Uzbek President Congratulates Women On Holiday
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 7: Uzbek President Islam Karimov has congratulated Uzbek women on International Women`s Day in a message read out on Uzbek TV`s `Akhborot` bulletin on 7 March. Praising Uzbek women, the president said: `If I were to be asked where the most beautiful, the wisest, sweetest and kindest women live, I would say without any shade of doubt and with pride: `On the glorious land of Uzbekistan`.` President Karimov said that Uzbekistan should do everything it can to increase women`s role in society.
Meeting With President.
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, Mar 6: President N. Nazarbayev received the chairman of Constitutional Court Yuri Khitrin on Thursday. He reported the President on the actions to explain current Constitution and on the issues concerning observance of Constitution by officials. N.Nazarbayev gave concrete charges to improvement the work of Constitutional Court.
Kyrgyz President Appeals For National Accord
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, Mar 6: Speaking on 6 March to the Kurultai (Congress) organized by the Assembly of the Peoples of Kyrgyzstan (see `RFE/RL Newsline,` 6 March 2003), Askar Akaev appealed for national accord, saying that putting an end to political conflicts is a top priority for the country, khabar.kz and Interfax reported. Akaev noted that 2003 has been declared the year of Kyrgyz statehood and said that it should be a time for strengthening unity, national harmony, and political stability. He said that the constitutional changes approved in February strengthen the democratic foundations of the state by providing constitutional implementation mechanisms, in particular the institution of an ombudsman.
Turkmen Dissident Said `near Death` In Jail
MSNBC
Moscow, Mar 6: A former Turkmen foreign minister, in jail in his homeland for leading a plot to kill the president, is being tortured and is `near death,` a source close to the dissident said on Thursday. Boris Shikhmuradov admitted involvement in the attempted assassination of President Saparmurat Niyazov in a televised confession that human rights groups compared to Stalin-era show trials, and has not been seen since. `He (Shikhmuradov) is in a grave condition, and near death,` said the source, who asked not to be identified. `I have been told he is being tortured.`
Four Parties Denied Re-registration In Kazakhstan
Radio Free Europe
Astana, Mar 6: The Kazakh Justice Ministry has refused to re-register four political parties under the controversial law on political parties that was adopted in 2002, the Almaty newspaper `Vremya` on 6 March. The four small parties that were denied re-registration are Yel Dana, Alash, the Party of Fellow Countrymen, and the Patriots` Party of Kazakhstan. The law on parties raised the minimum number of members a political party must have to register from 3,000 to 50,000 (see `RFE/RL Newsline,` 24 and 26 June 2002). Opposition political leaders in Kazakhstan have charged that the intent of the law is to prevent their participation in the country`s political life. Yerlan Saparov, chairman of the ministry`s Registration Committee, told `Vremya` that the refusal was based on the parties` statutes and membership lists. He reportedly added that the parties could contest the decision in court.
Kocharian Wins Presidential Runoff In Armenia
Interfax
Yerevan, Mar 6: Incumbent Armenian President Robert Kocharian won the second round of the country`s presidential elections on Wednesday, according to preliminary results made public by the country`s Central Elections Commission at 8:00 a.m. Moscow time. By that time, the Commission had tallied 70 per cent of the ballots. Kocharian won 67.5 per cent, and his rival, leader of the opposition Popular Party Stepan Demirchian, got 32.5 per cent of the votes. To win in the second round, a candidate must obtain a simple majority of votes regardless of voter turnout. A total of 64.5 per cent of Armenia`s eligible voters cast their ballots in the elections, the Commission said. Meanwhile, Demirchian has already told the press that he mistrusts the announced results. `The voting and the subsequent counting have seen significant violations and the use of violence,` Demirchian said.
Kyrgyz Opposition Leader Refuse To Take Part In People`s Congress
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, Mar 6: A People`s Kurultai (Congress) sponsored by the Assembly of the Peoples of Kyrgyzstan opened on 6 March, Deutsche Welle reported. Three prominent opposition activists -- Tursunbek Akunov; Nurlan Motuev; and Zamira Sydykova, editor in chief of the independent newspaper `Res Publica` -- gave a news conference to explain why they are boycotting the event, according to RFE/RL`s Kyrgyz Service. Akunov was quoted as saying that not enough time had been allowed to prepare the event and the rights of the delegates had not been properly defined. He compared the two weeks allowed for preparation of the Kurultai to the similar period allotted for preparation of the 2 February referendum on the new constitution, a period that was criticized as inadequate by international analysts.
Armenian Opposition Demands Invalidation Of Presidential Election
Interfax
Yerevan, Mar 6: The Armenian opposition plans to file a claim to invalidate the results of the presidential runoff with the Constitutional Court. Presidential candidate and leader of the People`s Party Stepan Demirchian told this to the press on Thursday. He said the opposition will be acting in keeping with the law `because it has plenty of material evidence indicating numerous instances of rigging during the runoff.` Over 50,000 people rallied in support of Demirchian in the centre of Yerevan on Thursday. At the rally, opposition leaders said they did not recognize the official results of the runoff. The Central Election Committee announced that incumbent President Robert Kocharian won with 67.5 per cent of the vote, while Demirchian collected 32.5 per cent. Meanwhile, observers from the OSCE and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on Thursday told reporters in Yerevan they had registered serious breaches of the law during the presidential runoff.
Kyrgyz Opposition Leader Warns Of Restriction On Rights
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, Mar 5: Kyrgyz opposition leader Edil Baysalov, head of the NGO coalition For Democratization and Civil Society, told a news conference on 5 March that he fears democratic rights and freedoms in Kyrgyzstan are under threat from the authorities, Interfax reported. Baysalov was recently released from detention in a military hospital (see `RFE/RL Newsline,` 5 March 2003). He pointed to the recent adoption of a law on national security and a draft law on political extremism that is under consideration in parliament as illustrations of his concern that, under the guise of fighting international terrorism, Kyrgyzstan is regressing in its process of democratization.
High Turnout Registered In Presidential Runoffs In Armenia
Interfax
Yerevan, Mar 5: High voter turnout has been registered in the second round of presidential elections in Armenia. Of 2.296 million eligible voters, 27.4 per cent voted in the elections by 1 p.m. local time, the Central Elections Commission reported. Voting stations will be open till 8 p.m. However, the Armenian opposition declared that numerous violations occurred in the first few hours. For instance, local elections commissions have not allowed representatives of Popular Party leader Stepan Demirchyan to monitor the elections. Artak Sagradian, the head of the Central Elections Commission, said that although some complaints were received, he `is satisfied with the second round of presidential elections.`
New Human Rights Body Set Up In Kyrgyzstan
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, Mar 4: A Public Council for Democratic Security has been set up in Kyrgyzstan, the Kyrgyz news agency Kabar, Interfax, and RFE/RL`s Kyrgyz Service reported on 4 March. Addressing the new 29-member council, President Akaev said the group should expand the work that is being done by the ombudsman`s office -- safeguarding and further developing Kyrgyzstan`s achievements in the area of democratization. The first task of the council is to draft a Democratic Code in co-operation with the Assembly of the Peoples of Kyrgyzstan. The new council includes a Supreme Court judge, academics, cultural figures, and parliamentary deputies. The council is co chaired by cardiologist Mirsaid Mirrahimov, an ethnic Uzbek, and Justice Minister Kurmanbek Osmonov.
Human Rights Groups Call On Turkmenistan To Release Activist
Voice of America
Ashgabat, Mar 4: A coalition of human rights groups is calling on Turkmenistan to release activist Farid Tukhbatullin and drop all charges against him. The joint statement by Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the International Helsinki Federation, the International League for Human Rights and Memorial Human Rights Centre was issued to coincide with the scheduled start of Mr. Tukhbatullin`s trial in Ashgabat.
Concern Over Press Harassment
Uzbek Daily
Ankara, Mar 4: Concern over the harassment of journalists in Uzbekistan grew on Tuesday as two leading press rights groups, as well as Washington, slammed the Tashkent government. Central Asia`s most populous nation has seen a recent wave of incidents involving alleged curtailment of press freedom. `The political atmosphere is worrisome,` Marika Olsen, country director for Internews told IRIN from the Uzbek capital, Tashkent. `We initially had great hopes, but the rash of recent arrests is causing us a lot of concern.` According to the international NGO, Tashkent dismantled the structure for the Inspectorate for the Protection of State Secrets last Spring, thus sending the chief censor into retirement. On 3 July, the Government Committee for Print and Information was changed into the Agency for Print and Information, lowering the status of this government structure, which controls mass media. Ideally, these measures should mean steps forward in liberating the mass media from government influence and pressure, though there remains no significant changes in the mass media landscape in Uzbekistan.
Newspaper Closed In Uzbekistan
Radio Free Europe
Tashkent, Mar 4: The newspaper `Milli talim` (National Education), founded at the beginning of 2003 by the Uzbek Ministry of Higher and Specialized Secondary Education, is being closed by the ministry, ITAR-TASS and centrasia.ru reported on 3 and 4 March, respectively. The publication appeared in Uzbek, Russian, and English. Acting Deputy Minister of Higher and Specialized Secondary Education Rustam Qosimov told a news conference on 3 March that the newspaper is being closed because of `grammatical mistakes.` Rustam Kasymov, the newspaper`s founder, said the ministry lacks the funds to continue publication and told a Tashkent journalist that some articles were signed by persons who had not written them. The paper`s editor in chief, Rustam Kasymov, asserted that the authorities fear that honest, independent editors would cast light on the problems of culture and the press in Uzbekistan.
Opposition In Kazakhstan Will Rejoin Conference If Leaders Freed
Radio Free Europe
Astana, Mar 3: Opposition leader Petr Svoik, a member of the Political Council of Democratic Choice for Kazakhstan, told a news conference on 3 March that the opposition will resume participation in the Permanent Conference on Democratization and Civil-Society Development if Democratic Choice leaders Mukhtar Ablyazov and Galymzhan Zhakiyanov are released from prison, Interfax-Kazakhstan reported that day. The two -- a former minister and a former regional governor -- were sentenced last year after being convicted of abuse of office and other crimes.
Parliament`s Hearing
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, Mar 1: Hearing on the subject `Perfection of State government and system of inter-budget relations in RK` was held at Parliament on Friday; the Lower House`s chairman Zharmakhan Tuyakbai delivered a report. The speaker stressed importance of enhancement of inter-budget relations for development of regions, and pointed out the reform of budget system had to be co-ordinated with the reform of the government`s system, as well as with diversification of economy.
Book Addressed To Future
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, Mar 1: The scientists discussed `Critical Decade` book by N.Nazarbayev at international scientific -practical conference held at Almaty on Friday. Central Asia, placed at meeting-point of civilizations and transport ways, is the zone of potential tension. International terrorism, extremism, drugs traffic and drug addiction, escalated social, ethnic and confessional contradictions, transnational crimes, unsettled Caspian issue and water resources deficit are only several problems making a threat to national security of the region states. N. Nazarbayev stressed it in the book, devoted to comprehension of global threats sources and searches for adequate responses to challenges, the world community faced. The first deputy of RK President`s administration director made an opening address. Political scientists delivered their reports. Foreign scientists appreciated the importance of the book. The director of Russian Strategic Researches Institute Eugeni Kozhokin said the citizens of his country to take the books by N. Nazarbayev with great interest.
Afghan Army Officers Arrive In Tajikistan For Training
Central Asia Daily
Kabul, Mar 7: The first batch of officers from newly established Afghan army has arrived in Tajikistan for receiving military training. A source in the Afghan defence ministry told IRNA on condition of anonymity that the officers would get training in the Tajik military university, reported Radio Mashed. He said that another batch of thirty officers would be sent for training during the current year. He added that the officers had been sent to Tajikistan under an agreement signed between Afghan Defence Minister, General Muhammad Qasim Fahim and his Tajik counterpart last summer.
Kyrgyzstan Demands Mine Maps From Uzbekistan
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, Mar 4: The administration of Batken Oblast has sent a letter to the head of neighbouring Ferghana Oblast in Uzbekistan, demanding either a map of the mine fields placed by Uzbek authorities along the common border of the two regions or the removal of the mines and the posting of warning signs, the official Kyrgyz news agency Kabar reported on 4 March. The Uzbek government last month rejected official Kyrgyz requests for such maps. In addition, the Batken officials stated that the Uzbek mining of the border has cost their oblast 6 million som (about $121,000) and demanded compensation in this amount.
Tajik Military Cadets To Study In India
Radio Free Europe
Dushanbe, Mar 3: Fifty Tajik military cadets will be sent to India in September to study various military disciplines, including engineering and communications, the head of Tajikistan`s Defence Ministry`s Administration for Foreign Military Cooperation Maruf Hasanov told Asia Plus-Blitz on 3 March. The two countries` defence ministries agreed on the program in 2002. Hasanov noted that 15 Tajik military students left on 28 February to study military subjects and the French language in France. They will also take part in military exercises in France. According to Hasanov, members of a French contingent stationed in Tajikistan are conducting military exercises at a Tajik training ground.
India To Buy And Service Military Aircrafts From Uzbek Plant
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 2: Visiting Indian Defence Minister George Fernandes held a news conference at Tashkent airport before leaving to ancient Uzbek cities of Samarkand and Bukhara. According to Uzbek Radio, no documents have been signed during George Fernandes` visit to Uzbekistan. The parties only discussed the strengthening of military and military-technical co-operation between the two countries. Speaking about the results of the visit, George Fernandes said among other things: `An agreement on providing the Indian Air Force with six Uzbek-made IL-78 (air-to-air refueller) aircraft was recently signed. The ceremony of handing over the first aircraft was held yesterday. The second aircraft, which is getting the finishing touches at the Chkalov aviation plant in Tashkent, will be ready by the end of this month. It is planned that the other four aircraft will be handed over to the Indian Air Force by the end of this year. We have also taken one Indian aircraft to have it repaired at the Chkalov aviation plant. We have acquainted ourselves with the potential of the plant. If the Indian Air Force finds its necessary to acquire more aircraft or repair the existing ones, then we will turn to the plant.` Fernandes did not disclose the value of the contract, but Reuters reported the deal could be worth around USD 150 mln, quoting local industry sources.
Kyrgyz Official Says Islamic Extremists Still Hope For Islamic State
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, Mar 6: A deputy interior minister has told `Slovo Kyrgyzstana` that Islamist extremists in Central Asia still hope to re-establish the Kokand Khanate in the Ferghana Valley as an Islamic state, centrasia.ru reported on 6 March. The official said Kyrgyzstan is a victim of instability in neighbouring countries, and he claimed that the southern part of the country is more susceptible to religious extremism because of the large number of Uzbeks living there. That minority is traditionally more religious than the Kyrgyz. Recently there has been disagreement between the Kyrgyz government and the opposition and even among state agencies over whether Islamic groups -- in particular the Hizb ut-Tahrir movement -- are by definition terrorist organizations. Kyrgyzstan`s ombudsman has gone on record as questioning whether the ideas of Hizb ut-Tahrir, which include the eventual creation of an Islamic state in Central Asia, are as dangerous as the government claims.
Turkmen Ecologist Sentenced
Radio Free Europe
Ashgabat, Mar 5: A court in Ashgabat sentenced ecologist Farid Tukhbatullin to three years` imprisonment late on 4 March on charges of failing to warn the Turkmen authorities of the planned 25 November attack on President Saparmurat Niyazov`s motorcade, Reuters reported on 5 March (see `RFE/RL Central Asia Report,` 5 December 2002). Tukhbatullin was also found guilty of illegally crossing the border between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. According to the Vienna-based International Helsinki Federation, no witnesses were questioned during the four-hour hearing. The U.S. State Department issued a statement on 5 March suggesting that the sentence was politically motivated and calling for Tukhbatullin`s immediate release.
Kyrgyzstan: Hizb Ut-Tahrir Accused Of Increased Militancy
Radio Free Europe
Prague, Mar 3: Over the past three years, reports of arrests in southern Kyrgyzstan of members of the banned Islamic Hizb ut-Tahrir party have become increasingly frequent. Officials say the group is aligning itself with more-militant Islamic groups, but observers say the accusations may just be a government ploy to detract attention from domestic troubles. Meanwhile, in an attempt to undercut attempts by Hizb ut-Tahrir to recruit new members, Muslim clergy have started sending groups of volunteers to local villages to foster traditional Islam.
Uzbek Islamic Group Member Calls On Militants To Surrender
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 2: Muhiddin Nuriddinov, a member of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), which is included in a list of terrorist organizations, has said that many of his comrades-in-arms want to come back to Uzbekistan but are afraid that severe punishment awaits them in their homeland. In remarks broadcast by Uzbek radio on 28 February, he said: `Many of them are afraid to come to Uzbekistan. They think that they will be thrown into prison, executed and so on (if they come). When I was there (in Afghanistan), there was talk that Uzbek national security officers would crush anyone they seize. Such rumours were rife, and our lads were afraid. Most of them have not committed any crime. They have been led astray by some people. Now I understand that the government will not harm them if they come here.` Nuriddinov urged others to come back to Uzbekistan.
Kyrgyzstan`s Ombudsman Rejects Persecution Of Hizb Ut Tahrir
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, Mar 3: Kyrgyz human rights ombudsman Tursunbai Bakir uulu told RFE/RL`s Kyrgyz Service on 1 March that adherents of the banned Hizb ut-Tahrir movement should not be harassed by the authorities merely because they want to restructure society radically. In Bakir uulu`s view, the group has not actually broken the law, and other parties -- he mentioned specifically the Socialists and Communists -- also would like to restructure society. He noted that the Kyrgyz government and the Kyrgyz Muftiyat are working together to counter illegal Hizb ut-Tahrir propaganda.
British Gas To Sell Half Its Stake In Caspian Oil Consortium
Hoover`s Online
Almaty, Mar 7: British Gas International (BG) plans to sell half its stake in the Agip Kazakhstan North Caspian Operation Company (Agip KCO), which is involved in exploration drilling in Kazakhstan`s part of the Caspian sea shelf. Advertisement: Explore Within This Space BG said in a [press] release it would sell an 8.33 per cent interest in Agip KCO to the Chinese company CNOOC North Caspian Sea Ltd., a subsidiary of CNOOC Ltd., for 615m dollars.
CNOOC Buys Energy Field Stake
China Daily
Beijing, Mar 7: The China National Offshore Oil Corp Ltd (CNOOC), China`s largest offshore oil producer, yesterday agreed to pay US$615 million to Britain`s BG Group for a stake in an oil and gas field in Kazakhstan, which boasts one of the largest finds of the past 30 years. The acquisition marks another stage in the Chinese corporation`s overseas expansion campaign. Last year, it spent more than US$1.1 billion on buying reserves in Australia and Indonesia. Under the latest deal, CNOOC will get 8.33 per cent of the North Caspian Sea project, including the Kashagan oil field and several other oil-rich geographical structures. The oil field may contain reserves of up to 13 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Wei Liucheng, CNOOC chairman and chief executive officer, said: `This acquisition allows the company to gain a firm foothold in one of the world`s most prolific oil and gas basins. Standard ; Poor`s yesterday kept its ratings for CNOOC unchanged at BBB after the deal was announced. Yang Hua, the CNOOC senior vice-president, yesterday told reporters in Hong Kong that the firm`s exploration and development costs for the North Caspian Sea project will be between US$2 and US$3 a barrel.
Leaders Of Turkmenistan, Iran To Discuss Rise In Gas Exports 10 March
Hoover`s Online
Ashgabat, Mar 6: Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov will visit Tehran on Monday [10 March] to hold talks with his Iranian counterpart [President] Mohammad Khatami on gas deliveries and the legal status of the Caspian Sea, a source close to the Turkmen government told Interfax. He said the main purposes of the visit are to consider an increase in Turkmen natural gas exports to north Iran and compare attitudes on the Caspian Sea status. In 2002, gas exports along the 200-kilometre Korpeje-Kord Koy pipeline amounted to about 5bn cu.m.at the price of 42 dollars per 1,000 cu.m. This year exports are expected to rise to 7bn cu.m., and in the future to 13bn. Iran is the only importer of Turkmen gas fully paying for it in foreign currency, the source said.
Kazakhstan`s Reserves Up 6.8 per cent in February
Interfax
Almaty, Mar 6: Kazakhstan`s gold and foreign exchange reserves, including the National Fund and gross reserves of the National Bank, grew 6.8 per cent in February to total $5.884 billion, the National Bank said. The National Fund was tentatively $2.29 billion on March 1. The National Bank`s net international reserves grew 8.5 per cent or by $303 million to $3.879 billion. The National Bank said currency purchases on the domestic market, and forex entering the finance ministry`s account increased the bank`s net forex reserves by $347.1 million to $3.292 billion. Gold reserves declined by $44.1 million in February to $582.9 million owing to National bank transactions and a drip in the price of gold, from $370.35 to $347.65 a Troy ounce. The monetary base grew 7.2 per cent in February to 200.4 billion tenge.
New Oil Transit Routes
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, Mar 5: Senate Foreign Affairs, Defence and Security Committee discussed the framework agreement on institutional grounds of interstate oil and gas transportation system on Tuesday and recommended the Chamber`s plenary session to approve the document. Development of oil industry and the growth in amounts of oil and condensed gas export make the document`s ratification necessary. Our country intends to take part in international program of oil and gas export to Europe `Inogate`.
IMF Forecasts Kazakh National Currency Gains
Interfax
Astana, Mar 5: The International Monetary Fund forecasts that Kazakhstan`s national currency the tenge will strengthen against other currencies. Taking into account the volume of funds coming into Kazakhstan from the sale of oil, tenge gains are unavoidable, including against the dollar, euro and yen, Peter Keller, chief of the Eastern Division of the IMF European II Department, told Interfax.
Kyrgyz Government Will Assist Certain Industrial Sectors - PM
Interfax
Bishkek, Mar 5: The Kyrgyz government intends to provide state support to a number of industrial sectors, Prime Minister Nikolai Tanayev said at an assembly of the country`s peoples (Kurultai). `The coming years should be ones of industrial development, which will provide stability in the economy, facilitate the struggle against poverty, and improve living standards,` Tanayev said. The prime minister singled out the coal, gold mining, textile, and military industries as priority sectors that will enjoy government support.
Uzbekistan To Define Privatization Method For Uzbekneftegaz In 2003
Hoover`s Online
Tashkent, Mar 4: The government of Uzbekistan plans to define the method for the privatization of national oil and gas holding company Uzbekneftegaz based on the proposals of its financial consultant BNP Paribas of France. The government has set up a task force to consider these proposals, Shakir Fayzullaev, the chief of the company`s systems reform and securities department, told Interfax. BNP Paribus has put together four privatization options. One of these envisages a deep and lengthy restructuring of the company with the objective of improving its appeal for foreign investors. The other three options have shorter restructuring models. `It is difficult to say what the government will decide, how privatization will take place and in what timeframe,` Fayzullaev said. The privatization of Uzbekneftegaz is one of the main conditions for economic reform in the country.
Russian Gazprom Plans Purchasing A 44 per cent Stake In Uzbektransgaz
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 4: Russian Gazprom is planning to participate in the bid to purchase a 44 per cent stake in Uzbektransgaz (Uzbek Gas Transportation) of the national holding Uzbekneftegaz (Uzbek Oil and Gas).
Production Of GDP In Agriculture Grows 6.1 per cent in 2002
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 4: Gross production in Uzbekistan`s agriculture grew 6.1 per cent in 2002, the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Management said.
140,000 Tons Of Crude Oil Transferred By Uzbekistan
Turkmenistan.RU
Ashgabat, Mar 4: 140,000 tons of crude oil and gas condensate is transferred by Uzbekistan over the first two months of the current year to Serdinsk oil processing plant that is on East of Turkmenistan. The Uzbek side delivered raw materials from Kokdumalak field located along the borders of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. As it was reported earlier, during the January intergovernmental Turkmen-Uzbek negotiations an agreement was signed according to which Turkmenistan will receive in 2003-2004 1.1 million tons of oil (1 million tons will receive this year). This amount of oil will be delivered to Turkmenistan instead of debt of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan.
Uzbek Govt May Decide On Scheme For Uzbekneftegaz Privatisation In 2003
Interfax
Tashkent, Mar 4: The Uzbek government may decide on a scheme for the privatization of the national holding company Uzbekneftegaz in 2003, based on proposals from a financial consultant - the French investment bank BNP Paribas. Shakir Faizullayev, head of the Uzbekneftegaz securities department, told Interfax that a working group, set up by the Uzbek government, has started to consider these proposals. He said that the financial consultant prepared four options for the privatization of Uzbekneftegaz. One of these involves a deeper and longer restructuring of the company to improve its attractiveness to foreign investors. The three other options also include restructuring, but less thorough and shorter.
IMF Urges Uzbekistan To Speed Up Economic Reform
Interfax
Tashkent, Mar 3: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged Uzbekistan to speed up economic reforms to consolidate the macro-economics stability achieved last year. This call was made on Monday by head of the southeastern section of the IMF European II Department Erik de Vrier, who heads a fund mission completing a two- week stay in Tashkent. In Uzbekistan, the mission reviewed macro-economicsdevelopment in 2002.
IMF Forecasts GDP Growth In Kazakhstan Of 7-8 per cent In 2003
Interfax
Astana, Mar 3: The International Monetary Fund forecasts GDP growth in Kazakhstan of 7-8 per cent in 2003, Peter Keller, chief of the Eastern Division of the IMF European II Department, told the press in Astana Monday. GDP growth totalled9.5 per cent in 2002. Overall, economic growth forecasts for 2003 were corrected down around the world due to uncertainty regarding oil prices, decline on the U.S. stock market and the lack of economic growth in Japan, Keller noted.
IMF Satisfied With Progress Of PRGF Program In Kyrgyzstan
Interfax
Bishkek, Mar 3: An International Monetary Fund mission has reported that it is satisfied with Kyrgyzstan`s implementation of a three-year Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility (PRGF) program that was launched in 2001, Tapio Saavalainen, the head of the mission said at a meeting with parliamentary speaker Abdygan Yerkebaev.
Caspian Sea To Turkey Pipeline Gets Go Ahead
Hoover`s Online
Baku, Mar 3: Britain`s BP, Norway`s Statoil, France`s TotalFina Elf and the Azerbaijan state oil company okayed in late-February a $3.2 billion project to build a 690-meter (300 mile) natural gas pipeline from the Caspian Sea to Turkey, media outlets reported. The project, named South Caucasian Pipeline Company, was due to start transporting an estimated 8.4 billion cubic meters (296.6 billion cubic feet) of natural gas per year in 2006, AP said. The pipeline would run from the Shah Deniz Field through Baku and the Georgian capital of Tbilsi to Erzurum in Turkey alongside the planned Baku-Tbilsi-Ceyhan oil pipeline. Construction was reportedly due to start in the middle of next year. Statoil, who holds a 25.5 per cent stake in the project, said it was named the commercial operator and was to cover gas sales, contract administration and business development for Azerbaijan`s Sha Deniz gas and condensate field in the Caspian Sea. BP, which also holds a 25.5 per cent share, was reported to be have been named the operator of the pipeline and was also to be the technical operator of the upstream side of the project.
Russia`s High-Speed Railway Service To Reach Uzbekistan Soon
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 1: Kazakhstan`s Vostochny Mejdunarodny Konteinerny Servis (Eastern International Container service) company soon intends to extend high-speed railway route from Alma Ata to the stations of Leninabad in Tajikistan and Sergeli, Andijan, Kubasai and Ulugbek in Uzbekistan.
Bishkek Considers Resettling People From Enclave To Kyrgyz Territory
Interfax
Bishkek, Mar 7: Kyrgyzstan intends to settle the problem concerning residents of the Kyrgyz enclave of Barak in Uzbekistan by March 15, Prime Minister Nikolai Tanayev told a expanded session of the parliamentary committee for law and state order on Friday. In mid February, residents of the enclave demanded that the prime minister either resolve the problem of travel to Kyrgyzstan via Uzbekistan, which has closed the border, or consider resettling them on Kyrgyzstan`s main territory. Tanayev said the governments of the two countries will hold talks on Barak in Tashkent on March 11-15. `We have two alternatives: either request the opening of a checkpoint on preferential terms for Kyrgyz nationals or resettle the people of Barak to Kyrgyz territory,` he said. `It is impossible to discuss free travel across Uzbek territory because then the Uzbek side may ask for a corridor for free travel to the Uzbek enclave of Sokh in Kyrgyzstan,` he said. `If resettling residents of Barak is considered, the existing lands and buildings in the 200 hectare enclave should be evaluated,` he said. `In any case, the solution depends on the upcoming Kyrgyz-Uzbek talks,` he said. Barak was left surrounded by Uzbek territory as a result of administrative borderlines drawn in Soviet times. It has a population of 1,500 people who are now practically unable to travel freely to the main part of Kyrgyzstan because Uzbekistan closed its borders at the beginning of the year. An Uzbek village separates Barak and the rest of Kyrgyzstan.
Diplomatic Meetings.
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, Mar 7: This week the Secretary of State Kassymzhomart Tokayev conducted a number of meetings with foreign diplomatists and representatives of international organizations. Mr Tokayev met with ambassador of Kyrgyzstan Zhumagul Saadanbekov to discuss aspects of bilateral co-operation and consider situation in the Central Asia region. Then Mr Tokayev met with ambassador of the Republic of Korea Te Sok Wong to discuss present conditions and outlooks for bilateral relations, including trade-economic ones. The diplomatist informed K. Tokayev on the plans of new President of Korea, who took office recently. The sides spoke on the preparation to visit of RK President to the Republic of Korea. The diplomatists also changed opinions on topical international problems.
Uzbek, Slovak Leaders Discuss Bilateral Cooperation
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 6: President of Slovakia Rudolf Schuster arrived in Uzbekistan on an official visit on 6 March. The official receiving ceremony was held at the presidential residence Durman, where leaders of Uzbekistan and Slovakia passed the guard of honour, Akhborot TV news programme reported. At the one-to-one meeting the two presidents discussed a wide range of issues connected with the state and perspectives of bilateral relations, as well as international issues of mutual interest. An extended meeting with participation of the government delegations considered the above-mentioned issues in detail.
Uzbekistan Is With USA On Iraq Matter, Karimov
Pravda
Moscow, Mar 6: Uzbek President Mr.Islam Karimov said today that Uzbekistan agrees with US on Iraq issue fully because chemical weapons of Iraq are like a JINN in a closed bottle and if the bottle is opened it will be impossible to close it again. He also added that if Iraq`s dangerous chemical weapons are not destroyed as soon as possible then they may reach to the hands of the terrorists and consequences of such turn of events will be unpredictable. These sentences were said by Uzbek president at the press conference organized during official reception ceremony of the president of Slovakia Mr. Rudolph Shuster at Tashkent.
Kyrgyz FM Prepares Document To Solve Uzbek-Kyrgyz Border Issues
Uzbek Report
Bishkek, Mar 6: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan prepared a draft Memorandum on confidence measures at the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border. Now, Uzbek side considers the draft, Kyrgyz Kabar reported. Erkin Mamyrkulov, Chairman of the CIS department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kyrgyzstan said during the roundtable entitled `Informing of population on danger of mines` that initiated by the National Red Crescent Society of the Kyrgyz Republic. Kyrgyzstan and China has signed already the similar Memorandum. Mr. Mamyrkulov expressed hope that Uzbekistan set aside from its traditional approaches to the border issue and official Tashkent come to an agreement to regulate the situation at Kyrgyz-Uzbek border. Concerning to delimitation and demarcation of Kyrgyz-Uzbek border, E. Mamyrkulov forecasts that it will not be solved soon.
King Faisal Centre Organises Lecture On Saudi-Uzbek Relations
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 5: King Faisal Centre for Islamic research and studies organised in Riyadh last night a lecture entitled `Saudi-Uzbek Relations - A Future Perspective.` The Lecture was delivered by Dr. Zahedallah Menorov, Chairman of Imam Bukhari International Fund in Tashkent. In his lecture, Menorov described the existing relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan as `historical, ` and said these ties are based on `strategic interests.` `The lecture was attended by ambassadors of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to the Kingdom, Olgbaik Israelyov and Askar Mohsenov respectively as well as a number of intellectuals.
Tajik Illegal Migrants Detained In Kazakhstan
Radio Free Europe
Astana, Mar 5: Police in Shymkent in southern Kazakhstan on 4 March detained around 120 citizens of Tajikistan who reportedly did not have proper documents, Deutsche Welle reported on 5 March, citing the head of Shymkent`s migration police, Baurjan Yeleusizov. The Tajik citizens were found at an address where illegal Tajik migrants were detained in 2002, according to Yeleusizov. Some of the detainees reportedly told officials that middlemen had promised to take them from Kazakhstan to Russia to look for work.
European Media Accused Of Biased Coverage Of Meeting With OSCE
Turkmenistan.RU
Ashgabat, Mar 5: In the press release spread today in the Turkmen mass media the Foreign Ministry of the state paid attention on the fact that some European mass media were biased while covering the results of the visit to Turkmenistan of the OSCE Chairman-in-office. As it was stated in the document, during the March 3, 2003 meeting of the Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov and Yaap de Khoop Skheffer discussed the priority directions of bilateral cooperation within the frames of tasks declared by the OSCE as international structure, called for providing interests of global security. During the meetings the sides shared opinions on the measures, being undertaken by Turkmenistan aimed at strengthening security and legal order, providing supremacy of the law and constitutional rights and freedom, as well as further deepening democratic reforms. While stressing about `positive covering of the OSCE head`s visit to Ashkhabad,` the Foreign Ministry pays attention on the fact that `some European mass media spread information preliminary prepared and false.
Iran, Kyrgyzstan To Broaden Scientific-Educational Cooperation
Tehran Times
Tehran, Mar 5: Visiting Kyrgyz Minister of Education, Science and Culture Ishenkul Boldjurova conferred here Wednesday with Education Minister Morteza Haji on expansion of scientific, educational and cultural co-operation between the two countries. According to the Public Relations Department of the Education Ministry, at the meeting, Haji called reforms in education as a constant need adding that since scientific and technological know-how are ever changing, education procedures should be updated in line with necessities.
Kyrgyzstan Supports Peaceful Solution To Iraqi Problem
Pravda
Moscow, Mar 4: Kyrgyzstan supports the idea of solving the Iraqi crisis by peaceful means, Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev told a conference he gave in Bishkek jointly with Slovak President Rudolf Schuster, who had come to the country for an official visit. According to Akayev, Kyrgyzstan is just as worried as the world community about the possibility of Iraq having or planning to produce weapons of mass destruction.
Iranian Parliament Speaker To Visit Tajikistan
Interfax
Dushanbe, Mar 3: Chairman of the Iranian Islamic Consultative Assembly (parliament) Mehdi Mahdavi-Karubi will arrive on a 3-day working visit to Tajikistan on Tuesday. A Tajik Foreign Ministry source told Interfax on Monday that Karubi is expected to meet with Tajik President Emomali Rakhmonov to discuss cultural and economic co-operation and the situation in the region, particularly the crisis surrounding Iraq. Karubi will also meet with the chairmen of the upper and lower houses of the Tajik parliament and the prime minister.
U.S. Reminds Uzbekistan Of Democracy Commitments
MSNBC
Washington DC, Mar 3: The United States has reminded the Uzbek government of its commitment to democratic reforms and independent media, after the arrest of some independent journalists, the State Department said on Monday. Uzbekistan, which Washington calls an ally in its `global war on terrorism,` made the commitment in a joint declaration on co-operation and strategic partnership last March.
President Of Turkmenistan Met With OSCE Chairman In Office
Turkmenistan.RU
Ashgabat, Mar 3: Ashgabat,` correspondent of Turkmenistan.ru informs that during more than two hours talks between the president Saparmurat Niyazov and OSCE Chairman-in-office Yaap de Hoop Skheffer the sides discussed issues of mutual interests. After the close meeting the OSCE chairman stated to journalists that they discussed political co-operation, observance of human rights, regional and international security.
Deputy United Nations High Commissioner Due In Uzbekistan
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 3: The Deputy United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Bertrand Ramcharan, will undertake an official visit to Central Asia from 2 to 16 March 2003, in follow up to the official visit to the region of Secretary-General Kofi Annan in October 2002. The Deputy High Commissioner is scheduled to visit Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan in order to enhance dialogue and technical co-operation between the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and these countries. Ramcharan will be focusing in particular on the implementation of international human rights conventions and norms in the five countries.
Governor Of Afghan Province Thanks Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan.RU
Ashgabat, Mar 3: As correspondent of Turkmenistan.ru informs from Ashgabat,` the General-Governor of the Southwest zone of Afghanistan Ismail Khan has directed a message to the President Saparmurat Niyazov expressing gratitude for assistance rendered in restoration of economy of the neighbouring state. In the letter importance of the contract on deliveries of liquefied gas reached recently between the government Turkmenistan and the chairman of commercial and industrial chamber of Khadji province Gulam Kadir Akbarov is especially emphasized.
Prime Minister Of Kazakhstan Welcomes Integration Initiatives Within The CIS Framework
Pravda
Moscow, Mar 3: The statement by presidents of Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine on creating a common economic environment was made in proper time, prime minister of Kazakhstan and chairman of the inter-state council of the Eurasian Economic Community (EURASEC) Imangali Tasmagambetov told journalists last Friday when the council`s session at the level of heads of government was over. According to him, any integration initiative is welcomed within the CIS framework.
Slovak President Starts Five-day Visit To Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 3: Monday morning Slovak President Rudolf Schuster has left for an official visit to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The president expects his trip will contribute to intensifying of Slovakia`s relations with the two countries. The level of the current economic co-operation between Bratislava and these countries is deeply below actual economic possibilities and does not correspond with actual interest of the parties. In the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek, the Slovak President will meet with his counterpart Askar Akayev, Prime Minister Nikolayev Tanayev and parliamentary representatives. In Uzbekistan, Foreign Minister Eduard Kukan who is accompanying the president will sign an intergovernmental agreement preventing double taxation.
Uzbekistan, Tajikistan Sign Pacts To Boost Economic Cooperation
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 3: On 3 March, Uzbek Prime Minister Otkir Sultonov held talks with his Tajik counterpart, Oqil Oqilov. The meeting was attended by members of the two states` cabinets. The sides discussed bilateral co-operation between the two states in the field of transport, passenger and goods transit, energy and other issues, Uzbek Radio reported. During the talks, those present noted that the mutually-beneficial co-operation between the two states raised to a new level.
More Problems For Tajik Labour Migrants
Radio Free Europe
Dushanbe, Mar 2: Tajik citizens seeking work in the Russian Federation will need foreign passports in order to cross Uzbekistan beginning this spring, centrasia.ru reported on 2 March, citing the Institute for War and Peace Reporting. All land routes from Tajikistan to other CIS states except Kyrgyzstan cross Uzbekistan. Train crews will also be affected by the new requirement. Previously, under a 2000 agreement, a Tajik domestic passport was adequate for travel by Tajik citizens across Uzbekistan, but such passports have no room for exit and entry stamps, Tajikistan`s ambassador in Tashkent pointed out. According to the article, about 1 million Tajik citizens leave the country each spring in search of seasonal work and return in November. Because the mountain pass linking northern and southern Tajikistan is closed by snow in winter, citizens travelling between these two regions by ground must pass through Uzbekistan, meaning that they will now be required to hold foreign passports. The Uzbek Foreign Ministry reportedly has not informed its Tajik counterpart of the new requirement. The information came from Uzbek railway officials.
Uzbekistan Simplifies Visa Procedures For Some EU Countries
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 2: The Uzbek Cabinet has issued a resolution on simplification of procedures for issuing visas to citizens of Austria, Spain and Switzerland visiting Uzbekistan. The move is aimed at boosting political, trade and economic, scientific, technical and cultural co-operation with these states, the resolution says. From now on the Uzbek Foreign Ministry`s missions abroad will issue visas to citizens of the specified countries, who are visiting Uzbekistan on business, within two working days for the period of one year.
President Giving Audience To Ambassador
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, Mar 1: President Nazarbayev gave an audience to American Ambassador Larry Napper after his request. The leaders discussed the issues of politics and economics in the context of agreements achieved during Kazakh President`s last December visit to USA. President Nazarbayev stressed the necessity to realize Houston initiative aimed to Kazakhstan`s small and medium-size business support as soon as possible.
Uzbek-American University To Open In Tashkent
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 1: Uzbek business school Kelajak Ilmi (Future Science) in collaboration with Business School of Michigan University (USA) signed a protocol of intentions on setting up the Uzbek-American University in Tashkent. According to BVV Weekly, the purpose of creation of the university is training high-qualified specialists and raising the prestige of the Uzbek diplomas abroad.
Drugs Raid In Northern Tajikistan Nets 104 Kilograms Of Heroin
Radio Free Europe
Dushanbe, Mar 4: Two alleged drug traffickers carrying 104 kilograms of heroin were detained in the Sughd Oblast of northern Tajikistan on 3 March, Interfax and Asia Plus-Blitz reported on 4 March, citing the head of the Tajik Interior Ministry`s organized-crime department, Mahmad Mirzoev. Mirzoev said that this was the third group of alleged drug traffickers to be captured in Sughd Oblast this year. All are believed to be part of an organization that has been delivering heroin from Afghanistan to Russia and other countries for a number of years.
Tashkent To Host International Seminar On Drugs
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 4: During 17-18 March Tashkent will host an international seminar on `National and international economic consequences of illegal drug trafficking`. Economic aspects of illegal drug trafficking, drug markets, exchange of experience and others are the issues to be considered at the seminar, which is financed by Uzbek government and Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). OSCE co-ordinator for economic and environmental affairs, Marci Swiciski, representative of Netherlands government, Daan Everst, and the First Deputy Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, Sadyk Safaev, will open the forum.
Tajikistan Increases Seizure Of Drugs
Interfax
Dushanbe, Mar 3: The rate of interception of drugs trafficked via Tajikistan has grown considerably over the past two years, says director of the Drug Control Agency under the Tajik president Rustam Nazarov. `This results from the energetic implementation of UN anti-drug projects aimed at reinforcing the Tajik-Afghan border and law enforcement bodies,` he announced at the presentation of the annual UN report on the drug situation in the world. Nazarov said that with the growth of seizures in Tajikistan, the confiscation of drugs in neighbouring countries, including Russia, has shrunk manifold. `In 2002, Russia seized 1,600 kilos of heroin and opium, while Tajikistan seized about 7 tonnes,` he said. Quoting Russian counterparts, Nazarov said that about 50 per cent of the drugs from Afghanistan are trafficked through Pakistan and Iran, 35 per cent through Turkmenistan, and 15 per cent through Tajikistan.
Drug Trafficking In Uzbekistan Down By 5 per cent in 2002 - Official
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 3: Kamol Dusmetov, the director of the National Drugs Control Centre under the Uzbek Cabinet of Ministers, told reporters that 839.6 kilograms of drugs were seized in 2002 down by 5 per cent as compared to 1,069 kilograms in 2001. Last year`s haul includes 256.3 kilograms of heroin, 76 kilograms of opium, 44.7 kilograms of hashish and 462.6 kilograms of marijuana. He also confirmed that the bulk of the drugs flow came to Uzbekistan from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan and that the largest amount of drugs were seized on the Uzbek-Tajik and Uzbek-Turkmen borders. `Afghanistan`s heroin and opium smuggled via Central Asian countries are the main contributor to the republic`s illegal drug market and its drug trafficking,` he said. According to Interfax data, Uzbek courts heard 5,742 criminal cases involving 7,221 people charged with drug-related deals in 2002. Of them, 6,871 were sentenced. Citizens of nine countries were detained in Uzbekistan for drug trafficking. Most of them were citizens of Tajikistan (104 people) and Turkmen and Kyrgyz nationals (34 people from each country). There were Russian citizens among the detained (11 citizens), as well as Afghan and Iranian nationals. As of January 2003, health agencies in Uzbekistan had registered 20,000 drug addicts in the country.
U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Suit Against Kazakh Uranium Producer
Interfax
Almaty, Mar 6: The U.S. Supreme Court on February 25 threw out a $1 billion suit launched by a Canadian group against Kazatomprom, one of the world`s 10 leading uranium producers, the Kazakh firm said on Thursday. Canada`s World Wide Minerals (WWM) had its suit against Kazatomprom rejected by a lower court and appealed the decision to the U.S. Supreme Court, which turned it down. Kazatomprom said that WWM `committed serious offences against Kazakh legislation and failed to fulfil its commitments under agreements with Kazakhstan.` Kazatomprom, Kazakhstan`s monopoly uranium export and import operator, produces 5 per cent of the world`s uranium. It brought its uranium output to 2,850 tonnes in 2002, from 794 tonnes in 1998.
IAEA To Evaluate Radiation Level At Former Test Site
Interfax
Almaty, Mar 3: A special co-ordinating group operating under the auspices of the IAEA supports making a full assessment of the radiological situation at the former Semipalatinsk nuclear test site in eastern Kazakhstan. `The group made the decision at its first meeting at IAEA headquarters in Vienna on February 12-14,` experts from Kazakhstan`s Nuclear Society told Interfax on Monday. The group comprises representatives of the IAEA and scientists from Russia, Canada, Finland, Japan, Kazakhstan and Britain. It is drafting IAEA recommendations on fulfilment of a resolution of the 53rd UN General Assembly session on International Cooperation and Co-ordination for the Human and Ecological Rehabilitation and Economic Development of the Semipalatinsk Region of Kazakhstan
Uzbek Reporters From Western Media Assaulted By Crowd
MSNBC
Tashkent, Mar 7: An Uzbek crowd assaulted two reporters from Radio Liberty and Voice of America after they covered an anti-government protest Friday, making off with their recording equipment as police looked on. Khusnudin Kudbidinov of Radio Liberty and Yusuf Rasulov of Voice of America, both from Uzbekistan, said they were at a Tashkent bazaar Friday to cover a protest by about 40 women calling for President Islam Karimov`s ouster. The protesters also demanded an end to torture in prisons, where they said their sons were being held because of their religious beliefs. The women were arrested and taken away by police in buses, merchants at the bazaar said. Roads around the bazaar were also closed for several hours after the protest. The two reporters had arrived after the protest ended. They interviewed eight demonstrators who had evaded arrest and also spoke to police officers. After they left the immediate area, they were assaulted by about 20 people who beat them and took their equipment while police looked on, Kudbidinov said.
Kazakhstan`s Human Rights Commission Presents Report`
Radio Free Europe
Astana, Mar 6: The chairman of Kazakhstan`s Presidential Human Rights Commission, Senator Jabayhan Abdildin, presented the commission`s annual report on 5 March, the official news agency khabar.kz reported on 6 March. One of the commission`s primary functions is to inform the president about the protection of human rights in the country. According to Habar, the report asserted that last year the commission focused on human rights protection and reform of the Criminal Code. Abdildin asserted that there were no complaints about violations of political rights or freedom of speech and access to information. Six hundred people did appeal to the commission, however, with most of them complaining of illegal dismissal from their jobs. There were also many complaints about government administrators and state agencies. Human rights activists in Kazakhstan criticize the commission because it is a presidential agency rather than being independent.
President`s Audience
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, Mar 5: On Wednesday N. Nazarbayev received minister of agriculture Akhmetzhan Essimov; the latter reported on the ministry`s work. The President appreciated the work regulating issues of forest land, game-preserves, fishing and using water resources, emphasized necessity of careful analysis of social conditions and outlooks of every of 7744 villages. Construction of new roads and units of social infrastructure will depend upon this analysis. The conversation also touched upon the Land Code issues.
Special Focus
Caspian: Energy Still A Hot Topic In The RegionIn a big boost for Azerbaijan, the partners in a group to develop the Caspian Sea`s largest gas field voted on 27 February to launch the $3.200-billion Shah Deniz project, which is scheduled to start pumping gas through Georgia to Turkey in 2006.
However, the deal was marred by clear indications of accord and discord over the issue of developing the energy endowed Caspian region.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/business/eav030203.shtmlRussia Strives To Boost Political, Military Presence In AzerbaijanCritics of Azeri President Heidar Aliyev characterise the government`s policy of enhancing greater political and military relations with Russia as `paradoxical` and say it could ultimately harm Azerbaijan`s national security interests.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav030303.shtml
Present And Future Of Caspian WealthIn the beginning of the 1990s and jointly with Iran, Russia was striving hard to persuade the other coastal states to recognize the Caspian as a `domestic water reserve` or simply a lake jointly owned by the Caspian nations. As such, the Caspian had to be equally divided among the coastal states. This approach is still supported by Iran and Turkmenistan strongly opposing the Caspian seabed division by the middle-line principle applicable by law for a seabed division. Read this to know what the Caspian issue is all about.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.turkishdailynews.com/FrTDN/latest/feature.htm#f1
Case Of Ecological Activist Exposes Rift Between Turkmenistan And International Observers
A criminal case against a leading ecological activist has exposed a deep rift between Turkmenistan and other member states of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Some experts say Turkmenistan in the wake of the November 2002 assassination attempt against President Saparmurat Niyazov has developed into an `unapologetic bad boy` that now poses a threat to Central Asian stability.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/rights/articles/eav030503.shtmlBishkek Braced For Aksy Anniversary
As the anniversary of last year`s tragedy in the southern region of Aksy looms, both government and opposition are preparing for a possible showdown. There are ominous signs that the anniversary of a bloody protest in the south of the country could spark political turmoil.
To read more, click on the link:
http://c.moreover.com/click/here.pl?e62924217&e=6285Second Round Of Armenia`s Presidential Elections Marred By Fraud Allegations
Election officials say President Robert Kocharian is the winner of Armenia`s presidential run-off. Opposition candidate Stepan Demirchian, however, is not conceding defeat, as allegations of systematic fraud have again marred Armenia`s electoral process.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav030603.shtml
China Sees Caspian Oil As Alternative To Mideast
China`s state-controlled offshore oil company said Friday that it would buy a $615 million stake in a vast oil field in the Caspian Sea, marking China`s boldest move yet to slow its rapidly growing dependence on oil from the politically volatile Gulf.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.iht.com/articles/89057.html
07 March 2003