in those projects and pointed out the necessity to conduct
an unbiased international examination.
President of Uzbekistan believes that it is necessary to receive answers
to the two simple questions. “First. If those huge hydropower stations
are to be constructed, will those countries at the lower reaches of the
transboundary rivers, in particular, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and
Kazakhstan, receive less water tomorrow? What is about desiccation of
the Aral Sea? Please, answer to those questions and demonstrate how the
water flow will change and in what volumes we are not going to get that
water without which we already have quite difficult times. I repeat that
the supply of water resources of countries in the region now accounts
for only 70%. And if the hydropower stations are built there will it
make the situation worse?”
Regarding the second question President Islam Karimov said: “Will the
environment of the region change or not? If they say that the
environment will not change and the water will be supplied in the same
volume as we receive now, personally me and Uzbekistan will not have any
questions.
Is it so difficult to conduct unbiased examination under the auspices of
the UN with fully disinterested and unbiased experts? In other words, we
talk about unbiased examination. Is it difficult to conduct such an
examination and answer to very simple questions?
Thus, I conclude that the problem is solvable, if the examination shows
that there is not going to be any damage. And if there are going to be
problems with water flow and environment then the international
structures must help us. But even in this case, the issue is solvable,
however, it must not be politicized. One should not transform it into
the problem which could be solved only by the “divide and rule”
approach. We must not allow that to happen”.
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