President`s Audience.
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, May 8: On Thursday N.Nazarbayev received Senate`s speaker Mr Abdykarimov, who informed the President on disputes on the Land Code in the upper House of Parliament. Mr Abdykarimov says there exist different opinions on the bill. After the holidays, Senate will conduct a roundtable to hear views of the House`s committees.
Former Parliament Head Accuses Armenian Government Of Consolidating Dictatorship
Radio Free Europe
Yerevan, May 8: Former Parliamentary Chairman Babken Ararktsian on 8 May accused the Armenian government of `consolidating dictatorship,` RFE/RL`s Yerevan bureau and Noyan Tapan reported. Ararktsian, a former speaker under the Ter-Petrosian government, stated that the government of President Robert Kocharian is attempting to use the 25 May national referendum on its constitutional amendments to legitimize `new sweeping powers` and `boundless impunity and immunity.`
Kyrgyz Religious Leader Complains Of Proposed Changes To Law On Religion
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, May 8: Father Nikolai Sushenko, head of the Bishkek Russian Orthodox diocese, complained at a news conference at the office of akipress.org on 8 May about changes to the country`s law on religion proposed by the Kyrgyz parliament, the news agency reported. Sushenko acknowledged that the law needs revision, but in his view the proposed changes would allow `sects` -- in other words, non-traditional religious confessions with small numbers of adherents -- `to do whatever they like.`
Uzbekistan To Celebrate Memorial And Honours Day On 9 May
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, May 8: Uzbekistan will celebrate Memorial and Honours day on 9 May on the occasion of the 58th anniversary of victory over fascism. Ahead of this national holiday, Uzbek Cabinet has issued a resolution on awarding World War II veterans, who will be paid UZS 13,000 each of reward payments.
Aliyev In Good Condition Says Azerbaijani Authorities
Turkish Daily News
Ankara, May 7: Although Gulhane hospital officials refused to comment on Aliyev`s condition, `After holding a consultation on Monday, doctors decided not to perform heart surgery on Aliyev,` says a source Despite official statements that Azerbaijani President Haydar Aliyev who flew into Turkey for medical tests two weeks after collapsing during a speech, is very well, there are still question marks on Aliyev`s health condition. `Aliyev is doing well in a Turkish hospital,` said the Azerbaijani ambassador to Ankara on Monday.
Court Hearing Postponed In Tashkent Newspaper Case
Radio Free Europe
Tashkent, May 7: The start of the court hearing of a defamation case against the popular Tashkent newspaper `Zerkalo 21` was postponed on 6 May due to the illness of the judge, centrasia.ru reported on 7 May. The case has attracted considerable interest among Uzbek journalists because it is a judge, Jamshid Saidaliev, who is suing the newspaper. Saidaliev claims he was libelled by an article asserting that he freed a known criminal in violation of judicial procedures and reporting that the Tashkent prosecutor had formally protested that action.
Armenian Opposition Warns Of Dangers Of Election Fraud
Radio Free Europe
Yerevan, May 6: Several prominent members of the opposition Artarutiun (Justice) bloc, including failed presidential candidate Stepan Demirchian, warned on 6 May of the `disastrous` implications a tainted parliamentary election would hold for the country, RFE/RL`s Yerevan bureau and `Azg` reported. The warnings came during a conference of the opposition alliance that sought to mobilize hundreds of supporters and activists amid recent signs of dissension within the pro-government camp.
Outlawed Uzbek Opposition Party Holds Congress To Get Formal Recognition
Uzbek Daily
Tashkent, May 6: The outlawed Uzbek opposition Birlik party held a formal meeting Tuesday in a bid to get formal recognition by authorities in this tightly controlled Central Asian nation, party officials said. The party`s first congress in 11 years was used to press authorities to register it and allow it to operate freely, said Birlik`s council secretary Vasilya Inoyatova. She said the party would hold a constituent congress in three months, which is a legal requirement for any party before it can apply for official registration.
President Aliyev`s 80th Birthday Celebrations Postponed
The Moscow Times
Baku, May 6: Festivities marking Heydar Aliyev`s 80th birthday have been postponed because of the medical examination the Azerbaijani president is undergoing in Turkey, presidential administration chief Ramiz Mekhtiyev told reporters on Tuesday evening.
Kazakh Opposition Movement Calls For Referendum On Private Landownership
Radio Free Europe
Astana, May 5: The leadership of the opposition Democratic Choice for Kazakhstan (DVK) movement told a press conference in Almaty on 5 May that the draft Land Code now before the upper house of the Kazakh parliament should be put to a national referendum, Interfax-Kazakhstan reported. The new Land Code, drawn up and submitted to the parliament by the government, would introduce private ownership of agricultural land, and it has been the subject of impassioned debate among Kazakh politicians for several months.
Pro Government Party Calls On Armenian President To Honour Campaign Promise
Radio Free Europe
Yerevan, May 5: A prominent party aligned in the pro-government coalition urged Armenian President Robert Kocharian on 5 May to honour his campaign promises, according to Yerkir and RFE/RL`s Yerevan bureau. The leadership of the pro-government Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) warned the president that it will withdraw its support if he fails to enforce the rule of law, to combat widespread `injustice` in the country, and to remove incompetent and corrupt officials.
Armenia Promises Tougher Crackdown On Ballot-rigging
Interfax
Yerevan, May 5: The Armenian Central Elections Commission proved incapable of preventing ballot-rigging in the country`s recent presidential elections. Commission chief Artak Sagradian said on Monday that `violations that were reported in the course of the elections took me by surprise.` Admitting that the elections `were not ideal,` he noted that `Armenia`s fledgling democracy cannot be expected to be in full compliance with European democratic standards.`
OSCE Ambassadors Hope For Political Reforms In Kazakhstan
Interfax
Almaty, May 5: EU ambassadors to the OSCE on a four-day unofficial visit to Kazakhstan have noted the economic successes of the republic and said they expect political reforms. The European diplomats made this statement at a press conference in Almaty on Monday.
OSCE Experts Complete Report On Duvanov
Radio Free Europe
Astana, May 5: A group of Dutch legal experts commissioned by the OSCE have completed a report on the case of independent Kazakh journalist Sergei Duvanov, who was sentenced to 3 1/2 years in prison after being convicted of statutory rape. The Kazakh opposition is convinced the case was fabricated for political reasons, although the Kazakh government vehemently denies this.
Azerbaijani President To Return From Ankara In Several Days
The Moscow Times
Baku, May 4: Azerbaijani President Heydar Aliyev feels well after arriving in Turkey for a medical examination, Azerbaijani consul general to Turkey Ibrahim Nabioglu told reporters on Sunday. `Aliyev is in normal condition and there is no reason for concern,` he said. He said that the medical check-up at the Gulhane military hospital `is routine and the current visit had been planned in advance.` Diplomatic sources in Baku say Aliyev should return from Turkey in a few days.
Georgian Political Parties Nearing Agreement On New Election Commission
Radio Free Europe
Tbilisi, May 3: Representatives of several of Georgian political parties on 3 May concluded a meeting with a preliminary agreement on the composition of the new Central Election Commission, `Civil Georgia` reported. The preliminary agreement allows for detailed negotiations over the commission`s membership, as the government backed down from its initial position calling for an 11-member commission with nine members to be appointed directly by the president.
Turkmenistan Is Paying Tribute To Heroes Of World War II
Turkmenistan.RU
Ashgabat, May 8: Today Turkmenistan is paying tribute to the heroes of World War II. Ashgabat`s correspondent of Turkmenistan.ru reports that this memorable day is announced as day off, under a special decree by the President Saparmurat Niyazov dated 2000. Under the same decree all victims of the war were declared National Heroes.
U.S. To Increase Military Aid To Kazakhstan In 2004
Interfax
Astana, May 8: The United States will increase its military aid to Kazakhstan by 20 per cent next year, a senior Kazakh Defence Ministry source said on Thursday. `The Pentagon will use nearly $4.5 million just for the purchase of ammunition, equipment for the army and training for our military personnel,` the source told Interfax. He said foreign financial military aid is playing an important, but not the main role for Kazakhstan. `Since 2001, the budget of the Kazakh Defence Ministry has practically doubled, and this year amounts to about 270 million U.S. dollars,` he said, adding that this is enabling the country to reform and further develop its armed forces. `Mobile forces and four military districts - the Southern, Eastern, Western and Central Districts - have been set up and are functioning successfully. There are financial resources for the systematic transition of the armed forces to the contractual principle of enrolment, and by 2010, contract servicemen will make up 50 per cent of its personnel,` the source said. Official sources put the strength of Kazakhstan`s armed forces at 60,000.
Treaties Ratified On Russian Rental Of Kazakh Military Facilities
Interfax
Almaty, May 8: Kazakhstan and Russia on Wednesday exchanged ratification instruments on treaties covering Russian rental of Kazakh military testing grounds. `An exchange of instruments took place on May 7,` the Kazakh Foreign Ministry reported, `on the ratification of Russian-Kazakh intergovernmental treaties on the lease of testing grounds on the territory of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Coalition Airbase Being Expanded In Kyrgyzstan
Interfax
Bishkek, May 8: The anti-terrorist coalition airbase in Kyrgyzstan will be expanded. Representatives of the airbase, which is stationed at Manas International Airport in Bishkek, and the Kyrgyz defence ministry have signed an agreement on renting an extra lot of land, the airbase`s press service told Interfax. `The Kyrgyz defence ministry will lease approximately 300 hectares of land several kilometers away from Manas Airport to the airbase under this agreement,` the press service said. Servicemen from six countries, namely the United States, the Netherlands, Denmark, Spain, Italy and South Korea, are stationed at the base. The total strength of the contingent is approximately 1,500. The base has about 30 warplanes.
State Awards.
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, May 7: On Wednesday in Astana RK President - the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces N.Nazarbayev presented State awards a group of military men and state servants and declared on advancing them in senior and special ranks. N.Nazarbayev congratulated the audience on the Day of Defender of Motherland; he noted for 11 years now it has been a good tradition to award the best military men and state servants on the Day of establishing the Armed Forces of RK and also on the eve of the Victory Day.
Kazakh Defence Ministry`s New Building Unveiled In Astana
Interfax
Astana, May 7: Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan`s president and commander-in-chief, unveiled the Defence Ministry`s new building in Astana on Wednesday. `This event was timed to coincide with the Day of the Defender of the Fatherland, marked in Kazakhstan since 1992. Nazarbayev said that by placing a new building at the Defence Ministry`s disposal, the authorities are demonstrating their attention to the armed forces. He also said that 200 apartments were made available to Kazakh servicemen in Astana this year.
Kazakh President Prioritizes Army Development
Interfax
Almaty, May 7: Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev has prioritized developing the army rather than maintaining today`s standards. `The quality of budget planning should be improved to shift the accent to the troops` development, rather than maintaining today`s levels,` Nazarbayev told the Defence Ministry on Wednesday. `If the Defence Ministry substantiates the need to increase military spending in light of the global situation, the government will consider doing so,` he said. The troops` mobilization skills should be reinforced with training that `integrates the experience of contemporary wars and armed conflicts,` he said.
Azeris OK Deployment
The Moscow Times
Baku, May 7: The Azeri parliament on Wednesday approved deployment of a peacekeeping contingent to Iraq by an overwhelming 92-2 vote. The 150-man unit is to take part in patrols, law enforcement and protection of religious and historical monuments, said Ramiz Najafov, the deputy head of the Defence Ministry`s international co-operation department. He said that the members, most of whom speak English and Arabic, would be stationed in Kirkuk, Karbala, Mosul and Najaf.
Abiyev: Azerbaijan Can`t Trust Armenia
Baku Today
Baku, May 6: He said Armenia doesn`t reject its territorial bids and it may resume battles. `Azerbaijan will always stand against occupation of its lands. We cannot trust Armenia, supporting military criminals, terrorists and separatists,` said Safar Abiyev, the Minister of Defence, receiving Daniel Spekhard, assistant to NATO Deputy Secretary General, leading the Department on Political Affairs. According to the Ministry of Defence, the minister called the military-political situation in the region as complicated. He said Armenia doesn`t reject its territorial bids and it may resume battles.
Air Base Official Denies Kyrgyz Reports Of Move
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, May 6: U.S. Lieutenant Warren Comer, an official in the public-relations department of the U.S.-led anti-terrorism coalition air base outside Bishkek has denied Kyrgyz press reports that administration and staff located at that base are to be relocated to a village south of the base, ITAR-TASS reported on 6 May.
Mission Of Russian Military Councillors In Tajikistan Completed
Central Asia Daily
Dushanbe, May 6: The mission of Russian military councillors in Tajikistan has been completed, their mandate expired in late April 2003, head of the Tajik Defence Ministry`s press centre Lieutenant Colonel Zarobiddin Sirojev said in an interview with the Asia Plus news agency. In compliance with the intergovernmental agreement, Russian military councillors provided theoretical and practical assistance to the experts of Tajikistan`s Defence Ministry since 1996, working both with its central staff and in units and detachments, Sirojev pointed out.
Personnel At Coalition Air Base In Bishkek To Be Redeployed, Newspaper Says
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, May 4: The personnel and administration of the international anti-terrorism coalition air base at Bishkek`s Manas Airport are supposed to be redeployed to the village of Mramornoe near the town of Sokuluk, west of Bishkek, the pro-government newspaper `Vechernyi Bishkek` reported on 4 May. There has been speculation in the Kyrgyz media over the significance of a government grant of a 300-hectare parcel near Sokuluk to the country`s Defence Ministry.
Suspected Terrorist From Uzbekistan Detained In Kyrgyzstan
The Moscow Times
Bishkek, May 9: Kyrgyz law enforcement agencies have detained an Uzbek citizen suspected of involvement in setting off an explosion in the southern Kyrgyz town of Osh on May 8. A source at the Kyrgyz Interior Ministry has told Interfax that one person was killed when a self-made device was detonated in an Osh currency exchange office on May 8. The ministry assessed this crime as an act of terror engineered by advocates of the radical religious group Khizb Ut-Tahrir.
Georgia Says It Does Not House Any Al-Qaeda Centres
Interfax
Tbilisi, May 8: Georgia`s authorities have denied the presence of centres of the al-Qaeda international terrorist network in the Pankisi Gorge. `Information that al-Qaeda centres have recently relocated from Afghanistan to Chechnya and Georgia was made public at a recent meeting of the G8 interior ministers in Paris. There reports do not correspond to reality, as far as Georgia is concerned,` Interior Minister Koba Narchemashvili said at a news conference in Tbilisi on Thursday.
US Warns Of Possible Terror Strikes In Kyrgyzstan
Uzbek Daily
Washington DC, May 6: The US State Department has warned that extreme Islamic groups may be planning terrorist attacks against US citizens or interests in Kyrgyzstan. AFP Photo In a public announcement, the department alerted Americans that radicals such as the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU), which it described as `a terrorist organization with links to al-Qaeda` could be planning attacks. `US citizens are urged to consider their safety and security before travelling to the Kyrgyz Republic,` it said. `The US Government has learned the IMU has become increasingly active in Central Asia,` the advisory said. `There are indications that extremists may be planning a range of terrorist attacks targeting US interests in the Kyrgyz Republic. The US Embassy in Bishkek continues to observe heightened security precautions.` The department had warned on April 5 that the IMU, Osama bin Laden (news - web sites)`s al-Qaeda network and the Eastern Turkistan Islamic Movement could be plotting attacks on hotels and US interests in neighbouring Uzbekistan. Travel by US government personnel to areas of the Kyrgyz-Tajik and Kyrgyz-Uzbek borders is currently restricted, Tuesday`s advisory said.
Azeri Government Does Not Plan To Privatize Gas Network In 2003
Hoover`s Online
Baku, May 8: The government of Azerbaijan is not planning to privatize the republic`s gas distribution network this year, the presidential aide on energy issues, Ali Asadov, has said. Advertisement: Explore We should note that in line with the state programme to reduce poverty and economic development by 2005, Azerbaijan`s entire energy market, including the power and gas distribution network, should be handed over to private operators. The work to transfer the power sector to long-term management has been completed, and now it is the turn of the gas distribution sector.
Other Caspian Partners Could Block CNOOC From Project
Central Asia Daily
Astana, May 9: CNOOC could be blocked from buying a $615 million stake in a large oil and natural gas concession in the North Caspian sea owned by BG Group. It is not yet know which or how many of the six remaining joint venture partners would exercise their pre-emptive rights to acquire the 8.33 per cent stake BG agreed to sell CNOOC earlier this year.
China`s Kazakhstan Oil Imports Normal Despite Rail Shut
Uzbek Daily
Singapore, May 8: China`s crude oil imports from Kazakhstan are normal despite the temporary closure of the passenger railway traffic between the countries, a China-based oil industry official told Dow Jones Newswires Thursday. `Cargo transportation from Kazakhstan to China is normal...though passenger rail operations have been suspended,` said the official, who is in charge of crude oil imports from Kazakhstan.
Capital Construction Decree
Press Service of Uzbekistan
Tashkent, May 8: On May 6, in order to further deepen economic reforms in capital construction and economic relations, meeting the needs of a market economy, and to form markets for various project work and construction materials, improving the mechanism of price formation in construction, as well as raising the level of responsibility in investment processes for their efficient execution, President Islam Karimov signed the decree `On the basic directions for further deepening economic reforms in capital construction.`
IMF Mission Hails Kyrgyzstan`s Economic Progress
Interfax
Bishkek, May 8: A mission of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has praised Kyrgyzstan`s progress on the fund`s three-year Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility Program. IMF mission chief Tapio Saavalainen told a briefing in Bishkek that the republic`s government managed to meet the program`s targets as of late March and performed even better in a number of other fields.
SOCAR Spending On Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline May Increase By $200 Mln
Interfax
Baku, May 8: Spending by the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR) on the construction of the Baku-Tbilisi- Ceyhan pipeline may increase by $200 million, Samir Sharifov, executive director of the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan, told Interfax. According to the initial plan, the $2.95-billion project should have been 30 per cent financed by participating companies and 70 per cent - by borrowed funds. It was planned to receive credits in May-June 2003.
Kazakh Gold, Currency Reserves Up 6.2 per cent In April
Interfax
Astana, May 7: Gold and currency reserves in Kazakhstan, including gross reserves at the National Bank and funds accumulated in the National Fund, increased by 6.2 per cent in April to reach $6.2877 billion, the National Bank said in a press release. Growth in reserves since the start of the year amounts to 24.3 per cent. Funds in the National Fund at the end of April amounted to $2.2186 billion. Net gold and currency reserves at the National Bank increased 3.7 per cent to $4.066 billion in April, up 29.6 per cent since the start of the year.
Investment In Azerbaijan To Amount To $10 Bln Over Next 3 Years
Interfax
Baku, May 7: Investment in the Azerbaijani economy from various sources over the next three years is forecast at $10 billion, the republic`s Economic Development Minister Farkhad Aliyev said at the opening of an investment conference in Baku on Wednesday. He said that from 1996 to the present day foreign investment in the Azerbaijani economy amounted to $9.6 billion.
Turkey Solves Baku-Ceyhan Problems-BP
Uzbek Daily
Ankara, May 7: Turkey and BP said on Wednesday they had addressed land and tax problems in the way of the construction of the $3 billion Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline to carry Caspian crude to world markets. Project-leader BP`s Michael Townshend said he had discussed issues of taxation and the compulsory purchase of land for the pipeline with Turkish Energy Minister Hilmi Guler. `We raised those concerns with the minister and he has taken strong action to solve the problems,` Townshend told a joint news conference with Guler in Ankara.
Uzbekistan - LUKoil Expecting To Sign US$1bn PSA Soon
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, May 7: Russian oil and gas major LUKoil is expecting to sign a production-sharing agreement (PSA) with the Uzbek government shortly.
Economic Intelligence Unit Forecasts Uzbek GDP Growth At 3.8 per cent
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, May 7: According to the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU), the leading provider of country economic forecasts, the annual average real GDP growth in Uzbekistan is estimated at 3.8 per cent in 2003-04, down from growth of 4.2 per cent (according to official data) in 2002. Report states that moderate levels of multilateral financial assistance will support growth in the industrial and construction sectors.
British UzPEC To Invest USD 20 Mln In Uzbek Oil Sector In 2003
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, May 6: British UzPEC Ltd, a subsidiary of Trinity Energy Group set up to implement oil and gas projects in Uzbekistan, is planning to invest about USD 20 mln for oil and gas fields development and exploration in Uzbekistan in 2003.
Kazakhtelecom Sale
The Moscow Times
Moscow, May 6: The Kazakh government plans to sell a portion of its 50 percent stake in the country`s national fixed-line operator, Kazakhtelecom, next year, Kazakhtelecom said in a statement Tuesday, quoting Kazakh Finance Minister Zeinulla Kakimzhanov. Under the program for liberalizing the country`s telecom market, Kazakhtelecom is to relinquish its monopoly on both domestic and international long-distance fixed-line services by 2005 as well as its grip on the international traffic of mobile operators in advance of a full-scale privatization.
EBRD Notes Slow Growth In Uzbekistan
Radio Free Europe
Tashkent, May 6: The annual meeting of the EBRD`s board of governors ended in Tashkent on 5 May with a closing speech by board Chairwoman Clare Short, the U.K. secretary for international development, in which she listed what the bank sees as the key steps to be taken to attract international investment to the region, uzreport.com reported on 6 May. These steps include creating a favorable investment climate, developing regional co-operation, reducing poverty, eliminating excessive bureaucracy, combating corruption, establishing rational and predictable rules and regulations, and respecting human rights.
Shell May Block Chinese Move Into Kazakh Group -FT
Central Asia Daily
London, May 6: Royal Dutch/Shell may block moves by Sinopec and CNOOC into a partnership to develop one of the world`s largest oil and gas projects in Kazakhstan, the Financial Times said on Wednesday. The world`s second-largest oil company is considering exercising pre-emption rights that would block deals struck by its two Chinese rivals to buy a stake in the North Caspian Sea Production Sharing Agreement from British oil and gas producer BG Group Plc (London:BG.L - News), the newspaper reported.
Foreign Investment In Uzbekistan Lowest In Central Asia
Interfax
Tashkent, May 5: Foreign investment in the Uzbek economy in 2002 reached $150 million, said Willem Buiter, chief economist of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). He issued this statement on Monday at a news conference devoted to the presentation of the new version of the EBRD report on the development of countries with transition economies. The presentation of the report and the press conference were part of the EBRD`s annual board l meeting. Per capital foreign investment in Uzbekistan reaches only $6 and is the lowest among all of the countries in Central Asia that the EBRD is working with, Buiter said. All in all, foreign investment in Central Asia reached $2.4 billion last year, of which $2.1 billion was invested in Kazakhstan`s economy, the economist said.
Turkmenistan To Increase Gas Production By 2010
Turkmenistan.RU
Ashgabat, May 5: The annual production of gas in Turkmenistan will increase by the year 2010 up to 120 billion cubic meters that is two times more than the level of gas production in 2003 and three times - the volume of gas, received in 1998.
Oil Production Is Rising
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana. May 4: For the first quarter of this year NK KazMunaiGas Company produced 1916 thousand tons of oil and gas condensate; this was 105,5 per cent of the planned volume and exceeded volumes in the same period of 2002 by 10,9 per cent. The company produced 99 thousand tons of oil and gas condensate in excess of plan. Its affiliated oil-producing company - Ozenmunaigas has fulfilled 107,5 per cent of the three-months plan of oil and gas condensate production; it produced 1296 thousand tons, i.e. 90 thousand in excess of plan.
Switzerland Grants EUR 15 Mln For Projects In Central Asia
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, May 3: Switzerland will provide nearly EUR 15 mln for three projects in Central Asia and Romania. The funds will cover the rehabilitation heating system for the Uzbek city of Andijan, setting up business consultancy service in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan and revamping the heating system in the centre of the Romanian capital Bucharest. The Swiss government is to contribute USD 4.3 mln towards the urgent reconstruction of a portion of the direct heating system in Andijan. Japan will provide a separate grant of USD 1.5 mln for the same project. Switzerland will also be granting EUR 3 mln for setting up Business Advisory Service Programme for in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
Bulgarian President Invites Uzbek Leader To Visit His Country
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, May 9: Bulgarian President Georgi Purvanov invited his Uzbek counterpart Islam Karimov to visit Bulgaria. According to Sofia Echo, Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Nikolai Vasliev handed Uzbek Prime Minister Otkir Sultonov a letter from Bulgarian leader to Islam Karimov, extending an invitation to the Uzbek head of state to visit Bulgaria, probably even before the end of this year.
450 Dual Citizens Reported To Have Left Turkmenistan
Radio Free Europe
Ashgabat, May 8: According to staff of the Russian Embassy in Ashgabat, more than 450 holders of dual Turkmen-Russian citizenship have officially left Turkmenistan for Russia, centrasia.ru reported on 8 May, citing Interfax. Holders of dual citizenship have been given until late June by Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov to decide which citizenship they want to retain and, if they decide to keep Russian citizenship, to get out of Turkmenistan.
Credentials Presented.
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, May 8: On May the 7th Ambassador of RK E.Idrisov presented letters of credence to the King of Norway Garald V and gave over him an invitation of the President N.Nazarbayev to visit Kazakhstan. The conversation touched upon conditions and prospects of bilateral co-operation in various spheres, firstly - in energy sector.
Uzbek Security Council Holds Meeting On Iraq, Supports USA
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, May 8: A meeting of the National Security Council of Uzbekistan was held in Uzbek capital to discuss the situation in and around Iraq, Uzbek TV reported on 8 May. The meeting was chaired by the president of the country, the chairman of the National Security Council, Islam Karimov. It was said that the development of events in Iraq show that new opportunities for achieving peace and stability, restoring order and law, regulating peaceful life and the economy, deepening the processes of stabilization and renewal of the country are being opened. It was stressed that Uzbekistan, proceeding from its national interests and guided by the statement of the Supreme Assembly (parliament) of Uzbekistan issued on 24 April 2003 on resolving the Iraq crisis, supports measures being taken by the USA and its allies to disarm Iraq and the peaceful restoration of this country.
Group Of Friendship.
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, May 8: On May the 7th in Washington delegation of the RK Majilis, headed by the vice speaker Mr Kopei, and a group of USA congressmen headed by Mr Vexler and Mr Pitts signed statement on friendship and co-operation and established Kazakhstan-American inter-parliamentary Group for friendship.
Kazakh Border With China Officially Closed
Radio Free Europe
Astana, May 8: Kazakhstan`s border with China was officially closed on 9 May as a measure the stop the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), but the official khabar.kz news service reported on 8 May that the normally busy crossing at Horgos, the nearest to Almaty, was nearly deserted except for Kazakh citizens returning home who were being met by doctors handing out thermometers.
Iran, Kyrgyzstan Welcome Closer Diplomatic, Trade Ties
IRNA
Bishkek, May 7: Iranian Envoy for Caspian Sea Affairs Mehdi Safari met here Wednesday with Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev. The Kyrgyz president said that his country has cordial relations with Tehran and called for expansion of bilateral ties in diplomatic, economic and cultural fields. He also thanked Iran for its dlrs 1 million grant to his country and alluded to the Iranian companies` quality work in projects in the country.
Irish Foreign Minister Appoints New Envoy To Uzbekistan
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, May 7: A number of ambassadorial appointments have been announced by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ireland Brian Cowen, Irish Times reported on 6 May. Mr James Sharkey, Ambassador to Russia, is to be permanent representative to the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, replacing Mr Justin Harman, who is to be Ambassador to Russia and to Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrghyzian, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Uzbek-Bulgarian Cooperation Agreements Signed In Tashkent
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, May 7: Bulgaria signed agreements on bilateral co-operation with Uzbekistan in Tashkent, Bulgarian news agency BGNES web site reported on 7 May. The agreements were signed by Bulgarian Finance Minister Velchev during his stay in Tashkent where he took part in the annual meeting of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Kazakhstan elected to UN Body
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, May 6: Within the frameworks of the recommenced organizational session of the UN Economic and Social Council Kazakhstan has been elected into the Commission for women and Commission for stable development of UN. Membership in these commissions attests rising weight of Kazakhstan among the member countries of UN as a state, pursuing a line of constructing democratic society.
India Ratifies Accord To Curb Terrorism With Uzbekistan
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, May 6: The Union Cabinet tonight ratified an international agreements inked with Uzbekistan to curb terrorism, illicit trafficking and strengthen economic co-operation. The agreements were ratified ex-post-facto by the Cabinet at a meeting, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said. She said the agreement with Uzbekistan was signed in February this year, between foreign ministers of the two countries.
Turkish, Azerbaijan, Ukrainian Envoys Meet Rao
The News International
Rawalpindi, May 6: Ambassador of Turkey, H Kemal Gur, Ambassador of Azerbaijan, Dr Eynulla Madatll and Ambassador of Ukrain, Volodymyr S Ponomarenko called on Minister for Defence Rao Sikandar Iqbal in his office here on Tuesday. In their separate meetings with the minister, they discussed matters pertaining to bilateral relations and defence co-operation.
Constructive Dialogue
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, May 6: Tuesday in Astana Nursultan Nazarbayev received Secretary General of the World Islamic League Abdallah bin Abdelmuhsin al-Turki. At press conference the honoured guest said this was a visit at the invitation of the RK President. He declared goal of the visit was to work out issues concerning initiative of N.Nazarbayev to conduct forum of the world authoritative religions `Dialog of civilisations.
Kyrgyz President Says Central Asia Should Learn From EU
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, May 6: In his opening statement to the second Business Forum of the Central Asian Economic Community, Askar Akaev told participants that the countries of Central Asia must learn from the experience of the European Union and need to start taking concrete steps toward economic integration, including promoting intra-regional development, adopting international standards, and resolving problems by consensus, RFE/RL`s Kyrgyz Service and Interfax reported on 6 May.
Diplomatic Meetings
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, May 6: On May the 6th RK Secretary of State received Ambassador of Romania Vasile Soare. The diplomatists discussed bilateral relations and aspects of preparations to the oncoming this September visit of Romania` leader Ion Iliescu to Kazakhstan. One of the priorities of future co-operation between our countries would be oil-gas sector.
Exchange Of Opinions
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, May 6: Tuesday in Astana vice Premier Mukhamedzhanov received the USA Ambassador to RK Mr Napper at his request. The politicians discussed outlooks for co-operation between two countries` governments in social sphere. Mr Mukhamedzhanov pointed the RK Government has interest in widening official exchange of information and studying the American educational system.
Kyrgyz President Makes Plea For Sustainable Development In EBRD Address
Gazeta
Bishkek, May 6: Kyrgyz President Askar Akayev has made a plea for `a sustainable model of regional co-operation in his address to the opening of the annual meeting of the EBRD Board of Governors in the Uzbek capital.
Turkmen Ambassador To Britain Asks For Political Asylum
Radio Free Europe
Ashgabat, May 5: Turkmen Ambassador to the United Kingdom Chary Babaev has been ordered to return to Ashgabat after it became known that he has asked Great Britain for political asylum, Asia Plus-Blitz reported on 5 May, quoting AP. The report quoted the British Foreign Office as saying that it does not know Babaev`s present whereabouts. Babaev is the latest Turkmen diplomat to choose to defect rather than obey an order to return home.
President Meets US And Japanese Financial Officials
Press Service of Uzbekistan
Tashkent, May 5: On May 5 President Islam Karimov received the US deputy Secretary of finance John Taylor. The official visit of President Islam Karimov to the US in March 2002 gave a new impulse to mutually profitable ties between our countries. In accord with the declaration about basic strategic partnership and co-operation, there is close mutual interaction of the two countries. Last month a delegation from Uzbekistan visited the US for negotiations.
Japanese Minister Sees Partnership With Uzbekistan In Afghan Reconstruction
Radio Free Europe
Tashkent, May 5: Japanese Finance Minister Masajuro Shiokawa, in Tashkent to attend the EBRD meeting, met with Uzbek President Islam Karimov on 5 May to discuss bilateral relations, Interfax reported, quoting the Uzbek presidential press service. Shiokawa was quoted as saying that Japan would like to exploit Uzbekistan`s infrastructure and resources in the reconstruction of Afghanistan.
Independent Kyrgyz Newspaper To Be Distributed In Uzbekistan
Radio Free Europe
Tashkent, May 5: The independent Uzbek-language newspaper `Dustlik` (Friendship), published in the southern Kyrgyz city of Osh, will be distributed in neighbouring Uzbekistan, according to the publication`s Editor in Chief Barno Isakova, who said she has reached an agreement with the relevant Uzbek authorities, oshmedia.kg and Deutsche Welle reported on 5 May. The copies of the newspaper for distribution in Uzbekistan will be printed in Andijan for the Uzbek part of the Ferghana Valley and in Tashkent, Isakova was quoted as saying.
Uzbek President Meets Japan`s Finance Minister
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, May 5: On 5 May 2003 Uzbek President Karimov held a reception ceremony of the Japanese Finance Minister Masadzuro Shiokava. The sides discussed the issues of further development of economic co-operation. As was noted at the meeting, the two countries highly value the co-operation and intend to broaden joint initiatives.
Kazakhstan Wants To Chair OSCE
Radio Free Europe
Astana, May 5: Kazakhstan`s Ambassador to the OSCE Rakhat Aliev told a news conference in Almaty on 5 May that the country has proposed itself as the organization`s chairmanship in 2009, Interfax-Kazakhstan reported. The chairmanship rotates annually, and no Central Asian member has yet held the post, although some have inquired privately of OSCE representatives if a Central Asian chairmanship would be possible.
Uzbek Language Web Site Launched In Kyrgyzstan
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, May 5: A media firm set up by journalists in Kyrgyzstan has launched an Uzbek-language website (http://www.asrasia.org), centrasia.ru reported on 5 May. The firm, Asrushon Aziya, was set up by 18 Kyrgyz journalists primarily to distribute information about Central Asia via the Internet, according to its acting director, Hakimjan Husanov.
Japanese Finance Minister Awarded Doctor Of Uzbek Academy
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, May 5: Japanese Finance Minister, Masadzuro Shiokave, who arrived in the Uzbek capital for participation in the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development`s Annual Meeting and Business Forum, visited Banking and Financial Academy of Uzbekistan. The academy, founded in 1996, is actively co-operating with Japanese educational establishments. During the visit Masadzuro Shiokave was conferred the rank of Honourable Doctor of Banking and Financial Academy of Uzbekistan for his contribution in development of Uzbek-Japanese ties, UzA reported.
Uzbek President Receives US Treasury Under-secretary
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, May 5: Uzbek president Islam Karimov received US Treasury under-secretary John Taylor at his Oqsaroy residence on 5 May 2003. According to UzA, the sides discussed issues of Uzbek-US relations, including in financial sphere and attraction of investments.
Diplomatic Meeting.
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, May 4: Sunday in Astana RK Secretary of State received a group of Ambassadors of European states in OSCE: of Norway - M.Kongsjem, Bulgaria - I.Petrov, Ireland - B.Moran, Sweden - K.Bringeus and France - I.Dutrio, who are visiting Kazakhstan. Mr Tokayev informed the guests on the situation in Kazakhstan and the region, position of RK regarding significant world problems, and focused on issues of developing democratic processes.
EBRD Annual Meeting Opens In Uzbek Capital
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, May 4: The EBRD Annual Meeting opened in Tashkent on 4 May. The meeting was opened by Clare Short, UK Secretary for International Development. She said while reforms have paid off in the central European and Baltic countries that will soon join the European Union (EU), more must be done for progress in the poorest EBRD countries. Chair of the EBRD`s Board of Governors said the transition to market economies and democracies in some ex-soviet countries has been `slower and more painful than expected. The test of its success has to be improvements in the life of the people of the region and the reality is that levels of poverty and need are still far too high in many transition countries.
Presidents Of Uzbekistan, Georgia Discuss Cooperation
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, May 4: President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov met his Georgian counterpart Eduard Shevardnadze on Saturday. Leader of Georgia arrived in Tashkent to participate in the 12th Annual Meeting of Governors of the Europeran Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which is to open on 4 May. The two presidents discussed a wide range of questions, including co-operation in the fields of politics, economy, transport, culture and social sphere, UzA reported.
Uzbek Head Meets Georgian, Kazakh, Tajik, Kyrgyz Presidents
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, May 4: Uzbek President Islam Karimov received visiting Presidents of Georgia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan who have arrived in Uzbek capital to take part in the Annual Meeting of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) on 4 May. During the meeting with Eduard Shevarnadze, Nursultan Nazarbaev, Emomali Rakhmonov and Askar Akaev, Uzbek head discussed the issues of co-operation between the states, including expansion of trade-economic relations, latest processes taking place in the CIS, and reconstruction of Afghanistan and Iraq.
Large Amount Of Drugs Seized In Ferghana Region
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, May 9: Officers of the Ferghana Regional Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) have seized a large lot of drugs that was bound by transit for Russia from Tajikistan. The heroin seized in the house of detained Azamat Dadajanov has marks showing the country-producer, code numbers and the drug`s quality. According to another detained, Hotam Ishakov, the drugs were to be sent to Moscow and from there through Poland to Germany, Greece and France, Akhborot reported.
Kazakh Human Rights Activist Says Drugs Were Planted
Radio Free Europe
Astana, May 4: Well-known Kazakh human rights activist Yevgenii Zhovtis, in Tashkent for the annual meeting of the European Bank for Reconstruction And Development`s (EBRD) board of governors, told Interfax-Kazakhstan on 4 May that two days earlier he found a packet of what appeared to be marijuana in his car and he suspected that it might have been intended to cause him problems with law enforcement officials because of his public activities.
EBRD Chief Says Uzbek President Ready To Meet UN Rapporteur
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, May 8: The president of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov shares the bank`s position and is ready to meet the UN rapporteur on torture, EBRD president Jean Lemierre told a recent news conference, Uzbek newspaper Biznes-Vestnik Vostoka reported on 8 May. The forum of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development which was held in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, was fruitful, the EBRD chief commented.
German Group Visits Uzbek Prison
Radio Free Europe
Tashkent, May 7: A group of officials from Leipzig has visited a correctional facility in a Tashkent suburb in connection with their offer to provide assistance in the rehabilitation of juvenile prisoners, uzreport.com reported on 7 May. During the visit, an agreement on assistance was reached between the Germans and the relevant Tashkent Oblast authorities. Uzreport.com quoted the visitors as saying the condition of the facility they visited is satisfactory, but that they found prison personnel were mostly under-qualified. The Uzbek side reportedly promised to take advantage of German experience running penal facilities.
PACE Official Examining Info On Political Prisoners In Azerbaijan
Interfax
Baku, May 6: Georges Clerfayt, a member of the PACE committee on legal affairs and human rights, said he believes Azerbaijani authorities should release 10 political prisoners. Speaking to the press on Tuesday, the PACE official said a list provided by Azerbaijani human rights organizations mention up to 300 of what they called political prisoners. However, Clerfayt said he has focused his attention on ten of these people. Having examined their cases, he considers them to be political prisoners.
Uzbek Leader Rebuffs EBRD Expectation Of Torture Pledge
The Financial Times
Tashkent, May 4: Islam Karimov, the Uzbek president, publicly rebuffed the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development at its annual meeting yesterday by failing to condemn the use of torture in his ex-Soviet state. EBRD officials had raised expectations before the meeting in the Uzbek capital Tashkent that Mr Karimov would denounce torture in prisons during a widely publicised opening speech delivered before hundreds of officials and business people from 60 countries. Instead, the 65-year-old leader exposed the differences between the west and central Asia over the importance of human rights.
Kazakh Senator Seeks Compensation For Nuclear Test Victims
Radio Free Europe
Astana, May 7: Senator Zauresh Battalova has raised in the Kazakh Senate the issue of the compensation that has been promised to more than 22,000 residents of the former Semipalatinsk Oblast who were harmed by nuclear testing there during the Soviet era, RFE/RL`s Kazakh Service reported on 7 May. Semipalatinsk is now part of Eastern Kazakhstan Oblast, although there have been calls for the Semipalatinsk Oblast to be restored.
Kazakhstan`s Contribution
The Washington Times
Washington DC, May 5: Although the recent PBS screening of `Avoiding Armageddon` did mention Kazakhstan as a country that chose to rid itself of weapons of mass destruction (WMD), it was disappointing that Americans were not fully informed of what was behind that choice and what it means for global security. Kazakhstan`s `notable example` of disarmament, as the White House recently described it, could be used as a counterweight to aspirations of some countries to develop WMD as means to assert their interests in the world. In 1991, having suffered through almost 500 Soviet nuclear tests that destroyed the lives of 1.5 million people, Kazakhstan voluntarily renounced what would have been the world`s 4th nuclear arsenal and shut down the world`s largest nuclear test site at Semipalatinsk. Together with the United States, we have since destroyed the remaining infrastructure of the loathsome legacy of the Cold War. Amongst the most graphic examples of our co-operation under the Nunn-Lugar program have been Project Sapphire, which shipped more than 1,300 pounds of weapons-grade uranium from Kazakhstan to the U.S., and the destruction of the world`s largest anthrax production and weaponisation facility at Stepnogorsk.
Russian Soyuz Capsule Lands In Kazakhstan
People`s Daily
Beijing, May 4: The Russian Soyuz-TMA-1 spacecraft carrying two American astronauts and one Russian cosmonaut successfully landed in Kazakhstan at 06:07 a.m. Moscow time (0207 GMT) on Sunday, Itar-Tass news agency reported.
Special Focus
Armenia: New Parliament To Be Elected Amid Lingering Political Tensions Armenian President Robert Kocharian, still reeling from allegations of vote rigging that marred his recent re-election, has hardly opted for a conventional way of retaining control of his country`s parliament. Unlike many other post-Soviet leaders, he has no party of his own and has never tried to establish one throughout his five-year presidency.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav050403a.shtml Uzbekistan: Still Struggling With Economic, Investment Challenges, Despite Some SuccessEconomist Rustam Jumayev, a professor of political science at Tashkent State University, says Uzbekistan has made great progress from being simply a producer of raw materials such as cotton, oil, gas, gold, and other strategic metals.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/business/articles/eav050303.shtml
Morale Of US Trained Georgian Troops High, But US Advisors Concerned About Sustainability From the outside, there is little that distinguishes the Krtsanisi military base from other Soviet-era facilities in Georgia, except that there is a small memorial to the victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks near the entrance. The monument is the only indicator that the Krtsanisi base is home to a two-year $64-million US program to train the core of a modernized Georgian army.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav050503.shtml
EBRD Meeting In Tashkent Proves To Be PR Nightmare For Karimov Far from providing a boost to Uzbekistan`s economic prospects, the just-completed annual meeting of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) proved to be a public relations nightmare for President Islam Karimov`s administration.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/rights/articles/eav050603.shtml The Putin-Turkmenbashi Deal Of The Century - Towards A Eurasian Gas OPEC? Energy experts took the Russian idea of a `Gas OPEC` with a grain of salt. This may be changing: on April 10-11, Russia and Turkmenistan signed a 25-year natural gas agreement which, if successful, is projected to sell 2 trillion cubic meters of gas, bringing the two sides half a trillion dollars in sales over its lifetime. Turkmenistan will sell increasing amounts of gas to Gazprom at $44 a cubic meter, while the price in Western European markets will be $80-100 per cubic meter. The reseller of gas is gaining more than the producer.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.cacianalyst.org/view_article.php?articleid=1384 Aliyev`s Health Problems Create Political Uncertainty In Azerbaijan The collapse of President Aliyev once again brought the issue of succession and political stability in Azerbaijan to the top of the agenda. Opposition parties reacted to the incident with increased activism, while the ruling party seems to be in disorder.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.cacianalyst.org/view_article.php?articleid=1383 Russia`s Move In Central Asia Since the war in Iraq, Russia has launched a comprehensive effort to bring Central Asia and the CIS under its control using military and economic instruments of power to counter America`s presence there. These moves reflect the Russian military-political elite`s continuing unwillingness to forsake its hegemonic approach to Central Asia or to accept the legitimacy of America`s presence there as invited by local sovereign states. Apart from further militarizing Central Asia`s politics and stimulating its division into competing blocs, these new initiatives also aggravate declining U.S.-Russian relations and reflect an effort not only to subordinate key states to Moscow, but to surround and pressure Uzbekistan, Central Asia`s most independent and strongest actor.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.cacianalyst.org/view_article.php?articleid=1382 Russia Tightens Grip On Armenia With Debt Agreements Pressed to settle its accumulating debt, Armenia is intent on transferring state-owned strategic assets to Russia. A series of equity-for-debt deals, agreed to in principle over the past few months, may place virtually the entire Armenian energy sector under Russian control. The swaps would provide Moscow with additional political leverage over its chief ally in the South Caucasus.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/business/articles/eav050703.shtml
Kyrgyzstan: US State Department Warns Against IMU Threat The groups referred to in a recent U.S. State Department announcement are the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) and the East Turkistan Islamic Movement -- extremist groups believed to have links to Al-Qaeda.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/pp050803.shtml
Drug Trafficking Emerging As Top National Security Threat To TajikistanTajik leaders say the country`s war against drug traffickers is enjoying significant success. Nevertheless, the volume of narcotics coming out of neighbouring Afghanistan is such that Tajik drug control officers are being overwhelmed. Some local observers suggest the trafficking problem is eclipsing Islamic radical activity as Tajikistan`s top security threat.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav050803.shtmlNew Book Examines Roots Of The Nagorno - Karabakh Conflict
Black Garden: Armenia and Azerbaijan Through Peace and War By Thomas de Waal New York University Press New York and London 2003 $35.95 On February 20, 1988, the local assembly of Nagorno-Karabakh issued a stunning, plainly-worded resolution that called for the transfer of their autonomous region from the republic of Azerbaijan to the republic of Armenia. `The dreary language of the resolution,` writes Thomas de Waal in his fine new book Black Garden: Armenia and Azerbaijan Through Peace and War, `hid something truly revolutionary.`
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/culture/articles/eav050903.shtml
Report Dated 9 May 2003