Russian Language Study Again Made Compulsory In Tajik Schools
Radio Free Europe
Dushanbe, May 22: Tajik President Emomali Rakhmonov has ordered that the study of the Russian language again be compulsory in Tajik schools beginning in September, `Krasnaya zvezda` reported on 22 May. The Russian military`s official paper connected Rakhmonov`s decision with the fact that Tajik men wanting to enter Russian military service generally have poor Russian-language skills, but it could apply equally well to the thousands of Tajik labour migrants who go to Russia seeking work. `
Kyrgyz Official Charged With 2002 Demonstration Acquitted
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, May 20: Four officials convicted in connection with the shooting deaths of five people during a demonstration in southern Kyrgyzstan`s Aksy Raion in March 2002 have been acquitted by an appeals court, the pro-government daily `Slovo Kyrgyzstana` reported on 20 May. The four -- former Djalal-Abad Oblast Prosecutor Zootbek Kudaibergenov, former Djalal-Abad Oblast Police Chief Kubanychbek Tokobaev, former Djalal-Abad Oblast Deputy Police Chief Abdykalyl Kolbaev and former Aksy Raion Prosecutor Abdylkalyk Kaldarov -- were sentenced by the Osh Military Court to prison terms of two to three years on 28 December 2002.
Azerbaijan President Nominates His Son For Presidential Post
Pravda
Moscow, May 20: To all appearance, incumbent President of Azerbaijan, Geyday Aliyev, has serious problems with his health. The 80-year-old president is even ready to give up his participation in the presidential election, which is to take place in October of the current year. It goes without saying that the question of Aliyev`s post has been solved before. There is nothing surprising that the choice has been made for Geydar Aliyev`s son, Ilkham Aliyev. Interfax reported with reference to a `high-ranking source at the presidential administration of Azerbaijan,` Geydar Aliyev was going to release an official statement about his refusal to participate in the presidential election. As it was said, Ilkham Aliyev`s candidacy would be nominated within a couple of weeks after that. An anonymous source told Interfax that `all influential people in the president`s team had promised to support Ilkham Aliyev at the election in October.`
No Presidential Candidates Nominated Yet In Azerbaijan
Interfax
Baku, May 20: The nomination of candidates for Azerbaijan`s presidential elections will officially start after parliament passes a draft election code, a senior presidential aide said on Tuesday. `It`s too early to talk about the start of the election campaign before the Election Code is approved. Only after parliament has approved will we be able to start discussing a candidate nomination for the ruling party,` Ali Hasanov, head of the public and political department of the Azerbaijani president`s executive office, told Interfax.
Kyrgyz Hunger Strikers Demand Meeting With President
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, May 19: Eighteen hunger strikers are demanding a meeting with President Akaev to discuss the issue of punishment for the persons responsible for the deaths of their relatives who were shot by police during the March 2002 demonstration in Aksy Raion, akipress.org reported on 19 May. The women were detained by police on 15 May when they tried to obtain a meeting with Akaev.
Opposition Newspaper Reportedly Banned In Northern Kazakhstan
Radio Free Europe
Astana, May 19: The Kazakh-language independent newspaper `Respublika-Assandi Times` reported on 16 May that it has apparently been banned in the Pavlodar Oblast of northern Kazakhstan. According to the report, a distributor taking copies of the publication to the town of Ekibastuz on 11 May was told by local police that the newspaper has been banned. They did not explain the reason for the ban. The distributor was reported to have said that the police pointed to photographs of leaders of the opposition Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan (DVK) coalition that appeared on the last page of the newspaper and stated that `these people are criminals, not politicians.`
Kazakh President Hails Catholic Presence In His Country
Interfax
Astana, May 19: President Nursultan Nazarbayev said on Saturday that a decision to set up a Roman Catholic metropolitan see in Kazakhstan will give the country greater international influence. `This decision has been awaited by many believers, and I sincerely congratulate them,` Nazarbayev said after mass at the Astana Cathedral led by Vatican Foreign Minister Cardinal Angelo Sodano.
Kazakh Parliament Votes Confidence In Government
Radio Free Europe
Astana, May 19: The Kazakh parliament approved a vote of confidence on 19 May in the government of Kazakh Prime Minister Imanghaliy Tasmaghambetov, Kazakhstan Today reported. The vote had been scheduled for 16 May, but was postponed. Fifty-five deputies of the Mazhilis (lower house) voted against the government and 18 for it, while three senators voted against the government and 34 voted for it, according to the report. A two-thirds vote against the government would have been required in order for the vote to be considered an expression of no confidence. Tasmaghambetov had called for the vote of confidence because of his dissatisfaction with amendments that the Mazhilis attached to a government-drafted Land Code.
Aliyev At Work
The Moscow Times
Baku, May 18: Azeri President Haidar Aliyev appeared in public for the first time Friday since he returned from a hospital stay in Turkey. Aliyev, dressed casually in a red sports shirt, chaired a meeting of the Security Council from his home.
Russian Authorities Reportedly Issue Warrant For Arrest Of Top Turkmen Opposition Member
Radio Free Europe
Ashgabat, May 18: Turkmen Prosecutor-General Kurbanbibi Atadjanova has said that Moscow Oblast`s Zarai Raion court has issued an arrest warrant for the former head of Turkmenistan`s Central Bank, Khudaiberdy Orazov, turkmenistan.ru reported on 18 May. Orazov fled to Russia in early 2002 and joined the Turkmen opposition in exile. The Turkmen authorities subsequently accused him of embezzling $72 million during his tenure at the Central Bank.
Former Kazakh Minister Receives Suspended Sentence
Radio Free Europe
Astana, May 17: Kazakhstan`s Supreme Court handed down a five-year suspended sentence on 17 May to former Transport and Communications Minister Ablay Myrzakhmetov on charges of large-scale embezzlement and abuse of his official position when he headed the national railroad company from 1998-2001, Interfax reported. He was also barred from holding any official position for two years.
Uzbek Resolution Raises Allowances For Fixed-term Military Service
Hoover`s Online
Tashkent, May 23: Resolution by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan `On additional privileges for servicemen undergoing fixed-term military service in the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the ranks of soldiers and sergeants`. In accordance with the law of the Republic of Uzbekistan `On universal military service`, to improve the efficiency of combat training and combat readiness of troops, the prestige of military service, to guarantee the social security of servicemen undergoing fixed-term military service, and also the training of developed and devoted youth to the country, to form a trained reserve for building up the armed forces, power-wielding structures and law-enforcement agencies with specialists who have undergone the army school of courage and patriotism, the Cabinet of Ministers resolves: 1. To accept the proposal by the Ministry of Finance, Defence Ministry, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, Emergency Situations Ministry, National Security Service and the State Committee for State Border Defence of the Republic of Uzbekistan on increasing the allowances of servicemen undergoing fixed-term military service in the ranks of soldiers and sergeants by two times; the amount of the dismissal wage on completion of their military service to eight minimum wages or to increase them by 20 times from 1 July 2003. To determine that the expenses connected with the increase of allowances for servicemen undergoing fixed-term military service, will be covered by money from the Finance Ministry`s special account - `mobilization call-up reserve funds`. 2. On the basis of verified calculations by the Defence Ministry, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Emergency Situations Ministry, National Security Service and State Committee for State Border Defence the Finance Ministry (Mamarizo Nurmurodov) is to allocate 2bn soms [around 2m dollars] in 2003 from the special account of mobilization call-up reserve funds for improving the maintenance of the servicemen of the fixed-term military service, providing them with necessary things, equipping formations and units with sports facilities, gyms, modern computer technology, teaching material and libraries.
Azeri Delay In Iraq
The Moscow Times
Baku, May 22: Azerbaijan`s plans to send a 150-man peacekeeping contingent to Iraq have been delayed at least until the end of the month, the U.S. ambassador to Azerbaijan said Thursday. Ambassador Ross Wilson said the delay has nothing to do specifically with Azerbaijan, which had promised a unit to take part in patrols, law enforcement and protection of religious and historical monuments.
Tajik Official Hails Opportunity For Tajiks To Serve In Russian Military
Radio Free Europe
Dushanbe, May 22: First Deputy Chairman of Tajikistan`s ruling Popular Democratic Party Davlatali Davlatov told the Interfax Military News Agency on 22 May that the country`s leadership welcomes Russian President Vladimir Putin`s decision to allow citizens of CIS countries to serve in the Russian armed forces. Davlatov said he believes Putin meant Tajikistan in particular when he referred to those CIS states with which Russia co-operates strategically. T
Tajikistan Hoping For Russian Aid In Army Technical Support
Interfax
Dushanbe, May 21: Tajikistan hopes for Russian aid in advancing its army, Davlatali Davlatov, deputy chairman of the People`s Democratic Party of Tajikistan, told Interfax-Military News Agency Wednesday. `Tajikistan is in an area of strategic importance, on the southern CIS border, and it has to have a strong well-armed army capable of protecting it. We need hardware and a different aid in improving the defences of the country.
Winged Guard.
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, May 20: Ceremony of first assumption of duties on guarding air frontier of Kazakhstan by the 600th guards airbase took place at Zhetygen airdrome near Almaty. RK defence minister personally ordered this duty. Personnel of Zhetygen, relocated from Lugovaya airbase, have already trained at MIG-29. - Relocation nearer to Astana, Almaty and Karaganda is a necessary movement, - said Mr Altynbayev. - These are large centers of the country and we are glad that all crafts today are on duty. These crafts are able to intercept any targets in any point of the air. There also took place a presentation of first test helicopter of USA; the US ambassador to Kazakhstan Larry Napper attended the ceremony.
Kazakh Defence Minister Speaks For Diversity In Arms Procurement
Hoover`s Online
Almaty, May 20: A blueprint to rearm the armed forces is to be drafted in Kazakhstan. Regardless of the fact that we have got wonderful hardware, this hardware is today`s or even yesterday`s. We should think of the future,` the Kazakh defence minister, Army Gen Mukhtar Altynbayev, told journalists at the Zhetigen air base in [southern] Almaty Region today. In particular, he noted that the chief of the General Staff of the armed forces [Lt-Gen Malik Saparov] had been instructed to draft a blueprint to rearm the Kazakh army. In addition, the minister stressed that the hardware, which is expected to be received at the initial stage of the rearming process, `should be diverse (from various countries) to make it possible to chose the best option`. `We should not be looking at one particular country and we should not be dependent on one country. Whichever hardware is best, we shall take it,` Altynbayev said. The country`s armed forces are currently being funded from the national budget with a calculation of at least 1 per cent of GDP. GDP is expected to total 4,368bn tenge (the current exchange rate is 150.9 tenge to the dollar) [28.76bn dollars] this year, growing by 8.3 per cent on 2002.
All Calm On Kyrgyz Border After Extra Security, Says Uzbek TV
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, May 21: Following attacks on police stations in Kyrgyzstan`s Dzhalal-Abad Region, Uzbekistan has stepped up security measures along its borders with that country, Uzbek TV reported on 21 May. The report said that regular trips across the border never stopped, and that the situation in bordering areas remained calm. `
Uzbek Volunteer Guards Flush Out Illegals In Eastern Areas
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, May 20: The local voluntary security teams, Chegara Posbonlari (Border Guards) and Mahalla Posbonlari (neighbourhood Guards) are working efficiently in Ferghana District which borders on Kyrgyzstan, the Uzbek newspaper Khalq Sozi reported on 20 May. It said that the teams were helping the authorities to flush out people illegally living in the district. `
U.S. To Help Kazakhstan Reinforce Caspian Naval Grouping
Interfax
Almaty, May 20: The United States is ready to supply the Kazakh Armed Forces with equipment for tightening border control in the Caspian Sea. This year, the U.S. defence Department is assigning large resources to help the Kazakh defence Ministry and border services increase their capabilities in the Caspian Sea in an effort to control the illegal transportation of hazardous substances across the sea, American ambassador to Kazakhstan Larry Napper told the press on Tuesday at the Zhetygen air base in the Almaty region. He stressed the special significance of the Caspian for the future economic development of Kazakhstan. Kazakh defence Minister Gen. Muhtar Altynbayev said that the defence ministries of the two countries are considering the free transfer to the Kazakh navy of a ship with displacement exceeding 1,000 tonnes. He called it a good contribution of the United States in light of today`s challenges. He also said that the chances of American shipments of C-130 transport aircraft are now being considered.
Tajikistan Needs $13 Million To Clear Territory Of Mines
Interfax
Dushanbe, May 20: Tajikistan has worked out a government program worth some $13 million for clearing its territory of mines, press secretary of the Tajik defence Ministry Lt. Col. Zarobiddin Sirodzhev told Interfax on Tuesday. `Since the 1993-1998 civil war in Tajikistan, a lot of minefields have remained in the country. There is a particularly large amount of them near the Tajik-Uzbek border. These mines pose a huge danger to the population. In this connection, a state mine-clearing program has been drafted and needs to be cleared with the government. Completely getting rid of the mine danger will cost about $13 million,` Sirodzhev said.
Czech Republic Offers Weapons To Kyrgyzstan
Interfax
Bishkek, May 19: The Czech Republic has announced its readiness to provide the Kyrgyz Armed Forces with weapons, Kyrgyz Prime Minister Nikolai Tanayev said at a cabinet session on Monday. `The Czech Republic plans to abandon its Soviet-era weapons, as they do not meet the alliance`s standards,` Tanayev said. The prime minister stressed that `the defence Ministry should take more rapid steps to resolve this issue, since, apart from arms, the Czech Republic plans to supply military hardware, including trucks fitted with communications equipment, excavators, cranes and pontoons.` In addition, Ukraine may also extend grants of $600,000 to $800,000 to the Kyrgyz army.
Russian Military Presence In Tajikistan Meets Regional Security Interests - Ambassador
Interfax
Dushanbe, May 19: The presence of Russian troops in Tajikistan meets the interests of regional security, Russian Ambassador to Tajikistan Maxim Peshkov told Interfax-Military News Agency on Monday. `After the Taliban regime was toppled in neighbouring Afghanistan, processes threatening regional security continued there. In these circumstances, the presence of a contingent of Russian troops and border guards is necessary,` Peshkov said.
Uzbekistan Removes Ban On Transit Flights Of Russian Military Cargo Planes
Interfax
Moscow, May 19: Uzbekistan has removed the ban on the use of its airspace for transit flights of Russian military cargo planes, a competent source in the Russian defence Ministry told Interfax-Military News Agency on Monday. `A temporary ban on transit flights of Russian military cargo planes over Uzbekistan was imposed after Russia delayed the payment for the use of Uzbek airspace due to May Day and Victory Day holidays. The money has been transferred by now, and Russian military transport aviation planes are again allowed to fly over Uzbekistan starting from Monday evening,` the source in the defence Ministry`s financial and economic directorate said.
Abkhaz Security Officials Say Al Qaida In Western Georgia
Radio Free Europe
Tbilisi, May 21: Abkhazia`s First Deputy National Security Minister Nugzar Samsoni denied on 21 May that any Islamic militants have taken refuge on the territory of the unrecognized republic, Caucasus Press reported. He said there are some refugees from Chechnya in Abkhazia, but that the Chechen fighters who fought on the Abkhaz side during the 1992-93 war with Georgia left Abkhazia long ago. On 22 May, Caucasus Press quoted Abkhaz State Security chief Givi Agrba as saying that ABC was correct in alleging that Al-Qaeda operatives are being trained in Georgia.
Total, Kazakhstan State Oil Co Talk New Caspian Projects
Kazakhstan News
Almaty, May 23: French oil giant Total SA (TOT) said Wednesday it started talks with Kazakhstan`s state oil and gas company KazMunaiGaz (R.KMGZ) on the joint development of oil fields in the Caspian Sea, Kazakhstan Today news agency reported. `We are looking closely at the possibility of developing reserves in the Kazakh sector of the Caspian Sea and plan to use all opportunities to enter into new Caspian projects,` the agency quoted Total`s general director Pascal Laluel as saying.
Kazakhstan Not Planning Collectivization - PM
Interfax
Pavlodar, May 23: The Kazakh government `is not planning any collectivization` in the process of introducing private ownership of farmland, Kazakh Prime Minister Imangali Tasmagambetov has announced. `There is no need to worry. One need only read the Land Code carefully,` he told a Thursday meeting of farm producers in Pavlodar region. The draft Land Code approved earlier this week implies the introduction of private ownership in farmland. The president has not signed it into law yet. `Nobody is planning to undermine existing relations [in the countryside],` Tasmagambetov said.
Kyrgyzstan, China To Build 360 Kilometer Road
Interfax
Bishkek, May 22: Kyrgyzstan and China will build a 360-km road connecting the southern bank of Lake Issyk-Kul in Northern Kyrgyzstan and the Aksu district of China`s Sinkiang-Uigur region. Zhaiman Kasymbekov, chief of staff in the Issyk-Kul regional administration, told this to the press on Thursday. `China has set up a management office and is prepared to appropriate $15 million for the project,` he said.
TotalFinaElf Invests $500 Mln In Kashagan Field
Interfax
Almaty, May 21: TotalFinaElft had invested $500 million in the Kashagan oil and gas field in Kazakhstan`s sector of the Caspian Sea by the end of 2002. This company is developing the field as a member of the Agip KCO international consortium. `Agip KCO`s current task is to begin extracting oil and gas. But this is likely to occur only in about three years` time,` said Pascal Lalouel, general director of TotalFinaElf E&P Kazakhstan. He made this comment during a presentation of French oil and gas companies in Almaty on Wednesday, which was part of a French economic forum that will last from May 19-22.
Kazakhstan May Sell Govt Stake In CNPC-Aktobemunaigaz In Lots
Interfax
Almaty, May 21: The Kazakh government owned package of shares in Kazakh-Chinese oil company CNPC-Aktobemunaigaz (25.12 per cent of charter capital), which will be auctioned on May 28 on the Kazakh Stock Exchange (KASE), may be split up into lots, KASE President Azamat Dzholdasbekov told Interfax.
ADB Approves US$1m To Restructure Uzbekistan`s Enterprise Sector
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, May 21: ADB has approved a US$1 million technical assistance (TA) grant to help Uzbekistan improve corporate governance and restructure its enterprise sector, according to ABD media centre. The TA will strengthen the policy, legal, and regulatory framework for the corporate sector, launch restructuring initiatives in the state enterprise sector, and improve regulatory oversight. The ADB assistance will evaluate sector vulnerabilities, assess the adequacy of policies, and recommend regulatory and institutional reforms. It will also help develop effective mechanisms for involving commercial banks in financial restructuring of enterprises.
Aliev: Kazakhstan Can Transport Up To 10 Million Tons Of Oil Per Annum Via BTC
Baku Today
Baku, May 20: Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan will be able to accept oil from Kazakhstan, said IIham Aliev, SOCAR First Vice-President. He said it will allow to transport 10 tons of oil per annum from Kazakhstan.capacity is 50 million tons of oil per annum. In 2002, `we recovered over 14 million tons of oil and we have such plans for 2003. By 2005, we plan to increase production. Therefore, one more jump in oil production will be observed in 2008. Then we`ll recover 50 million tons of oil per annum,` he said.
Population Of Azerbaijan Amounts To 8 Million 223 Thousand
Baku Today
Baku, May 20: The Azerbaijan population amounted to 8 million 223 thousands people in May 1, having increased for the first 4 months of 2003 by 21 thousands people or 0,3 per cent.According to the State Statistical Committee, 51 percent of the Azerbaijan citizens make up urban and the rest rural population. 4 millions 33 thousands (49 per cent) citizens of Azerbaijan are male, 51 per cent are female.
BP Pipeline Will Displace Thousands, Says Amnesty
Hoover`s Online
Astana, May 20: A pounds 2.9BN oil and gas pipeline project from the Caspian Sea to the Mediterranean, due to be constructed by a BP-led consortium, will infringe the human rights of thousands of people and cause environmental damage, according to an Amnesty International report published today. Amnesty is urging the British Government to reject BP`s application for taxpayers` money, in the form of export credit guarantees, for the 1,100 miles of pipeline. The study accuses the consortium of concluding an unprecedented agreement with the Turkish government which, it claims, will in effect strip local people and workers of their civil rights. The pipeline, from the Azerbaijani capital, Baku, through Georgia, to the Turkish port of Ceyhan, is one of the most ambitious projects of its kind and has been seen as a crucial gambit in a 21st-century equivalent of the Great Game. The scheme will allow vast supplies of oil and gas to flow in separate pipes from former Soviet central Asia to the Mediterranean without having to pass through Russian or Iranian territory. The Amnesty report, Human Rights on the Line, maintains that BP`s agreement with the Turkish government will lead to 30,000 villagers being forced to give up their land rights; inadequate health and safety precautions for local residents and workers; protesters against the pipeline facing state oppression; and a series of threats to the environment. Under the Host Government Agreement, Turkey has agreed to pay the BP consortium compensation if the construction operation is disrupted. It also guarantees that the companies will be protected from consequences of any changes in national or international legislation. The Turkish government has initiated statutory permanent purchases of land through which the pipes will be laid. About 30,000 villagers in eastern and central Turkey are due to be moved from their land. The Host Government Agreement allows BP free access to water for its `hydrostatic testing` and other uses. Amnesty`s report points out that there is no governmental and legal supervision of this, and the process is open to environmental abuse. The Baku-Ceyhan campaign, a pressure group lobbying against the project, claims the pipeline will be in danger from earthquakes.
IFC To Decide On Financing For Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline In August
Interfax
Baku, May 19: Documentation for a project to build the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline will be published on the website of BTC Co. at the end of May, after which the International Finance Corporation will study this within 120 days and reach a decision on granting a credit for the project, Natik Aliyev, president of the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR), told journalists. He said that a repeated study of all aspects of ecological safety for the pipeline has again shown that this project meets all international conventions and UN norms.
Half Of Work On Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Pipeline To Be Completed In 2003
Interfax
Moscow, May 19: By the end of this year 50 per cent of work will have been completed for the construction of the Baku-Tbilisi- Ceyhan pipeline, Natik Aliyev, president of the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR), told journalists. He also noted that in September 2003 construction of the Azerbaijani section of the pipeline would be completed, in October - the Georgian section and in December - the Turkish section of the pipeline.
CNOOC And Sinopec To Acquire Oil Consortium In Kazakhstan.
Hoover`s Online
Astana, May 19: CNOOC (China) and Sinopec (China), oil concerns, plan to acquire a 16.6 per cent stake in the consortium that is to exploit oil in Kashagan, Kazakhstan. Each of the two firms wants to buy an 8.3 per cent share in the consortium for $ 615 M from BG Group (UK), which will leave it. The consortium`s current members are BG Group, ENI (Italy), Royal Dutch/Shell (UK/Netherlands), Exxon Mobil, TotalFinaElf, Conoco-Phillips and Inpex.
Shell, Four Rivals Add Stake In Caspian Oil Project
Central Asia Daily
London, May 18: Royal Dutch/Shell Group, Eni SpA and three other partners in a US$7.4 billion (US$1 = RM3.80) Caspian Sea oil project opted to raise their stakes in the development, blocking plans by two Chinese rivals to buy the shares. Exxon Mobil Corp, Total SA and ConocoPhillips also increased their interests in the Kashagan field, said Robin O`Kelly, a spokesman for BG Group Plc, which is selling its share of a licence in Kazakhstan`s part of the Caspian Sea. Only Inpex Corp of Japan decided against buying more of the field.
Strengthening Ties.
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, May 23: Friday a group of Lower House` deputies headed by vice speaker M.Kopeyev met with Italian delegation headed by vice minister of foreign affairs M.Bonniver. The sides expressed intention to actuate inter-parliamentary collaboration; they noticed that multi-sided, constantly widening Kazakhstani-Italian contacts would strengthen ties between the parliaments.
Documents Ratified.
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, May 22: On 22 of May Senate` plenary meeting ratified a number of international documents concerning economic cooperation with China and regional anti-terrorist body of the SCO member states. Beside, senators introduced amendments to RK Civil Code in issues of mortgage lending (second reading), to some legal acts on standardization and certification, to Presidential legislative decree `On Publicly-owned Enterprises` and RK Law `On Licensing`.
Meeting With Kofi Annan.
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, May 22: Permanent representative of RK at UN Madina Dzharbusynova met in New York with the Secretary General of this organization Kofi Annan. Cause for the meeting was termination of diplomatic mission. Kofi Annan estimated highly cooperation between Kazakhstan and UN and efforts of our country to maintain peace and stability in the region.
Iran, Azerbaijan Keen To Broaden Ties
IRNA
Tehran, May 21: Azeri Minister of National Security Namik Abbasov and Iranian Information Minister Ali Younesi, in a press conference here on Wednesday, reiterated the strengthening and development of mutual ties between the two states, which is in the interest of both sides. Abbasov said that Azerbaijan Republic is keen to develop closer and broad relations with Iran.
Kazakh, Turkish Talks
The Moscow Times
Almaty, May 20: Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev will visit Turkey this week where he will consult with President Ahmet Sezer as part of a `regular official visit,` a Foreign Ministry official said Tuesday. No information was immediately available about the precise nature of the talks but they come amid concern over the progress of an oil pipeline being built between the Caspian Sea and Turkey`s Mediterranean coast that is crucial to Kazakhstan`s hopes of oil wealth.
President Hu To Visit Russia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Attend International Meetings
Xinhua
Beijing, May 20: President Hu Jintao will pay state visits to Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia and attend the leaders` informal dialogue meeting between the North and the South in Evian,France from May 26 to June 5, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue announced in Beijing Tuesday. During his tour, President Hu will also attend the third Summit Meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member nations to be held in Moscow, and the celebrations of the tri-centennial anniversary of the establishment of the city of St. Petersburg, Zhang said at a regular press conference.
Slovenian Envoy Accredited To Turkmenistan
Hoover`s Online
Ashgabat, May 19: The ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of Slovenia to Turkmenistan, Franci Demsar, today presented his credentials to the chairman of the Turkmen Mejlis [parliament], O. [Owezgeldi] Atayew. The speaker of the Turkmen parliament congratulated the guest on his appointment to the high diplomatic post, and wished every success in his efforts in the name of strengthening the mutually advantageous partnership between Turkmenistan and Slovenia.
OSCE Chairman`s Personal Envoy To Visit Central Asia
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, May 19: The OSCE Chairman`s Personal Envoy for Central-Asia, former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari, embarked yesterday on a visit to four Central Asian states to work on improving the constructive relationship between the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe and Central Asia. As Personal Envoy of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Netherlands Foreign Minister Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, Ahtisaari, during his official visit to Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan will emphasise the need for increased cooperation and involvement in OSCE activities.
European Delegation Meets Uzbek Speaker, NGOs, Prosecutor
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, May 19: The visiting European Parliament delegation for relations with Central Asia and Mongolia met the chairman of the Supreme Assembly [parliament] of Uzbekistan, Ekrin Khalilov, Uzbek Radio reported on 19 May. During the conversation the parties emphasized the need to foster interparliamentary relations and expand cooperation in legislation. They said that they were closely cooperating in developing parliamentary democracy, safeguarding the protection of human rights and carrying out reforms in many other fields. The parties also exchanged opinions on the agenda of the fourth session of the Uzbek-EU interparliamentary committee scheduled to be held in Samarkand (eastern Uzbekistan) on 21 May.
Kazak Authorities Requiring Medical Checkups On Border With China
Voice of America
Astana, May 19: Kazakh authorities are requiring all travelers crossing the border from China to undergo medical check-ups, in an effort to prevent the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome into the country. The authorities said the border zone can be entered only by special permit and that those showing any signs of the disease will be isolated. Kazakhstan closed its border in early May, initially until May 20.
Uzbek President Receives Italian Deputy Foreign Minister
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, May 19: Uzbek President Islam Karimov received Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Margherita Boniver at the Oqsaroy presidential residence in the Uzbek capital, Uzbek TV reported on 19 May. Having welcomed the visitor, President Islam Karimov expressed his profound gratitude to Italian President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi and Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi for their exceptional care to develop relations between Uzbekistan and Italy.
Visit To Great Britain.
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, May 18: First official visit of RK MPs to UK finished last Sunday. The MPs had a lot of meetings with representatives of official and business circles. In particular, they learnt the English experience in health care and education spheres, taxation policy, anti-drug scheme, development of different sectors of economy, including small and middle business and agriculture. At the meeting with vice minister of foreign affairs M. O`Bryan, RK MPs spoke of widening bilateral collaboration; Mr O`Bryan noted progressive political and economic reforms in our country, and significant role of Kazakhstan in strengthening the security. Deputy Leader of the House of Lords, State Minister of trade and investments baroness Simons announced her intention to visit Kazakhstan.
5th Uzbek-Iranian Economic Session Starts In Tashkent
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, May 18: Deputy Minister of commerce and Head of Iran Export Promotion Center Mojtaba Khosrotaj said that during 2002 Iran has imported goods worth US$ 45 million from Uzbekistan while exporting goods worth US$ 80 million to Uzbekistan. According IRNA,Khosrotaj who was speaking at the initial session of the 5th Iran-Uzbekistan Joint Economic and Trade Session added that Iran`s non-oil exports topped dlrs 5 billion and included over 27,000 items exported to 160 nations.
Tripartite Accord On Caspian Sea `Invalid`: Safari
Tehran Times
Tehran, May 17: `The Caspian Sea needs a five-nation agreement and the tripartite accord announced by Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Russia lacks validity,` Iranian special envoy on the Caspian Sea Mahdi Safari said on Saturday. He told IRNA that the ninth meeting of the working group from the five littoral states held in Almaty focused on drafting a convention on the Caspian Sea so that the latest accord made by the three states is null and void. He said that following the summit of leaders of the Caspian Sea states, the working group has focused on a draft convention relating to legal issues, the procedure for exploitation of oil and gas resources, shipping, scientific and research activities, fishing, environment protection and security issues.
Tajikistan, Afghanistan Agree To Cooperate On Drugs
Radio Free Europe
Peshawar, May 20: During a visit to Kabul in connection with a sporting event, Tajikistan`s Deputy defence Minister Major General Ghairat Adhamov met with Afghan defence Minister Marshall Mohammad Qasim Fahim to discuss security in Central Asia, Asia Plus-Blitz reported on 20 May. The talks focused partly on the illegal drug trade. The two officials agreed to cooperate more closely in the fight against drug trafficking from Afghanistan to Tajikistan.
Tajik President Warns Of Danger Of Drug Trafficking
Radio Free Europe
Dushanbe, May 19: Imomali Rakhmonov told a group of defence attaches from embassies in Moscow on 19 May that `Tajikistan considers drug trafficking to be one of the main dangers to its national security,` Asia Plus-Blitz and Interfax reported. Rakhmonov`s press spokesman Zafar Saidov, who summarized the president`s remarks for journalists, said Rakhmonov noted that the Afghan drug business is not only intact, but is expanding its activities. He asserted that the fusion of the drug business and terrorist structures necessitates a broad international response.
Kyrgyz Ombudsman Calls For End To Police Mistreatment Of Citizens
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, May 22: Tursunbai Bakir-uulu has disseminated to the media an open letter to President Askar Akaev calling for an end to `acts of lawlessness` perpetrated by law enforcement officers in Bishkek against citizens exercising their constitutional rights, akipress.org reported on 22 May. The ombudsman`s letter was quoted as pointing out that the police have become more aggressive in their dealings with the population since a personal rivalry developed between Interior Minister Bakirdin Subanbekov and his deputy, Keneshbek Duishebaev.
Uzbek Interior Ministry Meeting Discusses Situation In Prisons
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, May 22: A meeting was held at the Uzbek Ministry of Internal Affairs, Uzbek TV reported on 22 May. It discussed issues related to the observance of law at the law-enforcement agencies, the means and methods of improving work in this field and the preliminary training of personnel. The meeting also discussed human rights protection in prisons and improving living conditions there.
Kyrgyz Police Official Fired After Raid
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, May 20: The heads of the Djalal-Abad city police department have been fired by the Kyrgyz Interior Ministry as a result of the 15 May raid on their headquarters, during which a group of men stole weapons and assaulted police officers (see `RFE/RL Newsline,` 16 May 2003), khabar.kz reported, citing a 20 May press conference in Bishkek by ministry spokesman Djoldoshbek Busurmankulov. The only top official of the Djalal-Abad police to retain his job was an unnamed deputy head of the investigations department, who has been told, however, that he is unsuitable for his post, according to Busurmankulov.
Only One Suspect In Kyrgyz Raid Still At Large
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, May 19: Only one member of the group that is believed to have raided the oblast and city police headquarters in the southern Kyrgyz city of Djalal-Abad on 15 May remains at large, centrasia.ru reported on 19 May. The gang allegedly carried out the attack in order to seize weapons with which to commit further crimes. According to the report, all the stolen weapons have been recovered. The authorities identified the remaining suspect as former police officer Adyl Karimov, who reportedly is hiding in the mountainous Aksy Raion of Djalal-Abad Oblast.
OSCE Reviews Kyrgyzstan Police Reforms
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, May 19: A special meeting was held on 19 May at the Vienna headquarters of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) to discuss the organization`s program of assistance to reform Kyrgyzstan`s Interior Ministry, akipress.org reported. The OSCE is spending 3.8 million euros ($4.4 million) on the program, which is scheduled to last 18 months and consists of seven projects that reportedly will focus on providing methodological and technical assistance. Kyrgyz presidential administration deputy head Temirbek Akmataliev pointed out that the reform of Kyrgyzstan`s law enforcement agencies was ordered by President Askar Akaev on 19 April 2002, a month after police killed five demonstrators in the Aksy Raion of southern Kyrgyzstan.
Over 46m Tonnes Of Radioactive Waste Left Unburied In Central Kazakh Region
Hoover`s Online
Astana, May 18: Probably, the example of Ulbinsk metallurgical plant [first in Kazakhstan to receive an environmental certificate from an international consulting company] will affect the resolution of an environmental issue in [central] Aqmola Region where there is an acute problem with burying radioactive waste in virgin soil [Aqmola Region in Soviet times was the centre of the `virgin soil` campaign meant to increase grain production in the USSR] from mining and chemical plants processing uranium ore. Our correspondent Galiya Ashkenova reports from Stepnogorsk [town in Aqmola Region]. Advertisement: Explore Within This Space [Correspondent] A cloud of radioactive dust up to 300 meters high from this unprotected site is reported in spring and summer. Afterwards it reaches the settlements of Aksu and Zavodskoye. A total of 46m tonnes of radioactive waste is behind me. This equals 150,000 Curie - a 300th of the emission from Chernobyl [environmental catastrophe in the Chernobyl atomic power plant in Ukraine in 1986]. So far no department has conducted research as to how far it [the dust] travels and which territories are affected by substances emerging as a result of radioactive waste decay, to what degree it contaminates the soil and air and is poisoning people.
Special Focus
NATO Interest In Caucasus Security Confirmed By Secretary General`s VisitNATO Secretary General Lord George Robertson`s recent tour of the Caucasus confirmed the Atlantic alliance`s growing interest in promoting regional stability. It also left officials in Azerbaijan and Georgia increasingly optimistic about eventual NATO membership. At the same time, Robertson stressed there are limits to NATO`s ability to expand its security umbrella over the region.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav051903.shtml Russians In Turkmenistan: Sold Out?For months, roughly 100,000 Turkmens have feared that they might suffer as a result of the apparent (some say staged) assassination attempt on President Saparmurat Niyazov. The president, known as Turkmenbashi (`father of all Turkmens`), swiftly pointed the finger at opposition figures based in Russia.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav051903a.shtml
Kyrgyz Government Blames Local Police Commanders Following Armed RaidsKyrgyzstan`s government is downplaying a possible terrorism connection to the recent attacks on two police stations. Instead, authorities are blaming the incidents on official negligence. On May 20, central government authorities announced a police reshuffle in the southern city of Jalal-Abad, where the attacks occurred. In addition, two high-ranking government ministers have received reprimands.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav052103a.shtml
Dilemmas For The Future Of GeorgiaAs a logical outcome of a decade of close relations, Georgia was one of dozens of states that allied with the U.S. in its battle against Saddam Hussein`s Iraq. American assistance has been crucial to Georgia`s survival since the second half of the 1990s. However, major internal and external dilemmas are presently confronting both Georgia and the U.S. These lie in Georgia`s complex relations with Russia, but more deeply also in the democratic development of Georgian statehood.
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http://www.cacianalyst.org/view_article.php?articleid=1419 Coalition Government Likely Outcome Of May 25 Parliamentary Elections In ArmeniaArmenia`s parliamentary vote May 25 will likely reflect the divisions in society that have opened since President Robert Kocharian`s controversial re-election just over two months ago. Opinion polls show that no party will be able to win a parliamentary majority, signalling the likelihood of a coalition government.
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http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav052203.shtml Confrontational Mood In Georgia As Political Leaders Brace For Heated Parliament Election CampaignA confrontational mood is settling over Georgia, as the country`s political leaders get an early start on campaigning ahead of the November parliamentary elections. The acrimony marking the political debate raises concerns that the election will be a source of instability for the country.
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http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav0052203.shtml Opposition Editors In Azerbaijan Complain About Government Pressure Over Aliyev Health IssueOpposition editors in Azerbaijan have complained about an increase in government pressure, which they portray as retaliation for their aggressive coverage of President Heidar Aliyev`s prolonged illness. The president remains out of sight, but administration officials claim that his health is steadily improving.
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http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav052303.shtmlDay Of Reckoning For China-Central Asia GroupThe heads of state of the member nations of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) - China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan - will meet in Moscow to formally approve the charter of the SCO and announce several new initiatives. They include modalities for funding the SCO headquarters in Beijing and counter-terrorism centre in Bishkek, the new secretary general of the organization, and plans for security and economic cooperation. Much remains unclear about the future of the SCO and the Moscow summit should lay out the future shape of the organization be a significant indicator of the future viability of this group.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/EE24Ag02.html
Report Dated 23 May 2003