Armenian Opposition To Form New Electoral Bloc For Parliamentary Elections
Radio Free Europe
Yerevan, Mar 13: Several opposition parties agreed on 13 March to forge a new electoral bloc in preparation for the parliamentary elections set for May, RFE/RL`s Yerevan bureau reported. The group, comprising more than a dozen parties and groups united in support of defeated People`s Party of Armenia (HZhK) presidential candidate Stepan Demirchian, announced plans to offer a single slate of parliamentary candidates led by Demirchian, fellow former presidential candidate Aram Karapetian, and former Prime Ministers Vazgen Manukian of the National Democratic Union and Hanrapetutiun party leader Aram Sarkisian. The new bloc`s composition is to be revealed by the 16 March deadline for official candidacy nominations for the 75 party-list seats and the 56 single-mandate seats.
Kyrgyz Ombudsman Can`t Get Involved In Political Cases
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, Mar 13: Kyrgyzstan`s Ombudsman Tursunbai Bakir-uulu has said that he cannot become involved in the case of former Vice President and former Bishkek Mayor Feliks Kulov, who is imprisoned following his conviction on charges of abuse of office and other crimes, as long as the case is still before the courts, akipress.org reported on 13 March. The Kyrgyz opposition asserts that the real reason for Kulov`s conviction was because he tried to run against President Askar Akaev in the last presidential election.
Opposition To Enter Parliamentary Elections As Bloc
Interfax
Yerevan, Mar 13: The Armenian opposition will run in the country`s parliamentary elections on May 25 as a single bloc, Ruzanna Khachatrian, press secretary of the People`s Party of Armenia, told Interfax on Thursday. Khachatrian said that the opposition will decide on the bloc`s final composition and specify party lists at its session on March 14. `Only the name on top of the party list is known. It is Stepan Demirchian, leader of the People`s Party of Armenia,` she said.
Meeting With President.
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, Mar 13: President Nursultan Nazarbayev received the chairwoman of Central Election Committee Zagipa Baliyeva. The parties discussed the issues of all level councils members` elections scheduled for upcoming fall. The next important theme discussed was the amendments to election laws. According to Central Election Committee`s chairwoman several proposals on this regard have already been submitted by political parties, public movements MPs.
Tajik Politician Says Constitutional Changes Should Affect Balance Of Powers
Radio Free Europe
Dushanbe, Mar 12: Social Democratic Party head Rahmatillo Zoirov told Asia Plus-Blitz on 12 March that proposed amendments to the country`s constitution should include a mechanism for establishing a balance of powers. At present, he said, the executive power dominates over the legislative and judicial branches, so it is necessary to strengthen the legislative power and ensure the independence of the judiciary. He also called for decentralization of both political and economic powers and for more independence for regional governments, which, he said, should be elected rather than appointed by Dushanbe.
Kyrgyz President: Constitutional Amendments To Improve Economy
Interfax
Bishkek, Mar 12: Constitutional amendments will pave the way for a more efficient economic policy and stable economic growth, Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev said in his annual address to the people and the government. The amendments will ensure implementation of the objectives set in the Comprehensive Development Plan and the National Strategy for Reduction of Poverty, Akayev said. The government`s objective is to `attain the set targets fully and on time,` he said.
Activists In Kyrgyzstan Call For Duvanov`s Release
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, Mar 12: Human rights activists, political figures, and independent journalists picketed the Kazakh Embassy in Bishkek on 11 March, calling for the release from prison of Duvanov, as well as Kazakh opposition politicians Mukhtar Abliyazov`s and Ghalymzhan Zhaqiyanov, RFE/RL`s Kyrgyz Service reported. The picket was organized by the Association of Independent Electronic Mass Media of the Countries of Central Asia, according to akipress.org.
Kyrgyz President Sees Revised Constitution As Guarantee Of Democracy
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, Mar 12: In his annual report on the state of the country, President Askar Akaev on 12 March told a joint session of parliament that the new version of Kyrgyzstan`s constitution is a safeguard for human rights and the democratic process, akipress.org and RFE/RL`s Kyrgyz Service reported. He said the revised constitution provides the necessary basis for the country`s further development because it strengthens the democratic basis of Kyrgyz society and ensures the priority of human rights; more opportunities for democratic institutions, such as political parties; more independence for the judicial system; and a clearer separation of powers. The president added that local government must be strengthened, that further reform of the court system be undertaken, and that the role of law enforcement be reconsideration.
VOA, RFE Condemn Beatings Of 2 Uzbek Journalists
Voice of America
Tashkent, Mar 11: The Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty have deplored the March 7 beatings of two Uzbek journalists working for the U.S. broadcast services. Voice of America Director David Jackson says the attack, as well as the failure of Uzbek police to protect the reporters, is a blatant violation of the standards of a free and democratic society. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty President Thomas Dine said attacks of this sort fly in the face of Uzbek government commitments to the United States to foster political and civil reform. Both broadcasting services are calling for a thorough investigation into the events surrounding the beatings of reporters Yusuf Rasulov and Khusniddin Qutbiddinov as they tried to report on an anti-government protest in the Uzbekistan capital, Tashkent. The two journalists said they believe their assailants were Uzbek security personnel.
Kulov Dropped From List Of Bishkek Mayors
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, Mar 11: The Bishkek opposition publication `Moya stolitsa-novosti,` quoted by centrasia.ru on 11 March, reports that a recently published book titled `Bishkek -- stolitsa Kyrgyzstana` omits the name of prominent opposition politician and former Vice President Kulov from a list of former mayors of the city. Kulov served as mayor of Bishkek from April 1998 to April 1999, and according to `Moya stolitsa-novosti` article, his term in office is fondly remembered by the citizens of the capital.
President To Make Annual Address
Interfax
Bishkek, Mar 11: Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev will deliver his annual address to parliament and the people of his country on Wednesday. The presidential press service told Interfax that the address will focus on plans for a new governmental structure following the adoption of the country`s new constitution.
Kazakh Journalist`s Appeal Rejected
Radio Free Europe
Astana, Mar 11: The Almaty Oblast Court has rejected opposition journalist Sergei Duvanov`s appeal of a lower court`s rape sentence, Interfax-Kazakhstan reported on 11 March. The raion court had sentenced Duvanov to 3 1/2 years` imprisonment; the oblast court acceded to a prosecution`s request and altered the sentence to the more serious charge of raping a person whom the perpetrator knew to be a minor. The prison term set by the lower court remains unchanged.
Kocharian Officially Announced Presidential Election Winner
Interfax
Yerevan, Mar 11: Armenia`s Central Elections Commission on Tuesday officially announced the victory of incumbent President Robert Kocharian in the second round of Armenia`s presidential elections on March 5. According to the final results, which were published on Tuesday, Kocharian picked up 67.44 per cent of the vote. His rival, Stepan Demirchian from the opposition People`s Party of Armenia, received 32.56 per cent.
Central Election Commission Confirms Armenia President`s Re-election
Radio Free Europe
Yerevan, Mar 11: Incumbent Robert Kocharian polled 67.44 percent of the 1,548,570 votes cast in the 5 March presidential runoff compared with 32.56 percent for People`s Party of Armenia (HZhK) Chairman Stepan Demirchian, Central Election Commission (CEC) Chairman Artak Sahradian announced on 11 March, RFE/RL`s Yerevan bureau reported. Two of the nine CEC members, both of them representatives of opposition parties, refused to endorse those figures.
Defeated Armenia Presidential Candidate To Contest Parliamentary Elections
Radio Free Europe
Yerevan, Mar 10: Demirchian told RFE/RL`s Yerevan bureau on 10 March that his People`s Party of Armenia will definitely field candidates in the parliamentary election scheduled for 25 May, but has not yet decided whether to form an electoral bloc with other opposition parties. National Democratic Union Chairman Vazgen Manukian, who placed fourth of the nine candidates in the 19 February first round of the presidential election, pledged his support on 10 March for a broad-based opposition alliance.
Armenians Set Up A Tent Camp
The Moscow Times
Yerevan, Mar 10: Opposition leaders in Armenia have pledged to hold permanent protests against the official results of last week`s presidential vote and are setting up a tent camp near the headquarters of the Central Election Commission. About 6,000 demonstrators gathered Sunday for the latest in a series of daily protests since the commission announced that incumbent Robert Kocharian won Wednesday`s runoff with 67.5 percent of the vote to challenger Stepan Demirchian`s 32.5 percent. Demirchian refused to concede defeat, citing alleged electoral violations. `We will build a tent city,` former Prime Minister and presidential candidate Aram Sarkisian told the crowd. He said the opposition will not fear arrests and expressed gratitude to international observers, who have said the election did not meet international standards for openness.
Kyrgyz Opposition Politician Joins Ombudsman Office
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, Mar 9: Omurbek Subanaliev, a member of the opposition Ar-Namys party, has been appointed to head the department of the ombudsman`s office that is responsible for relations with the executive authorities and law enforcement agencies, RFE/RL`s Kyrgyz Service reported on 9 March.
Plans Of Military Co-operation
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, Mar 13: A draft five-year plan of Kazakh-American military cooperation was discussed at Almaty on Thursday. The officials of Defence department, representatives of armed forces and American embassy discussed a list of issues concerning future of cooperation, main areas of assistance rendering to Kazakh army and its equipping with modern machines. The draft document focuses attention on military infrastructure establishment in Caspian region, expected to include anti-terrorist unites. Comprehensive training and equipping of `Kazbat` peace-making battalion and Kazakhstani officers training at USA is also planned.
Kyrgyzstan To Patrol Kazakh Border
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, Mar 12: Kyrgyz Border Service head Kalmurat Sadiev said at a meeting of the Council of CIS Border Troops on 12 March that Kyrgyzstan will start patrolling its border with Kazakhstan, ITAR-TASS reported. He said the decision does not indicate mistrust of its neighbouring country and that the task of the mobile border detachments will be to intercept illegal migrants, international terrorists, and contraband goods. Sadiev also reportedly stated that Kyrgyz border troops will remove mines that Uzbekistan placed on Kyrgyz territory in 1999. A number of border-troops commanders did not attend the one-day meeting, including those of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan.
Military Training.
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, Mar 12: First stage of strategic training of RK Armed Forces started in the Eastern military district on the 12th of March. Defence minister Altynbayev attended the training. The minister heard report of the commander-in-chief, major general N. Dzhulamanov and demanded to take extra measures to enhance preparedness and combativity of the units, maintain discipline and settle housing and other problems of the military. Units of other military districts will participate in the training too. It will finish this April with large-scale exercise in the Western district.
Preparation To Uzbek-NATO Exercises Discussed In Ferghana
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 12: Final conference on preparation to civil emergency exercises in eastern Uzbekistan during 26-30 April were held in Ferghana. Ferghana-2003 exercises will be held by the Uzbek Emergency Ministry in collaboration with NATO. The exercises, organised within the framework of Partnership for Peace programme, are aimed at development of ways to deal with emergency situations specific to the region and expansion of cooperation among civil emergency services. Representatives of emergency ministries of Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, USA, Turkey and Estonia will participate in the exercises alongside Uzbek officers, while Byelorussia, Moldova, Russian, Romania, France, Ukraine, Switzerland and Sweden will send their observers.
Turkmen Youth May Enter Military At 17
Radio Free Europe
Ashgabat, Mar 11: Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov has signed a decree allowing young men to enter military service at the age of 17, centrasia.ru reported on 11 March, citing Deutsche Welle. The normal age of conscription is 18. The Turkmenistan Constitution requires that all able-bodied male citizens serve in the military, and there is no alternative service.
Uzbek Defence Ministry To Develop Servicemen Database
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 11: Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan has issued a resolution on development of an automated military and conscripts registration system. The Defence Ministry has been charged with development of the programme within the next two months. The document also approves the Statute of Military Registration of Uzbek citizens, the aim of which is ensuring effective analysis of conscripts suitable for military service, rational planning and their use in the Armed Forces and war-time economy, as well as preparation of military specialists in reserve. The Finance Ministry has been told to include the expenses for purchase of special equipment and software for creation of the automated military and conscripts registration system in the state bugdet for 2004, Turkiston Press reported. According to the Statute, the military registration system will be linked with the passport system and will be maintained by the ministries of defence, internal affairs, local authorities and organisations, including educational establishments.
CIS Border Enforcement Experts Meet In Bishkek
Pravda
Bishkek, Mar 10: A working group of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member countries` border enforcement agencies is to hold a meeting in Kyrgyzstan`s capital Bishkek on March 10-11. Sources in the CIS Executive Committee disclosed the experts would finalize briefings for the meeting of CIS Border Troop Commanders` Council. They will also talk about the Council`s involvement in the implementation of CIS states` programs for the fight against crime and illegal traffic in narcotic drugs prior to 2004.
US Resumes Talks On Tajik Bases
Radio Free Europe
Dushanbe, Mar 10: The U.S. Defence Department has resumed talks with the Tajik government on a proposal to lease three airbases in Tajikistan, the `Tajikistan Times` web site (http://www.tajikistantimes.ru/) reported on 10 March. According to the report, the U.S. side considers the Tajik bases better situated for flying into Afghanistan than the more distant Manas Airbase in northern Kyrgyzstan. Negotiations on leasing bases in Tajikistan began in 2001 after the beginning of the anti-terrorism operation in Afghanistan, but no agreement was reached, and the talks were broken off in 2002.
French Military Delegation To Hold Negations In Uzbek Capital
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 10: Tashkent will host the annual Uzbek-French Staff Meeting during 17-18 March, which will discuss the results of military-technical cooperation between France and Uzbekistan in 2002 and perspectives for 2003. The French delegation will be led by General Andre Var, head of Euroatlantic Department at General Army Headquarters of France, French Embassy in Uzbekistan said. During the visit the French General will hold negotiations with Uzbek Defence Minister Qodir Gulyamov and members of the National Security Council of Uzbekistan.
Over 900 Former Extremists Pardoned In Uzbekistan
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 14: Over 900 individuals who were convicted for their involvement in radical religious organizations have been pardoned in Uzbekistan. A source at the Prosecutor General`s office told Interfax on Thursday that the amnesty procedure announced by a presidential decree in December 2002 was completed. Of the 5,000 who were amnestied, 923 had belonged to various extremist radical religious groups attempting to overthrow the constitutional system, including the Hizb ut Tahrir party. The presidential decree applied primarily to those `who realized their guilt and sincerely repented their crimes.`
Counter-terrorism Groups Holds Meeting In Uzbek Capital
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 13: The working group on counter-terrorism efforts held a meeting in Tashkent on 12 March 2003. Institute for Strategic and Inter-regional Studies organised the event jointly with Partnership for Peace Consortium. Responding to terrorism challenges and threats requires wide-scale international cooperation and induces the need to study the root causes of the problem. In this regard, the consortium on partnership for peace was founded to enhance military education and advance security studies through developing cooperation among countries and international institutions. There are 18 working groups, including the one on counter terrorism which held a meeting in Uzbek capital.
USA To Allocate 20m Dollars To Tajikistan For Food Aid
Hoover`s Online
Dushanbe, Mar 14: The US Congress has approved the allocation of 20m dollars to Tajikistan in 2003 for rendering food aid to the Tajik population, the US ambassador in Dushanbe Franklin Huddle said after his meeting with President Emomali Rakhmonov of Tajikistan [on 14 March]. According to the ambassador, the US government will also almost completely finance the construction of a bridge across the River Panj on the Tajik-Afghan border.
Half Of Georgian Section Of Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan To Be Built By Year-end
Interfax
Tbilisi, Mar 14: Construction of 50 per cent of the Georgian section of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline will be completed by the end of 2003, BTC Co. Chief Executive Director Michael Townsend said at the international conference Oil, Gas Energy and Infrastructure-2003 in Tbilisi. Townsend confirmed that full-scale work on the construction of the pipeline would begin in April. He noted that the construction of the pipeline, stretching a total of 1,750 km, of which a 245-km section is in Georgia, would begin at seven locations simultaneously. He said that this would make it possible to lay the pipeline taking the landscape and nature conservation tasks into consideration. He noted that the funds paid out for the project represent the largest direct investment in the economies of the three countries - Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey.
Asian Bank To Support Uzbek Government`s Energy-saving Policy
Hoover`s Online
Tashkent, Mar 14: The Asian Development Bank will assist Uzbekistan to realize a comprehensive review of its energy-saving programme through a technical assistance (TA) grant approved for 600,000 dollars, the official statement of the bank says. The TA, covering the power, natural gas and district heating sectors, will help guide the Uzbek government`s energy saving policy to 2010. The government has given high priority to improving energy efficiency, but it estimates that investments of up to 2bn dollars will be required to meet conservation targets by the end of the decade.
Kazakh Parliament Approves Interstate Oil, Gas Transport System
Interfax
Astana, Mar 13: The Upper House of the Kazakh parliament on Thursday approved a draft law to ratify a framework agreement on an institutional basis for setting up an interstate oil and gas transport system. The document, which has already been approved by the Lower House, has been sent for signing by the president. As reported earlier, the agreement was signed in Kyiv on July 22, 1999. Signatories to the agreement currently include 21 countries, 10 of which have ratified the document. The agreement has been developed as part of the Interstate Oil and Gas Transport to Europe (INOGATE) program.
IMF Representative In Kazakhstan Won`t Be Replaced When His Term Ends
Interfax
Almaty, Mar 13: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) sees no need to replace its permanent representative in Kazakhstan. `The IMF resident representative in Kazakhstan will not be replaced when his term ends in August 2003,` says a press release on the Fund`s web site. Meanwhile, the IMF Office in Kazakhstan told Interfax that the decision concerns only the resident representative, and not the IMF`s entire representative office in the republic.
Kyrgyzstan Economy Forecast To Grow 6 per cent In 2003
Interfax
Bishkek, Mar 12: Kyrgyzstan`s gross domestic product will increase by at least 6 per cent and inflation will not exceed 4 per cent in 2003 according to Askar Akayev, the country`s president. Personal incomes will grow 8 per cent-10 per cent and budget expenditures on social needs could reach 12 per cent of GDP, Akayev said in his state of the nation speech. Higher revenues will reduce the budget deficit to 4.7 per cent of GDP, Akayev said.
Turkmenistan Sets New Income Tax Rates
Interfax
Ashgabat, Mar 12: Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov signed a decree on February 1 to introduce new income tax rates. A source at the Ministry of Economics told Interfax Friday that individuals earning up to 1.5 million manat will pay 8 per cent income tax and the rate will increase 0.5 per cent for each additional 200,000 manat of income. The maximum rate is 12 per cent, which will be paid on income above 2.9 million manat and income received by individuals holding second jobs. Under a special presidential order the average wage must not be less than 1.5 million manat.
Azerbaijani Official Says Kazakhstan Has Decided To Join Pipeline Project
Radio Free Europe
Astana, Mar 12: Natik Aliev, president of Azerbaijan`s state oil company SOCAR, concluded after the latest round of talks with Kazakh oil officials that Kazakhstan has definitely decided to join the Baku-Ceyhan pipeline project, centrasia.ru reported on 12 March, citing khabar.kz. Kazakh participation in the project would involve transporting oil from Kazakhstan by tanker from the western Kazakh town of Aqtau to Baku, where it would be transferred to the pipeline presently under construction from Baku to the Turkish port of Ceyhan.
Kazakhstan Negotiating Alternate Oil Export Route
Voice of America
Astana, Mar 11: Kazakhstan is negotiating to join the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan project in order to give it an alternate export route for oil. The BTC project is aimed at bringing Caspian Sea oil to western markets without going through Russia or Iran. The pipeline will begin at the Azerbaijan capital, Baku, on the shores of the Caspian and pass through Georgia on the way to Turkey`s Mediterranean port of Ceyhan. U.S. presidential energy advisor Steven Mann discussed Kazakh participation in the pipeline with President Nursultan Nazarbayev in Astana. Mr. Mann says the talks are going well.
Kyrgyz Southwestern Region To Have Fresh Water With Asian Bank`s Aid
Hoover`s Online
Bishkek, Mar 11: Most residents in southwestern Dzhalal-Abad Region hope that soon they will be provided with fresh drinking water. The Toza Su - Fresh Water - project currently under way has been backed by the Asian Development Bank [ADB]. [Correspondent] Berdybay Samatov reports: Providing the population with fresh drinking water is undoubtedly one of the main problems of our society. At present, 133 sub projects have been drawn up in Dzhalal-Abad Region. They cover 116,724 homesteads. A total of 92 rural organizations - water consumers` societies - have been set up.
British Gas Sells Entire Stake In Kazakh Consortium
Radio Free Europe
Astana, Mar 11: British Gas has sold its entire 16.67 percent stake in the Kazakhstan North Caspian Operating Company established in November 1997 to develop oil-and-gas deposits in Kazakhstan`s sector of the Caspian Sea, Interfax reported (see `RFE/RL Newsline,` 19 November 1997). On 7 March, British Gas announced the sale of a 8.33 percent stake to the China National Offshore Oil Corporation for $615 million, Interfax reported. Four days later, the sale was announced of the remaining stake to Sinopec, a subsidiary of the China Petrochemical Corporation, also for $615 million, Interfax reported on 11 March.
The EurAsEc Secretary General Arrives In Bishkek On A Working Visit
Pravda
Bishkek, Mar 11: Secretary General of the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC) Grigory Rapota has arrived in Bishkek on a working visit. On Tuesday afternoon, he will meet Prime Minister Nikolai Tanayev of Kirghizia with whom he will discuss a broad range of questions concerning the further development of integration cooperation within the framework of the EurAsEC. Special attention will be paid to the power industry, one of the priority spheres in the activity of the Community.
Aktau-Baku: Negotiations In Process
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, Mar 11: A planned round of talks to join Aktau- Baku and Baku- Tbilisi -Jeikhan pipelines was held at Almaty on March the 10-11th. The president of `NK`KazMunaiGas` Liazzat Kiinov, the president of BTS (`Baku-Tblisi-Jeikhan) Michael Townsend, the president of Azerbaijan national oil company Natik Aliyev took part in it. The meeting participants discussed technical and law aspects of Kazakhstan`s join the project. The same question was discussed at the press conference.` NK `KazMunaiGas` general manager Kairgeldy Kabyldin, American Ambassador to Kazakhstan Larry Napper, special envoy of American President Steve Mann, Michael Townsend and Natik Aliyev met with journalists. Though no decision was adopted the negotiations participants said every heir meeting to contribute to the resolution of the problem.
Kazakhstan Aims To Increase GDP By About 300 Per Cent By 2015
Hoover`s Online
Astana, Mar 11: The Kazakh government considered the revised version of a state programme for the industrial and innovative development of the country 2003-15 at its sitting held today. Advertisement: Explore Within This Space An Interfax-Kazakhstan news agency correspondent has reported that what is currently being drafted is now being called a programme for the industrial development of the country. According to the revised version of the document, Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister Karim Masimov told the sitting that during implementation of the programme, economic growth was expected to be at least 9-9.5 per cent a year over that period. [The country`s] GDP in 2015 will be 3.5-3.9 times as big as GDP in 2000 [Kazakhstan`s GDP totalled 2,596bn tenge, or 17.87bn dollars, in 2000 and 3,747.2bn tenge, or 24.7bn dollars, in 2002]. The average annual growth in the processing sector is expected be 8.4 per cent and productivity will increase by over 200 per cent by 2015 on 2000.
Caspian Negotiations
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, Mar 11: Kazakh Foreign Minister Kassymzhomart Tokayev had negotiations with the Adviser to American US State Secretary Steve Mann at Astana on Tuesday. The sides discussed the issues to promote favourable investment climate in energy sector of Kazakhstan, future of American oil and gas companies` investments in new projects.
Azerbaijani And Kazakh Caspian Reserves Larger Than Forecast
Interfax
Astana, Mar 11: There is more oil in the Azerbaijani and Kazakh sectors of the Caspian Sea than forecast, the U.S. State Secretary`s special advisor on Caspian energy issues Steven Mann announced on Tuesday in Astana. Mann said in particular that reserves were higher than forecast in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian. For example, one well at the Azeri-Chirag-Gyunashli group of fields is producing 20,000 barrels of oil per day, which is extremely high figure. Mann said that with time figures forecast for the Kazakh sector of the Caspian Sea would be also higher. As for the Northern Caspian, every month and every year there are more and more new discoveries enabling us to suppose that oil reserves in Kazakh structures will increase during the course of the exploration, he said.
Hurricane To Increase Oil Production In Kazakhstan 22 per cent In 2003
Interfax
Almaty, Mar 11: Canada`s Hurricane Hydrocarbons Ltd., which controls a number of oil production and refining projects in Kazakhstan, plans to increase oil production in the republic 22 per cent in 2003 to 165,000 tonnes, the company said in a press release. Investment in production this year should amount to $167 million, up 19 per cent year-on-year. The press release states that Hurricane net profit in Kazakhstan in 2002 fell 4 per cent to $162.6 million from $169.3 million in 2001. In the fourth quarter 2002 net profit was up 96 per cent to $45.1 million from $23 million in the same period in 2001. According to the statement, in 2002 Hurricane increased oil production in the republic 35 per cent to 49.6 million barrels from 36.8 million barrels in 2001. Average daily oil production increased from 100,877 barrels in 2001 to 135,842 barrels per day in 2002.
Kazakh Govt Addresses Industrial Innovations Program
Interfax
Astana, Mar 11: The Kazakh government on Tuesday discussed the draft of a 2003-2015 state program on industrial innovations. An Interfax correspondent report that this title has been chosen for a draft program for the country`s industrial development currently in the works. During the Cabinet session, Deputy Prime Minister Karim Masimov said that the program is expected to help bring the country`s economic growth to an annua l9-9.5 per cent. GDP is expected to rise 3.5-3.9 times in 2015 as compared to 2000. Meanwhile, the processing industry is expected to expand by an average of 8.4 per cent a year and labour productivity is expected to increase threefold by 2015 up from 2000.
CNOOC Sees 50 per cent Chance Of Completing Kazakhstan Oil Deal
Central Asia Daily
Hong Kong, Mar 10: Chinese offshore oil producer CNOOC Ltd. believes it has a 50 per cent chance of successfully acquiring a 8.33 per cent stake in the North Caspian Sea Production Sharing Agreement in Kazakhstan. CNOOC announced Friday it plans to buy the stake in the project from BG Group (BRG) for US$615 million, but cautioned that six of the other partners may exercise their pre-emptive rights to block the sale within 60 days of the agreement. CNOOC Chief Financial Officer Mark Qiu told reporters Monday there is 50 per cent chance that the partners will decide to waive their pre-emptive rights because the deal could give those companies exposure to the Chinese market through production swaps with CNOOC. Those six companies are project operator ENI-Agip , ExxonMobil , Royal Dutch Petroleum Co. , TotalFinaElf SA , ConocoPhillips and INPEX. ExxonMobil, Shell and TotalFinaElf each have a 16.67 per cent interest, and ConocoPhillips and INPEX each have 8.33 per cent. BG Group will retain a stake of 8.33 per cent. Qiu said CNOOC has a backup plan in case the sale is blocked but he declined to elaborate.
Tajikistan Lives On Income From Labour Migrants
Radio Free Europe
Dushanbe, Mar 9: Hojimahmad Umarov, a department head in the Economic Research Institute of the Tajik Economics and Trade Ministry, says that Tajikistan receives $40 million to $70 million per month from labor migrants who have left the country in search of work, ITAR-TASS reported on 9 March. Most of the labor migrants from Tajikistan go to Russia. Umarov was quoted as saying that such earnings are the reason there has been no mass hunger in the country and that without labor migration, it would be `impossible to ensure the material conditions necessary for the survival of the Tajik population.
Prices For Energy Resources In Azerbaijan To Rise
Baku Today
Baku, Mar 9: In 2003, the Government of Azerbaijan needs to prepare measures on social protection in order growth of prices for energy resources not to affect poor population. John Wilkman-Lynn, Deputy Head, Europe II, International Monetary Fund, said government increased wholesale prices for energy resources and brought it up to world prices in accordance with IMF`s terms, Trend new agency reported. The process will continue in 2004.
Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan To Reopen Border Posts, Restore Bridge
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 14: At the moment a regular meeting of the intergovernmental commission to discuss the delineation and demarcation of the border between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Uzbekistan is being held in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, the Kyrgyz TV first channel reported on 13 March. The report said that the meeting was attended by Kyrgyz Deputy Prime Minister Bazarbay Mambetov, who said that yesterday the sides signed an agreement on opening a border post in the eastern Uzbek village of Birlashgan. `Now the Kyrgyz citizens living in the Barak enclave in Uzbekistan can freely cross the border and transit cargo,` the TV report said.
Iran, Kyrgyzstan Share Similar Political Views: Kyrgyz FM
Tehran Times
Bishkek, Mar 14: Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Askar Aitmatov said here Thursday that the Islamic Republic of Iran and Kyrgyzstan share similar views on international political issues. Aitmatov, who is back in his country after a three-day visit of the Islamic Republic this week, said his meetings with Iranian officials on the subjects of `dialogue among civilisations and the new Silk Road were quite successful, IRNA reported. On the Iraq crisis, he said that the two sides are of the common view that the issue should be settled through peaceful means.
Putin To Visit Tajikistan
Interfax
Moscow, Mar 14: President Vladimir Putin plans to visit Tajikistan in the near future, Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov said on Friday. Ivanov told the Mayak radio station that Moscow and Dushanbe `intend to sign an agreement specifying the terms for the presence of a Russian military base in Tajikistan.`
OSCE Chairman-in-Office Appoints Envoy To Central Asia
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 14: The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Netherlands Foreign Minister Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, has appointed the former President of Finland, Martti Ahtisaari, as his personal envoy for the Central Asian region. The five countries of the region, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, are all members of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The appointment was formally announced in Vienna on 13 February. The appointment of Ahtisaari, who was President of Finland from 1994 to 2000, reflects the importance given by the Dutch Chairmanship to relations between the OSCE and the Central Asian states, the OSCE official statement says.
Protocol Signed On Kyrgyz Enclave
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, Mar 13: A protocol on the status of the Kyrgyz exclave of Barak was signed on 13 March during a meeting of the Uzbek-Kyrgyz Intergovernmental Commission on Border Delimitation, RFE/RL`s Kyrgyz Service reported. The protocol commits the two sides to implement a 2000 agreement to ensure free access to Kyrgyz territory for inhabitants of Barak, a Kyrgyz exclave in Uzbekistan. Uzbek authorities blocked the access road in January 2002, and exasperated villagers demanded and were granted a meeting with Kyrgyz Prime Minister Nikolai Tanaev on 21 February. During that meeting, Tanaev promised that a solution would be found. Kyrgyz state television, reporting on 13 March on the commission`s talks this week in Tashkent, reported that discussion is continuing on the opening of a new border checkpoint and the reconstruction of a bridge destroyed by the Uzbeks in January.
Polls Find Kazakhstan`s Urban Population Against Iraq War
Radio Free Europe
Astana, Mar 13: A poll conducted by the Kazakhstan Association of Sociologists and Political Scientists in early March in the country`s 10 largest cities found that 83.5 percent of respondents oppose U.S. plans for a war against Iraq, Interfax reported on 13 March. According to the report, based on a 13 March association press release, 13.9 percent of respondents were undecided, and only 2.6 percent approve of a military action against Iraq. Some 50 percent of respondents said the main reason for a possible war against Iraq is oil. Less than 5 percent see it as a stage in the struggle against international terrorism. More than one-third fear that Kazakhstan could be in danger if it allows U.S. planes to use its airfields, thereby making the country a direct participant in the conflict.
Daughter Of Kazakh Opposition Journalist Granted Asylum In US
Voice of America
London, Mar 13: The daughter of a Kazakh opposition journalist says she has been granted political asylum in the United States. Dinisa Duvanova says the conviction of her father, Sergei Duvanov, had led to concerns for her safety. Her father, Sergei Duvanov, was convicted of rape in a case human rights groups say was politically-motivated. Ms. Duvanova has been studying political science in the United States and is currently in Ohio defending her doctoral thesis. She said in a statement Thursday she will not seek permanent residence in the United States and hopes to return to Kazakhstan to work to build a democratic society.
New Envoys Present Credentials To Uzbek President
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 13: Newly appointed envoys of Mexico, Croatia, South Africa, Slovenia and Norway to Uzbekistan presented credentials to Uzbek President Islam Karimov on 13 March. Presenting credentials to the President, Raul Fortunanto Kardos Maykot, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mexico, noted that his country was eager to develop cooperation with Uzbekistan in a wide range of spheres from oil extraction to education. Croatian Ambassador to Uzbekistan Amir Mukharemi, while presenting credentials to the Uzbek head, said that Croatia considered Uzbekistan as a key partner in Central Asia.
Tajikistan, Russia To Continue Strengthening Friendly Relations
Interfax
Dushanbe, Mar 13: Tajik President Emomali Rakhmonov and Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov addressed basic avenues for expanding multifaceted bilateral cooperation between the two countries in Dushanbe on Thursday. Rakhmonov `put emphasis on the need to strengthen the economic, scientific and technological and humanitarian components of this cooperation and supplement it on the practical level,` Tajik presidential press secretary Zafar Saidov told Interfax. The two sides confirmed mutual interest in strengthening the countries` traditionally friendly relations and intensifying mutually beneficial bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
Chinese Official Calls For Joint Efforts For Peace In Region
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 12: China hopes all parties will work together for peace and stability in Central Asia, thus contributing to maintaining peace and development in the region, says Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan. Kong made the remarks in Beijing Tuesday afternoon (11 March) at a regular press conference when asked to comment on the United States` growing influence in Central Asia, specifically in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Uzbek President Receives Credentials From Foreign Ambassadors
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 12: Newly appointed ambassadors of Spain, Afghanistan, Indonesia and Greece to Uzbekistan presented credentials to President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov at Oksaroy residence on 12 March.
Indian Prime Minister Postpones Visit To Uzbekistan, Syria
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 12: Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has cancelled a planned visit later this month to Syria, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan due to the looming Iraq war, Indian Sify News reported. `The visit, which was at a planning stage, has been postponed because of the evolving international situation,` an Indian foreign ministry official said on 12 March. Although, Indian official refused to give details of the visit since it was still under consideration, a media report said the trip had been due to begin on 28 March.
US Envoy To Tashkent Visits Jizzakh To Review US Backed Projects
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 12: US Ambassador John E. Herbst travelled to the Jizzakhh region to acquaint himself with the oblast and visit on-going projects funded by the US Government. Ambassador Herbst, with the Deputy Oblast Hokim, Davron Azizov and the Hokim`s Counsel, Kudratilla Rafikov, visited the newly constructed US-Uzbek joint venture UzExide, which will soon begin production of automobile batteries. UzExide will employ 400 people and has an estimated production capacity of 1 billion batteries per year. There are initial plans to export 50 per cent of the joint venture`s production. Ambassador Herbst also attended the opening ceremony of the Internet Access and Training Programme`s (IATP) Internet Centre in Jizzakhh City. IATP, a US Government funded programme administered by the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX), has opened 16 free Internet Access Centers throughout Uzbekistan.
Diplomats Meeting.
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, Mar 11: RK Foreign Minister Kassymzhomart Tokayev received the Ambassador of France Jerar Perollet on Tuesday. The French diplomat presented the message of his country`s Senate chairman Christian Poncelet, who visited Kazakhstan this past February. He appreciated the results of his meetings and negotiations. The Ambassador presented K.Tokayev a personal invitation of French Foreign Minister to take part in Paris conference to battle drugs production and trafficking, scheduled for May the 21-22.
Iranian Envoy, Uzbek Official Discuss Ways Of Expanding Trade
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 11: Uzbek Deputy Prime Minister Rustam Azimov and Iranian Ambassador to Uzbekistan Hossein Naraghian discussed ways of expanding trade between Uzbekistan and Iran in Uzbek capital on 11 March 2003.
Iran, Turkmenistan Sign Seven MOUs On Mutual Cooperation
Tehran Times
Tehran, Mar 11: The Islamic Republic of Iran and Turkmenistan here Tuesday signed seven memoranda of understanding (MOUs) on mutual cooperation. The MOUs were signed at Sa`dabad Cultural Complex and was attended by number of high-ranking officials along with the presidents of the two countries. Iranian President Mohammad Khatami and his Turkmen counterpart Saparmurat Niyazov signed four MOU`s on search and sea rescue, accelerating construction of friendship dam reservoir, fuel and energy. Other MOUs were signed between the two sides officials on Judiciary cooperation, extradition of culprits, electricity, expansion of cultural, scientific and educational cooperation.
Kyrgyz-Uzbek Border Talks Start
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, Mar 11: A delegation of officials headed by Kyrgyzstan`s representative to the Eurasian Economic Community Bazarbai Mambetov travelled to Tashkent on 10 March for talks on the delimitation of the border between the two countries, akipress.org reported on 11 March, citing RFE/RL`s Kyrgyz Service. According to Mambetov, Uzbekistan has said it is prepared to hand over maps of the minefields laid by the Uzbek military along the Uzbek-Kyrgyz border.
Iran And Turkmenistan To Sign 9 Docs On Bilateral Relations
Baku Today
Tehran, Mar 11: Iranian President Mohammad Khatami and visiting President Saparmurat Niyazov of Turkmenistan are expected to sign nine documents regulating a broad spectrum of bilateral relations. Niyazov, who is making a two-day visit to Iran, on Monday had talks with Iranian officials and laid flowers at Ayatollah Khomeini`s tomb, Itar Tass reported today.
Russian Ambassador Protests Anti Russian Bias In Uzbek Textbooks
Radio Free Europe
Tashkent, Mar 11: Russian Ambassador to Uzbekistan Dmitrii Ryurikov said on 11 March that history textbooks used by schools in Uzbekistan contain `unprecedented anti-Russian bias,` centrasia.ru reported, citing Deutsche Welle. Ryurikov made his remarks in Tashkent at an international conference on objectivity in history. He singled out the textbooks` concentration on Russia`s plundering of local inhabitants and the killing of women and children. The issue of anti-Russian bias has been raised with the Uzbek Education Ministry, Ryurikov said, but the textbooks remain in use. Some Uzbek historians at the conference also questioned the textbooks` interpretation of history. Well-known historian Goga Hidoyatov objected to the portrayal of the Basmachi who fought Soviet forces in the 1920s as freedom fighters, saying the Basmachi bands were more interested in free trade. Since Uzbekistan became independent there has been a massive revision of the country`s history. Many Uzbek intellectuals have objected to the exclusively negative portrayals of the Russian and Soviet periods.
First Session Of Kazakh-British Group Held
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, Mar 11: The first session of Kazakh-British working group was held at Almaty. The decision to establish such a bilateral group was adopted in the course of RK Defence Minister`s visit to Great Britain. Several organizing aspects of the groups` activities and proposals to amend cooperation plan for 2003-2004 were discussed in the course of the session.
Turkmenistan President Arrives In Tehran
Hoover`s Online
Tehran, Mar 10: Turkmenistan President Saparmurat Niyazov arrived in Teheran on Monday for a three-day visit, the official news agency `IRNA` reported. Niyazov is to hold talks with his Iranian peer Mohammad Khatami. The talks will focus on the legal status of the Caspian Sea and an increase of Turkmenistan`s natural gas exports to northern Iran. A plan to construct an oil pipeline from Kazakhstan to Iran via Turkmenistan is also on the agenda.
Kyrgyzstan Supports Referendum In Iraq
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, Mar 10: Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Askar Aitmatov told Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi during a visit to Tehran that Kyrgyzstan supports an Iranian initiative to hold a referendum in Iraq under UN auspices to determine the future government of that country, akipress.org reported on 10 March. The two ministers also signed a document on developing bilateral cooperation.
Slovak Leader Rudolf Schuster Ends Official Visit To Uzbekistan
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 10: Slovak President Rudolf Schuster continued the third and last day of his official visit to Uzbekistan on Friday with a ceremony at Uzbek Academy of State Construction and Social Development, which awarded him a doctorate Honoris Causa. Schuster`s delegation will return to Slovakia later this evening.
Kyrgyz President`s Message Conveyed To Khatami
Tehran Times
Tehran, Mar 9: Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Askar Aitmatov here Sunday called on President Mohammad Khatami and submitted to him a written message from his Kyrgyz counterpart Askar Akayev. At the meeting, Khatami referred to his recent visit to Kyrgyzstan which he said opened a new chapter in mutual relations, IRNA said. President Khatami expressed hope that by implementing the agreements signed between the two sides, bilateral ties can be further broadened under the framework of joint economic commission.
Ivanov Heading To Iran, Afghanistan And Tajikistan This Week
Hoover`s Online
Moscow, Mar 9: Russian Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov heads to Iran on Tuesday for talks during which `special attention` will be given to the crisis surrounding neighbouring Iraq, the ministry said Sunday. After Iran, Ivanov is to visit Afghanistan and the former Soviet republic of Tajikistan. `Russia and Iran speak out firmly against a military scenario of the development of events in the Persian Gulf and for the settlement of the Iraq crisis through political and diplomatic means,` Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Alexander Yakovenko said in a statement. Ivanov, visiting at the invitation of Iranian Foreign Minister Kamal Kharrazi, will also discuss Russian-Iranian cooperation, regional problems and the situation in Afghanistan. Later Wednesday Ivanov is due in the Central Asian nation of Tajikistan for an overnight visit, the Foreign Ministry said.
Kazakhstan Leads Central Asia In Terms Of Drug Addicts - UN Statistics
Interfax
Astana, Mar 14: Kazakhstan holds the lead among Central Asian countries with some 140,000 drug addicts, according to the International Narcotics Control Board. This figure was reported at a Thursday news conference in Astana by Ian Bain, the regional director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) project. Meanwhile, the Kazakh Justice Ministry`s Committee for Resisting Drug Addiction and Trafficking stated that in January, the country had over 47,000 registered addicts.
OSCE States To Discuss Economic Impact Of Drug Trafficking
Uzbek Daily
Ankara, Mar 13: The economic impact of drug trafficking will be the core topic of a two-day seminar organised by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), set to open in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent on Monday. `The issue of trafficking needs to be wider understood,` Ivo Kersten, advisor to the OSCE Co-ordinator of Economic and Environmental Activities told IRIN from Vienna. `This is a comprehensive security issue among all the OSCE states,` he explained, noting the major economic impact it was having around the world. According to the group, illicit production and trafficking of drugs has become one of the greatest modern blights on humanity and despite its economic impact, has so far received comparatively little attention. However, Kersten noted that the issue of trafficking had been high on the OSCE`s agenda over the past few years, taking into account the economic perspective.
A Total Of 212 Kilograms Of Heroin Confiscated From Drug Dealers
Pravda
Moscow, Mar 13: A group of drug dealers has been detained in Tajikistan, with 212 kilograms of heroin withdrawn from them. RIA Novosti was told at the republic`s interior ministry that the arrest was made on March 12th by staff workers of the department for the fight against organised crime in the upper reaches of the Varzob river, 60 km north of Dushanbe. The names of the drug dealers have not been disclosed for investigation security reasons.
Radioactive Material Seized In Tajikistan
Central Asia Daily
Dushanbe, Mar 12: Tajik police seized four kilograms of radioactive mercury and arrested two people. The arrests occurred in an area where many arms factories operated before the collapse of the Soviet Union. The West fears substances from them can be purchased by terrorist organizations to produce weapons of mass destruction.
UN Official Ends Visit To Kazakhstan Stressing Ratification Of Human Rights Treaties
United Nations
United Nations, Mar 11: Winding up a week-long visit to Kazakhstan, a top United Nations human rights official strongly urged the Government to ratify core international human rights treaties and called for the early adoption of a law on granting refugee status in the country. The Deputy UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Bertrand Ramcharan, was in Kazakhstan as part of an official two-week visit to Central Asia. He held talks with a number of officials, including the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Secretary of State, Kasymzhomart Tokaev, and the Ombudsman, Bolat Baikadamov. Mr. Tokaev told Mr. Ramcharan that the signature process for the two human rights instruments - the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and on economic, social and cultural Rights - is expected to be concluded in the very near future, and will be followed by ratification by the Parliament. In his meeting with the Ombudsman, the Deputy High Commissioner noted the efforts of the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and others to support the Ombudsman`s office.
Illegal Medicine Production Revealed In Namangan
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 9: State Tax Department and National Security Service of Namangan region revealed an illegal activity of an underground workshop manufacturing medicaments. 4,500 flasks of penicillin and 230 flasks of ethyl alcohol were found in the shop located in the home of the citizen of Chust, Nurhon Uvasova, who is also the director of a private drugstore. 1,553 empties for penicillin and equipment for preparation and packing of medicaments were also found here. According to head of laboratory at the Regional Medical Department, Malika Bayhanova, the confiscated penicillin contained an unknown powder, which could lead to lethality when used.
Islam Karimov Appoints New Foreign Minister Of Uzbekistan
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, Mar 14: Sadyk Safaev has been appointed a new Foreign Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan by the latest presidential decree issued on 14 March, Akhborot reported. By another decree Abdulaziz Komilov has been relieved from his current post due to transfer to another job. Prior to appointment as a Foreign Minister, Sadyk Safaev, 49, has held a position of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan.
New KazMunaiGaz President Appointed
Interfax
Astana, Mar 12: Uzakbay Karabalin, former Kazakh deputy minister for energy and mineral resources has been appointed as president of the republic`s national oil and gas company KazMunaiGaz by government decree. Former KazMunaiGaz President Lyazzat Kiinov has replaced Karabalin in his previous position and has been appointed as deputy minister energy and mineral resources.
Presidential Decree Expected To Restrict Turkmen Study Abroad
Radio Free Europe
Ashgabat, Mar 11: A decree on Turkmen citizens studying in foreign institutions of higher education that was issued by President Niyazov on 21 February will severely restrict opportunities to study abroad, according to an article published by the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) and posted by centrasia.ru on 11 March. According to the decree, most students may no longer legally exchange manats, the national currency, for convertible currencies. Only students chosen by the Education Ministry may now convert their manats at the artificially low official rate.
Meeting With President.
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, Mar 11: President`s press-service reported N. Nazarbayev to have several working meetings on Tuesday. Minister of Culture, Information and Public Accord Mukhrat Kul- Mukhammed made the President acquainted with bigger projects implemented in culture and information fields at Astana and on development of publishing and printing at Kazakhstan. Customs Control Agency chairman Berdibek Saparbayev informed the President on plans execution and customs equipping. The parts also touched upon budget issues, cadre problems and the course of new Customs Code discussion in the Parliament.
Special Focus
Uzbekistan: Rights Groups Say Press Crackdown Underway
Human Rights groups say they see evidence of a renewed crackdown on independent media in Uzbekistan. Pointing to the fact that since February, three journalists have been arrested, another jailed, one newspaper shut down and another suspended indefinitely, these groups are urging the West to take notice of the lack of media freedom in Uzbekistan.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/rights/articles/eav030903.shtml Tajikistan: Rights Groups Say Executions IncreasingInternational organizations and human rights groups say the number of people receiving the death penalty has increased in Tajikistan over the past three years. Although the death penalty has fallen out of favour in many countries of the region, Tajikistan is not considering abolishing capital punishment in the near future. It has, however, set up a working group to consider reducing the number of capital crimes and the number of people eligible for the death sentence. Farangis Najibullah argues that local opinion remains divided on the issue, especially since the country has only relatively recently emerged from years of civil war, and war criminals continue to roam freely.
Opposition Refuses To Admit Defeat In ArmeniaIn the aftermath of the country`s contentious presidential vote, Opposition leaders and their supporters insist the elections were rigged and are refusing to recognise the results, setting the stage for a destabilising political stand-off.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav031003.shtml
Georgia Courts Foreign Investors In Domestic Energy SectorGeorgia, already working to establish itself as a transit route for Caspian Basin energy exports, is also looking to develop its own oil and gas potential. Tbilisi is preparing to host a major energy development conference March 13-14. Daan van der Schriek says that the Georgian officials are hoping that the meeting will help the country`s domestic energy industry overcome scepticism on the part of major oil conglomerates.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/business/articles/eav031103a.shtml
Russian Economic Integration Effort May Leave Most Central Asian States BehindWith the Iraq crisis serving as a backdrop, Russia is pressing ahead with an integration initiative involving the most powerful former Soviet republics. At a recent summit, the leaders of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine and Kazakhstan took steps towards economic integration. But according to political analysts, Moscow also harbours hope for some sort of political union that would be better able to address mutual security concerns.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/business/articles/eav031103.shtmlThe Importance Of Central Asia To ChinaWhile the world is busy reading tea leaves to figure out whether or when Iraq will be invaded, China is quietly enhancing its strategic presence in Central Asia. China Petrochemical Corp (Sinopec), the country`s No. 2 oil producer, became the second Chinese oil company to buy into Kazakhstan`s giant North Caspian Sea project. Ehsan Ahrari argues that for China, having a presence in Central Asia, above all, means having access to the enormous Caspian Sea oil reserves.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/China/EC13Ad02.htmlUzbek Strongman Under Russian AttackUzbek President Islam Karimov have been targeted by an orchestrated campaign by Russian-language media outlets, including allegations of terminal illness. Sergei Blagov says that despite Moscow`s attempts to distance itself from this smear campaign, claims of alleged division among Uzbek politicians might indicate that the viability of Karimov`s regime may soon face a test.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/EC13Ag03.html
The Indian-Iranian Connection And Its Importance For Central AsiaFar removed from the United Nations` debate on Iraq, two Iranian warships arrived in India on 10 March for a five-day visit that included joint naval exercises. The visit underscores the rapid expansion of ties between New Delhi and Tehran in recent years, especially in the realm of trade. As Stephen Blank argues, the joint Indian-Iranian economic initiatives may end up exerting significant influence over Central Asia`s development as well.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/business/articles/eav031203.shtml
The Central Asian Crisis: Opposition Movements In Region On Defensive
Opposition movements in Central Asia are going through testing times in resisting government pressure. In three Central Asian states - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Turkmenistan - opposition movements are buckling as those countries` leaders take action to stamp out domestic criticism. In all three cases, a lack of cooperation among various opposition movements has hampered their ability to counter the crackdowns.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav031203.shtmlThe Army In Tajikistan: Ten Years Of IndependenceOn 23 February 2003 the Tajik armed forces celebrated the tenth anniversary of the creation of independent military forces within the Republic. Colonel-General Sherali Khairulloyev, Tajik Defence Minister, believes that the Tajik army has made promising improvements within its first decade. Roger N. McDermott argues that the Tajik Army`s capabilities are however limited and Tajikistan continues to rely on military assistance primarily from Russia to preserve its regional security credibility.
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http://www.cacianalyst.org/view_article.php?articleid=1143Baku Caspian Meeting Created Hopes But Not Concrete ResultsThe eighth session of the special working group for drawing up a convention on the Caspian Sea`s legal regime was held in Baku on 26-27 February. The attending deputy foreign ministers of the five littoral countries discussed a proposed draft convention, which sought to lay grounds for an acceptable legal regime to all of them. While its proposals such as the shared use of Caspian waters for navigation may satisfy their common interests, certain others on the division of the Caspian seabed and undersea pipelines will likely create disincentive for Iran, Russia and Turkmenistan to accept it in its current format.
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http://www.cacianalyst.org/view_article.php?articleid=1145Activist`s Hospital Stay Sparks Controversy Over Kyrgyz Government TacticsAs the first anniversary of the Aksy riots approaches, human rights activists in Kyrgyzstan have expressed concern that President Askar Akayev`s administration has embraced old Soviet methods of stifling dissent. Specifically, they point to the case of an Akayev critic hospitalised just before he was to speak in Bishkek on alleged irregularities connected with Kyrgyzstan`s recent constitutional referendum.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/rights/articles/eav031403.shtml
14 March 2003