Election Body Authorizes Aliev`s Son To Run For President
Radio Free Europe
Baku, July 4: Azerbaijan`s Central Election Commission today authorized Ilham Aliev -- son of the country`s leader Heidar Aliev (pictured) -- to be a candidate in the 15 October presidential election. Ilham Aliev`s candidacy was endorsed on 28 June by a group of citizens of the exclave of Nakhichevan, just days after the Yeni Azerbaycan (New Azerbaijan) ruling party nominated 80-year-old President Aliev to seek a third term.
Kazakh President, Premier Discuss Key Tasks Of Government
Hoover`s Online
Astana, July 4: Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev had several working meetings today. Nursultan Nazarbayev met Prime Minister Daniyal Akhmetov. The new head of government reported to the president on the implementation of the government`s tasks on a strategy for industrial innovation and development, work in the agro-industrial complex and on people`s social protection. Advertisement: Explore Within This Space The head of state also met Deputy Prime Minister and Agriculture Minister Akhmetzhan Yesimov. The Kazakh president discussed with the prime minister the strategic tasks of the government.
Kazakh Supreme Court Refuses To Review Opposition Politician`s Case
Radio Free Europe
Astana, July 2: Kazakhstan`s Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by the lawyer of former Pavlodar Oblast Governor Ghalymzhan Zhaqiyanov requesting it to review an oblast court`s conviction of her client on charges of abuse of office, Interfax-Kazakhstan reported on 2 July, quoting defence lawyer Yelena Rebenchuk. The lower court sentenced Zhaqiyanov to seven years` imprisonment in 2002 for alleged abuse of office during his term as governor. However, the Kazakh opposition believes the charges were politically motivated, because Zhaqiyanov is a co-founder of the opposition coalition Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan (DVK).
Kyrgyz Opposition Group Refuses Dialogue With Authorities
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, July 2: The Kyrgyz opposition movement For the Resignation of [President Askar] Akaev, For Reforms for the People has announced that it will not participate in a forum organized by the authorities to promote partnership between the government and civil society, or in a roundtable organized by the non governmental Foundation for the Development of Democracy, RFE/RL`s Kyrgyz Service reported on 2 July. Parliamentarian Azimbek Beknazarov, leader of the movement, told journalists that the group is more interested in studying ways to force Akaev`s resignation than in dialogue with the authorities.
Lawyers Of Jailed Kazakh Opposition Leader Intend To Turn To International Court
Uzbek Daily
Almaty, July 2: Lawyers of a Kazakh opposition leader jailed on corruption charges said Wednesday they would take the case that opposition activists allege is politically motivated to an international court. Galymzhan Zhakiyanov, leader of the Democratic Choice party, was sentenced last August to seven years in prison for abuse of power during his time as governor of the northern Pavlodar region. He was also fined 2 million tenge (about US$13,000). `We have tried all opportunities in the country and now intend to turn to an international court,` Zhakiyanov`s lawyer Yelena Rebenchuk told reporters Wednesday.
Kazakhstan`s Supreme Court Rejects Ex-official`s Request To Annul Verdict
Interfax
Almaty, July 2: Kazakhstan`s Supreme Court has rejected a appeal that was filed by the defence lawyer of former high-ranking official Galymzhan Zhakiyanov to reconsider the verdict passed by the Pavlodar regional court. Zhakiyanov was sentenced to seven years in prison for abuse of power during his tenure of the post of head of the Pavlodar regional administration (northern Kazkahstan).
Presidential Election In Azerbaijan: Like Father Like Son
Pravda
Moscow, July 1: The coming presidential election in the republic of Azerbaijan may become a unique event both in the political life of the Caucasian republic in particular and in the world practice on the whole. It does not happen every day, when father and son run for the one and the same position. Ilkham Aliyev (Ilkham Aliyev is the son of Geydar Aliyev, the Azeri president) has been nominated owing to the efforts of the Nakhichevan State University. A lot of Azeri politicians come from the town of Nakhichevan, including President Aliyev. The fact of Ilkham Aliyev`s participation in the election is not a surprise. People have been talking about it for years, although it was not known, how Geydar Aliyev was going to bless his son for the election race. To all appearance, a possible presidential status for Ilkham Aliyev has caused a big commotion in the political life of Azerbaijan.
Unauthorized Rally Stopped In Baku
Interfax
Baku, July 1: The Baku police on Tuesday dispersed an unauthorized rally organized by the Azerbaijani Democratic Party in front of the Central Election Commission headquarters. Ten demonstrators, chanting `Rasul-bei!` [Rasul Guliyev is party leader] gathered at the Central Election Commission headquarters. After police had detained six of them, the others left the scene, an Interfax correspondent reported.
Kyrgyz Party Declares Itself In Opposition
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, June 30: The Kyrgyz Ar-Namys Party formally declared itself in opposition to the government at its third congress on 28 June, akipress.org and the Kyrgyz Committee for Human Rights reported on 30 June. The congress, which was attended by 98 elected delegates from all oblasts, re-elected former Vice President Feliks Kulov as head of the party. Kulov, presently serving a jail sentence for crimes alleged to have been committed during his period as the country`s top security official, reportedly runs the party from his jail cell.
Kyrgyz Opposition Protests Post Presidential Privileges For Akaev
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, June 30: A Kyrgyz opposition movement comprising parliamentarians, human rights activists and opposition political figures that is seeking the resignation of President Askar Akaev issued a statement on 30 June protesting a law adopted by the lower house of parliament last week that would grant special privileges to Akaev after he leaves office, RIA-Novosti reported the same day. The statement asserted that the life-long privileges for Akaev and his family, including retention of government-owned housing and the use of a car and driver, would require significant expenditures of public funds.
Kazakh Opposition Figures Reject Tax Evasion Charges
Interfax
Almaty, June 30: Kazakh opposition figures Amirzhan Kosanov and editor-in-chief of SolDat newspaper Yermurat Bali told a news conference in Almaty on Tuesday that they are being framed in cases brought up against them by the country`s financial police. Kosanov said he expects to face official charges of tax evasion and using forged documents. The police say that as a leader of the Republican People`s party, he is charged with failing to pay taxes for five years.
Georgia, Russia Still At Odds Over Russian Peacekeeping Force In Abkhazia
Gazeta
Tbilisi, July 4: Late last week, Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze unilaterally prolonged the mandate, which was due to expire on 30 June, of the Russian peacekeeping force deployed under the CIS aegis in the Abkhaz conflict zone. That force will now remain in Abkhazia until either the Georgian or the Russian leadership requests its withdrawal. Both governments have drafted separate new agreements on the conditions for the peacekeepers` continued deployment, which is to be formally approved at the 19 September CIS summit. During a 27 June meeting at the State Chancellery with Georgian National Security Council Secretary Tedo Djaparidze, the U.S., British, and German ambassadors and UN special envoy Heidi Tagliavini approved the Georgian draft and hailed Shevardnadze`s decision to prolong the peacekeepers` mandate, Caucasus Press reported. There are, however, unspecified differences between the Georgian and Russian positions on the new mandate, according to Interfax on 30 June. In an interview published in `Krasnaya zvezda` on 27 June and summarized three days later by Interfax, Lieutenant General Aleksandr Yevteev, who is commander of the Russian peacekeeping force, argued that his men need air-defense systems and radar, given that they are required to monitor `80 kilometers of the Abkhaz coastline.` How Yevteev arrived at that figure is, however, not clear: the original mandate of his force stipulates that they are deployed in a 14-kilometer zone on either side of the River Inguri that marks the internal border between Abkhazia and the rest of Georgia. On 30 June, Georgian intelligence-service head Lieutenant General Avtandil Ioseliani rejected as unfounded Yevteev`s claim that his men need air-defense systems, Interfax reported. Ioseliani too pointed out that the peacekeepers` mandate does not extend to monitoring Abkhaz airspace or its coastline. He warned that if Russia installs such systems without consulting or informing the Georgian authorities, Tbilisi will demand the immediate withdrawal of the peacekeeping force.
New Zealand`s Servicemen Arrive At Kyrgyz Manas Airport
Interfax
Bishkek, July 2: New Zealand`s 40-strong contingent has joined the anti-terrorism coalition`s forces at the air base at Bishkek`s Manas international airport. The New Zealand servicemen who arrived in late June replaced Spanish Air Force units, which left the air base on July 21. The contingent`s commander told Interfax on Wednesday that the force was accompanied by an S-130 military transport airplane, which will airlift cargo and servicemen to support the coalition`s troops in Afghanistan. He said that his soldiers are in Kyrgyzstan on a 90-day mission, which can be expended depending on the coalition command`s decision and the situation in Afghanistan. New Zealand`s contingent will provide support for their country`s other servicemen in Afghanistan.
NATO-backed Terrorism, Drug Trade Event Held In Tashkent
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, June 30: A workshop entitled `Fight against terrorism and the illegal drug trade` was held last week at the Central Officers` House in the Uzbek capital, Uzbek TV reported. Organized by Turkey`s NATO Partnership for Peace Centre, it lasted for a week and was attended by representatives from all branches of the armed forces and senior officers.
NATO`s Robertson To Visit Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan
Interfax
Tashkent, June 30: NATO Secretary General George Robertson plans to visit Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan early this month and Uzbekistan in September. His trip to Uzbekistan will be a farewell visit as he is due to resign in December, Yeter Yaman of the NATO Information and Press Office for Central Asia and the Caucasus said on Tuesday. Yaman, who is a NATO program co-ordinator, has held talks at the Uzbek foreign and defence ministries. She told reporters in Tashkent this is her second visit to Uzbekistan and that it is aimed at stepping up NATO-Uzbek co-operation and familiarizing Central Asian countries with NATO projects.
Georgia Initiates Meeting Of Defence Ministers Of GUUAM Group
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, June 29: Soon official Tbilisi will initiate meeting of Defence Ministers of GUUAM member countries (Georgia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Moldova), Deputy Defence Minister Gela Bejuashvili told journalists. According to him, military department of Georgia believes that it is right time to start co-operation in security sphere within GUUAM. `Otherwise, GUUAM is not full value organisation`, Gela Bejuashvili said. `It is possible to start consultations and discuss format of co-operation he added.
France Looking To Increase Defence Cooperation With Uzbekistan
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, June 28: France is looking to increase military co-operation with Uzbekistan, the French defence minister said Saturday. `It is obvious to everyone today that Central Asia is an important element in the development of international relations,` Michele Alliot-Marie told reporters after meeting Uzbek senior officials in Tashkent. Alliot-Marie said France would send a team of experts to Uzbekistan shortly to identify areas for expanding military co-operation. France already assists to train Uzbek troops and over the past several years has given the Uzbekistan some 600,000 euros in military equipment worth about. During their talks, Alliot-Marie said she and Uzbek officials exchanged views on ways to ensure stability in Central Asia and prevent the spread of weapons of mass destruction in the region, and also discussed the situation in Afghanistan.
Kyrgyz Police Identify Murderers Of 16 Chinese Citizens
Interfax
Bishkek, July 3: The murderers of 16 Chinese citizens and 4 Kyrgyz nationals have been identified, Kyrgyz Deputy Interior Minister Bolotbek Nogoibayev told a press conference on Thursday. `The Kyrgyz police have identified the murderers as two citizens of China, who are now wanted,` he said. The initial motive seen behind the murder, robbery, has not been confirmed, Nogoibayev told Interfax. The twenty victims were riding a bus en route from Bishkek to China in March. After they were murdered, the bus containing their bodies was burned.
Kyrgyz Official Charges That IMU Has Received $400,000 From International Terrorists
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, July 2: The Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) has received $400,000 so far this year from international terrorist organizations to carry out `diversionary actions` in the Central Asian countries, Kyrgyzstan`s National Security Service Deputy Chairman Tokon Mamytov told journalists on 2 July, according to Interfax. He was quoted as saying that the IMU intends to send armed militants into Central Asia to engage in terrorist activities. He added that security officials have learned that the IMU is trying to establish ties with the banned Muslim extremist movement Hizb ut-Tahrir and has already joined with Uighur separatists and other Central Asian terrorists to form a united Islamic Movement of Turkestan. Mamytov added that the security services of the Central Asian states are attempting to identify the sources of IMU funding.
Uzbek Islamists Financed By International Terrorists - Kyrgyz Official
Interfax
Bishkek, July 2: In 2003, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan received $400,000 from various international terrorist organizations and funds to stage subversive acts in Central Asian countries, a high-ranking Kyrgyz security official has announced. `This organization plans to spend this money on terrorist attacks in Central Asia and to infiltrate its rebels into Central Asian countries, deputy chief of Kyrgyzstan`s national security service Tokon Mamytov told Interfax on Wednesday. He said the special services of Kyrgyzstan and other Central Asian countries are working to track down sources of financing terrorist movements. Information available to Kyrgyz special services suggests that the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan is making efforts to establish contacts with the Hizb-ut-Tahrir extremist party, banned in Central Asia, and create a religious wing on the basis of this organization.
Two Alleged Hizb-ut-tahrir Members Arrested In Northern Tajikistan
Radio Free Europe
Dushanbe, June 29: Two alleged activists of the illegal Muslim extremist movement Hizb ut-Tahrir have been detained while distributing leaflets in the town of Gafurov in northern Tajikistan`s Sughd Oblast, ITAR-TASS reported on 29 June, quoting an unnamed national law enforcement official. Police reportedly found 50 copies of Wahhabi publications and several hundred copies of proclamations while searching the homes of the detainees.
Uzbek Government Makes Public Its Plan To Introduce Currency Convertibility
Hoover`s Online
Tashkent, July 3: The Uzbek government on Thursday made public its plan to introduce free convertibility of the national currency, a move aimed at demonstrating its commitment to taking this long-awaited economic step. Last week the former Soviet republic`s government made a fresh pledge to remove restrictions on currency transactions and set November as the new deadline for this step. It will allow the country to sign Article 8 of the International Monetary Fund`s charter, which requires members to guarantee free convertibility of their currencies. The IMF withdrew its representative from Uzbekistan in 2001 due to frustration over the government`s reluctance to reform the economy. It returned last year, but relations have not been fully restored.
Tajik Government Raises Gas Tariffs, Making It Unaffordable For Most People
Hoover`s Online
Dushanbe, July 3: The Tajik government has doubled natural gas charges and warned that it will cut supplies for delays in payment - a move which, if enforced, could leave most of the impoverished population in this former Soviet republic without gas. Makhmadruzi Iskandarov, director of the national gas distributor, Tajikgaz, said Thursday the tariffs were increased to help the country cover the cost of gas imports.
EURASEC To Build Hydroelectric Power Plants In Tajikistan And Kyrgyzstan
Uzbek Daily
Moscow, July 3: Feasibility studies for final stage of construction of the Sangutdin hydro-power plant in Tajikistan and the Kambartin hydro-power plant in Kyrgyzstan will be ready by October 1, the Secretary General of the Eurasian economic Community (EurAsEC) Grigory Rapota said to RIA Novosti. The EurAsEC members will discuss shared financial contribution of each member-country in the construction of these power plants. Mr. Rapota reminded the journalists that the decision of EurAsEC participation in the project was made by the presidents of five EurAsEC countries in April of this year in Dushanbe.
Kyrgyzstan Upgrading Treasury With World Bank Loan
Interfax
Bishkek, July 2: The Kyrgyz Finance Ministry has started upgrading the central treasury with World Bank loan of $6.4 million, deputy director of the treasury Dinara Shaydieva said at a press conference Wednesday. The project is set to last for several years and is being funded by a World Bank Governance Technical Assistance Credit (GTAC), she said.
Project Of Aral Sea Basin Lake Rehabilitation Completed
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, July 2: The project on rehabilitation of Sudochye lake in the Aral Sea basin, which was launched in 1998, has been completed. The project`s cost is US$ 2,700 provided by Global Ecologic Facility. The project envisaged rehabilitation of water-bog grounds of the lake and channels bringing water to the lake. Altynkul hydro system was reconstructed and Ustyurt collector and water passage at Altynkul dam were constructed. Filling of lake started in October 2002 and until today 1 billion cubic metres of water have arrived to Sudochye. The lake`s surface comprised 30,000 hectares. Specialists expects increase of fishing, growing musk-rat, expanding pasture, which will have a positive effect on the economic state in the region.
Testing The Amudar`ya River To Improve Water Quality
Irin
Ashgabat, July 1: The first comprehensive and systematic survey of water quality on the Turkmen stretch of the mighty Amudar`ya river - one of Central Asia`s key water sources - is under way, IRIN learnt on Tuesday. `The Tajiks and Uzbeks are doing nothing, there`s nobody dealing with water quality on the river, so we need proper information in order to move forward,` Ashir Muhamedoo, the chief of the Amudar`ya middle water authority, told IRIN in Turkmenabad. Ecological degradation and high pollution levels have been evident for decades in the lower reaches of the Amudar`ya. This was the direct impact of water-resource manipulation through the construction of dams and barrages and the diversion of massive amounts of water, primarily for agriculture. In the early 1960s, the central planning authority of the Soviet Union devised the `Aral Sea Plan` to transform the region into its cotton belt. Vast irrigation projects were undertaken in subsequent years, with the irrigated area expanding by over one-third between 1965 and 1988. Intensive cotton monoculture, pesticide use and salinisation, along with the region`s industrial pollution, have degraded water quality, resulting in high rates of disease and infant mortality in countries dependent on the Amudar`ya. The Amudar`ya is the main source of water for the desert nation of Turkmenistan, supplying about 80 percent of its expanding needs. Although the government plans to construct a huge lake in the middle of the desert as a long-term solution to its water needs, experts are divided over whether such a plan can succeed. For the forseeable future, the Amudar`ya is likely to remain Turkmenistan`s principal water source. The river is formed by glacial meltwater from the high mountain ranges of the Pamir and Tien Shan in Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan before flowing through Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is assisting with the testing programme at a cost of US $60,000, and the UK government`s Department for International Development has donated about $25,000 towards it.
Ferghana Valley Co-ordination Committee Created To Support Trade
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, July 1: Representatives of government and private sector of Ferghana Valley participated at round table `Support to trade development` in Osh, Kyrgyzstan.
Iran To Invest In 10 Projects In Azerbaijan
Tehran Times
Semnan, June 30: Azerbaijan`s Ambassador to Tehran Abbasali Kara Oglu Hasanov said here Sunday that Iran plans to invest in 10 major projects in Azerbaijan. Speaking at a meeting with businessmen and merchants of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Mines in this provincial capital northeast of Iran, he said the Iranian government was planning to invest $130 million in various projects in the roads and gas sectors in Azerbaijan. He noted that the intended investments would raise the volume of economic exchanges between the two countries to over $450 million.
Kazakhstan To Increase Annual Oil Production To 180 Mln Tonnes By 2015 - Nazarbayev
Interfax
Calgary, June 30: Kazakhstan plans to increase annual oil extraction by more than 200% - to 180 million tonnes by 2015, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev said at the international investments conference - Kazakhstan: the Crown Jewel of Central Asia: Growing Market Opportunities & Business Development. `At the moment we are producing 50 million tonnes a year. By 2010 we plan to reach production of 120 million tonnes and by 2015 - to 180 million tonnes,` Nazarbayev said. He stressed that Kazakhstan has adopted a state program for development of the Kazakh sector of the Caspian Sea.
Kazakh Government To Raise Taxes On Oil And Gas Sector
Radio Free Europe
Astana, June 30: A joint session of the Kazakh parliament on 30 June approved an ambitious action plan submitted by the new government of Prime Minister Daniyal Akhmetov that foresees a tripling of Kazakhstan`s GDP by 2015, khabar.kz reported. Lawmakers had no major complaints about the government`s plans, according to khabar.kz, but according to Interfax-Kazakhstan on 30 June, some deputies asked about taxation of the oil-and-gas sector and were told by Akhmetov that the government intends to raise taxes in this sector.
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Oil Pipeline Being Built At Maximum Speed - Shevardnadze
Interfax
Tbilisi, June 30: The Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan export oil pipeline is being built `at maximum speed,` Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze said on national radio on Monday. `Much has been done,` the president said. Over 35,000 pipes and about 300 pieces of construction machinery and equipment have been delivered to Georgian seaports and transported by rail. The Batumi and Poti ports gained 4 million lari, and revenues of the Georgian railways exceeded 3 million lari from the shipments. 80-85% of the construction workers are local residents, Shevardnadze said. The project is laying the foundation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline.
Court Opens Way For Legal Challenge To BP`s £2bn Caspian Pipeline
The Independent
Tbilisi, June 29: A court ruling in Georgia has called into question BP`s £2bn project to build a pipeline to take Caspian oil out to a Mediterranean port. BP is the leading shareholder in the 1,750-kilometre pipeline and has already started building it. However, a court in Georgia, one of the three countries it passes through, has ruled that the process which led officials to approve the venture can be subject of a legal challenge. There are allegations that BP `leaned on` the Georgian authorities to get the pipeline approved, at the end of last year, in contravention of the country`s environmental laws. The project also enjoys heavy backing from the US government, which is also said to have put pressure on Georgia to agree. A campaigning group, Green Alternative, backed by international NGOs including Friends of the Earth, said it has received notification from the Georgian District Court that it can go ahead with a court action on the approval process.
Foreign Direct Investment In Kazakhstan Exceeds $22 Bln In 9 Years
Interfax
Calgary, June 29: Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev has announced that foreign direct investment in the Kazakh economy has topped $22 billion in the past nine years. Kazakhstan`s GDP grew by a record 13.2% in 2001 and expanded by 9.5% in 2002, Nazarbayev said at an international investment conference in Calgary on Friday. `Kazakhstan`s GDP will increase by roughly 7% in 2003 while inflation is unlikely to exceed 6%,` he said referring to Western specialists` forecasts. `But in my own view These are very conservative forecasts,` Nazarbayev added.
Kazakh MPs Approve Government`s 2002 Budget Report
Hoover`s Online
Astana, June 29: The Kazakh parliament discussed and approved the government`s account on the implementation of the 2002 central budget at a joint sitting of both chambers today, an Interfax-Kazakhstan news agency correspondent has reported. Advertisement: Explore Within This Space It was reported the 2002 central budget`s revenue totalled 565.2bn tenge [3.82bn dollars], or 7.6 per cent above the target, and its total expenditure including loans expenditure, stood at 569.9bn tenge [3.85bn dollars] (5.9 per cent less than the target amount). The 2002 budget ran a deficit of 4.7bn tenge [31.8m dollars] (or about 0.12 per cent of GDP in 2002) against a target of 80.4bn tenge [543m dollars]. GDP totalled 3,747.2 tenge in 2002 [25.31bn dollars] against a target of 3,499bn tenge [23.64bn dollars]. GDP grew by 9.5 per cent in 2002 on 2001. Industrial production grew by 9.8 per cent in the country in 2002, including in the mining sector by 14.7 per cent and in the processing sector by 7.7 per cent. The current exchange rate is 148 tenge per dollar.
Kazakh GDP Expected To Grow By 10.4 Per Cent In First Half Of 2003
Hoover`s Online
Astana, June 29: According to preliminary estimates, Kazakhstan`s GDP is expected to grow by 10.4 per cent year on year in the first half of 2003. This information is given in documents submitted by the government to the Kazakh parliament today, an Interfax-Kazakhstan news agency correspondent has reported.
Uzbek President To Participate CAC Almaty Summit On 5-6 July
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, July 4: Uzbekistan`s President Islam Karimov will attend the summit of heads of states of the Central Asian Cooperation Organisation. The summit will be held in Almaty, Kazakhstan on 5-6 July. Analysis of organisation`s activity and perspectives of further development of co-operation in the region, exchange of opinions on international issues and election of the new chair-country of CAC will be on the agenda.
Tajik Leader Congratulates US President On Independence Day
Hoover`s Online
Dushanbe, July 4: Tajik President Emomali Rahmonov has sent a message of congratulation to the US president, George Bush, on the occasion of the US Independence Day today.
Kazakhstan Ratifies Treaty On Delimitating Caspian Floor With Azerbaijan
Interfax
Almaty, July 4: Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev signed a law on ratifying a treaty with Azerbaijan on the delimitation of the Caspian floor and a protocol to this treaty. The document signed by the president was published in the official press on Friday. As was reported earlier, the Kazakh parliament approved the ratification bill in June. Under the treaty signed in Moscow on November 29, 2001, the Caspian floor and its subsoil deposits are to be divided between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan along a median line, whose geographical description and co-ordinates are set out in the protocol to the treaty. The protocol was signed in Baku on February 27, 2003. Kazakhstan earlier signed and ratified analogous documents on delimitating the Caspian floor with Russia. At the moment, Astana is holding talks on the Caspian with Ashgabat.
Kyrgyz State Debt To Uzbekistan Restructured
Hoover`s Online
Bishkek, July 4: The Kyrgyz and Uzbek governments have signed an agreement on restructuring the Kyrgyz Republic`s state debt to Uzbekistan according to which it totals 11,348,272.65 dollars. The agreement was signed in Tashkent on 2 July 2003 in pursuance of the protocol of the Paris Club of creditors of 7 March 2002 on the consolidation of the Kyrgyz Republic`s state debt. Advertisement: Explore Within This Space In accordance with this agreement, the [Kyrgyz] debt to be serviced between 2001 and 2004 was reduced by 4,126,632 dollars.
Meeting With Diplomat
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, July 4: Friday RK Prime Minister Danial Akhmetov received the U.S. Ambassador in our country Mr Larry Napper. Mr Akhmetov informed the diplomat on primary issues of the Government Programme of Actions for the next three years. Its key purposes are growth of people`s wealth on the basis of social and political stability, and sustainable socio-economic development.
Kazakhstan Ratifies Agreement On Collective Security Treaty Organization`s Status
Interfax
Astana, July 4: Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev has signed into law a bill ratifying an agreement on the legal status of the Collective Security Treaty Organization. The country`s official press published the ratification law on Friday. Parliament passed the document last month. The agreement defines the organization`s legal status and covers its functional mechanisms. It defines the powers, immunities and privileges of the organization`s officials and representatives of its member-nations in line with accepted international standards. The agreement, signed in Chisinau, Moldova, on October 7, 2002, creates the legal environment the organization needs for its efficient functioning.
Azerbaijan Says Armenia Broke Truce
Interfax
Baku, July 3: Azerbaijan will raise the question of a truce violation on the part of Armenia with the OSCE Minsk Group and other international organizations, Ali Gasanov, an official at the Azerbaijani president`s administration, told reporters on Thursday. `A truce was agreed upon by both sides as a means of resolving the Nagorny-Karabakh conflict peacefully.
Phoning To Tony Blair.
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, July 3: Thursday President Nazarbayev spoke to UK Prime Minister Mr. Blair over the telephone. The sides spoke on dynamically developing bilateral relations in business spheres. British companies invested to RK economy 2.5mn USD. Leaders of the two countries estimated highly the work of such companies as British Gas, British Petroleum and BAE-System. The sides also discussed issues of combating terrorism in the region, including situation in Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq; positions of Great Britain and Kazakhstan coincide on these questions.
Russian President To Visit Azerbaijan Next Week
Baku Today
Baku, July 3: ANS TV Moscow bureau informed according to the sources in the Presidential Administration of Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, president of Russia was planning to visit Azerbaijan in next week. During the visit President Putin and President Aliyev will discuss number of issue having mutual interest of Azerbaijan and Russia. Kremlin informed that visit would have a trip character.
Plight Of Refugees In Kazakhstan Discussed
Radio Free Europe
Astana, July 3: There are about 2,350 Afghan refugees presently living in Kazakhstan, along with some 12,000 refugees from Chechnya, more than 4,000 from Tajikistan, and an unspecified number of Uighurs from China, gazeta.kz reported on 3 July. Most of them have been recognized as refugees by the UNHCR office in Kazakhstan, but not by the government, although Kazakhstan acceded to the 1951 Convention on the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol in February 1999. The UNHCR has concluded an agreement with the Kazakh authorities under which Chechen refugees are admitted into Kazakhstan as long as the situation in Chechnya remains unstable.
Uzbek President Receives Outgoing US Envoy
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, July 3: President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received outgoing Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the United States of America to Uzbekistan John Herbst on the occasion of completion of his diplomatic posting in the country. Meeting took place at the presidential residence Oq Saroy. Greeting the US envoy, Uzbek leader noted that his tenure in office was extremely beneficial for the development of ties between the two countries. During Ambassador Herbst`s tenure, the relationship has reached new frontiers by signing a strategic partnership agreement, which is playing pivotal role in strengthening mutual ties. In his turn, US high-ranking diplomat thanked for warm words and noted that both states witnessed a lot of important and positive events. He also reiterated that such ties will strengthen further. As a proof of appreciation for his contribution in strengthening bilateral co-operation, John Herbst was awarded with Dustlik (Friendship) award.
Russian President To Visit Uzbekistan On 6-7 July 2003
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, July 3: Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay a working visit to Uzbekistan on 6-7 July 2003. According to UzA, during the visit, both leaders expected to review current affairs and future plans of bilateral co-operation between Uzbekistan and Russia, as well as international problems of mutual interest. Vladimir Putin will also visit city of Samarkand.
For Collective Security In The Region.
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, July 2: Wednesday in Astana President Nazarbayev met with Secretary General of the Organization of Collective Security Council Mr. Nikolai Bordyuzha. The parties talked on the measures to actuate the work of the Organization. Namely, they spoke on coordinating the efforts of the member states in fighting international drug traffic and terrorism, and also on strengthening military co-operation.
Russian Human Rights Commissioner Promises To Help Russians In Turkmenistan
Radio Free Europe
Ashgabat, July 2: Russian Human Rights Omsbudsmen Oleg Mironov has met with Russian citizens from Turkmenistan to discuss the situation in that country after Turkmen authorities unilaterally revoked dual Turkmen-Russian citizenship as of 22 June, Interfax reported on 2 July, quoting a statement from Mironov`s press service. According to the report, Mironov promised to help after hearing that Russians who had retained their Russian citizenship and who wanted to move to Russia were being forced to sell their homes in Turkmenistan for such low prices that it was impossible for them to buy homes in Russia. Mironov`s interlocutors reportedly said that psychological and physical pressure is being exerted on Russian citizens to leave Turkmenistan.
Tajik Slaves Discovered In Russian Province
Radio Free Europe
Dushanbe, July 2: A group of some 50 Tajik women who had gone to Russia in search of work was found in a knitwear factory in Russia`s Saratov Oblast where they were working without receiving wages, the newspaper `Tribuna` reported on 2 July, quoting the Saratov Oblast ombudsman. The factory`s owners had taken away the women`s passports and were housing them in an unfinished building in what Ombudsman Aleksandr Lando described as `horrible, inhumane conditions.`
PM To Lead Azerbaijani Delegation At GUUAM Summit
Interfax
Baku, July 2: Azerbaijani Prime Minister Artur Rasizade will attend the GUUAM organization`s summit in Yalta in place of President Heydar Aliyev, a presidential administration source told Interfax on Wednesday. The July 3-4 summit will involve all GUUAM members and a U.S. delegation led by Steven Pifer, Deputy Assistance Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs.
Turkmenistan Accuses Deutsche Welle Of Distributing False Information
Radio Free Europe
Ashgabat, July 1: The Turkmen authorities have accused Deutsche Welle of disseminating false information because of a report on the confiscations by Turkmen security officers of apartments inhabited by holders of dual Russian-Turkmen citizenship (see `RFE/RL Newsline,` 26 June 2003), turkmenistan.ru reported on 1 July. The Deutsche Welle report set off investigations by Russian media that confirmed and added detail to the story. According to turkmenistan.ru, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry has sent a note to its German counterpart, expressing `serious concern` over Deutsche Welle broadcasts concerning the termination of dual citizenship and particularly the apartment-confiscation story. The Foreign Ministry`s note calls the story `a flagrant falsification intended to deliberately distort reality and create an atmosphere of distrust in Turkmen society.`
US To Reduce Aid To Kazakhstan Because Of Economic Success
Radio Free Europe
Astana, July 1: U.S. President George W. Bush has asked Congress for $32 million for assistance to Kazakhstan in 2004, $10 million less than in 2003, khabar.kz reported on 1 July. State Department acting Coordinator for U.S. Assistance to Europe and Eurasia Thomas Adams said that the reduction is a response to Kazakhstan`s considerable progress in carrying out economic reforms.
Indian Filmmakers Present Documentary About Uzbekistan
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, July 1: Indian Cultural centre in Tashkent hosted premier of documentary `Harmony of Time - Uzbekistan`, shot by Indian filmmakers. The film was prepared at support of Indian Embassy in Uzbekistan and Indian Foreign Ministry. Film relates about ties of Uzbek and Indian nations, their national traditions and customs, and similar cuisine. It also tells about historic monuments of Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and Indian architecture of Boburids rule and their similarities. Great Silk Road in Asia`s history, interest of Uzbeks in Indian culture and art, as well as to Hindi language were also touched at the film.
Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan Agree On Simple Border Crossing Rules
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, July 1: The current round of talks in Bishkek between Tajik and Kyrgyz officials on delimiting the common border between the two countries has led to an agreement on simplified border-crossing procedures, tajikistan.tajnet.com and kabar.kg reported on 1 July. The simplified procedures apply to both cargo and people. The Kyrgyz government`s press service announced that the two sides have also agreed on procedures for exchanging the aerial photographs and topographic maps needed for the border-delimitation process. This is the third round of such discussions. Previous sessions were held in late 2000 in Bishkek and in spring 2003 in Dushanbe.
Uzbek Head Plays Key Role In Maintaining Peace In Central Asia
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, July 1: Egyptian newspaper Al-Mustaqbal in its latest issue reviewed the recent Tehran summit of the presidents of Afghanistan, Iran and Uzbekistan, which took place in Iranian capital on 18 June 2003. The article entitled `Uzbekistan`s President Islam Karimov - the only peace ambassador in Central Asia` covered discussions of Afghan, Iranian and Uzbek leaders and the meeting`s role in the future of Afghanistan and the region as a whole.
US Presses Kazakhstan On Election Reforms, Rights
MSNBC
Washington DC, July 1: The United States pressed Kazakhstan on election reforms, human rights and press freedoms on Tuesday but a Kazakh official said it would take the Central Asian nation time to fully embrace Western-style democracy. U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell raised the issues with Kazakh Foreign Minister Kasymzhomart Tokayev during a roughly 30-minute meeting that also covered the Kazakh economy, regional issues like stability in Iraq and Afghanistan and Kazakh moves to enact a law against trafficking in humans. Rights groups have criticized the former Soviet republic for cracking down on opposition politicians and independent journalists in what they view as an effort to silence dissent
Kazakhstan Reopens Border With China
Radio Free Europe
Astana, July 1: Kazakhstan reopened its border with China as of 1 July, Khabar.kz reported, adding that citizens of both countries are already crossing in both directions at the Khorgos border post, the most heavily used road crossing point between the two countries. The Kazakh border with China was closed in May to prevent the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). Road, rail, and air communications with China ceased, with the exception of Kazakh or Chinese citizens returning home.
Russian-Turkmen Ties Plummet As Rights Row Bites
MSNBC
Moscow, July 1: Russia urged ex-Soviet Turkmenistan to protect the civil rights of its ethnic Russian population on Tuesday in a citizenship row that is poisoning ties between the two countries linked by huge gas deals. Moscow`s relations with the gas-rich Central Asian state took a nose-dive last November after its flamboyant leader, Saparmurat Niyazov, accused Russia of involvement in an attempt on his life. The row did not prevent the two countries signing a breakthrough 25-year deal on sales of Turkmen natural gas to Russia, vital for both their economies. But tensions flared again in April, when Niyazov, who is officially known as Turkmenbashi the Great, ordered the tens of thousands of Russians living in his country to give up Moscow`s passports or lose their Turkmen ones. Putin said he had won a personal pledge from Niyazov that Russians with dual citizenship would retain all their rights until the issue was settled by a bilateral commission.
GUUAM Members To Sign 7 Documents In Yalta Summit
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, June 30: GUUAM`s presidents (Georgia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan and Moldova) will sign 7 documents during the summit in Yalta, scheduled for July 3-4, Azeri Trend news agency reported. However, the presidents of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan won`t participate in GUUAM summit, but will send their high-ranking officials to the event. So, presidents will ink agreement `Creation of Virtual Center on Fight with Terrorism, Organized Crime, Drug Traffic and other crimes`, memorandum `Mutual understanding in development of trade and transportation in GUUAM`, intergovernmental agreement `Cooperation in prevention of emergency in GUUAM and liquidation of results`, agreement `Cooperation in education` between the Ministries of Education, intergovernmental agreement `Mutual assistance and co-operation in customs`, agreement `Cooperation` among border troops, protocol among the Academies of Sciences on scientific-technical co-operation.
Russia, Tajikistan To Further Develop Strategic Partnership Ties - Official
Hoover`s Online
Moscow, June 30: Russia and Tajikistan are standing on the path of a further development of relations, of alliance and strategic partnership, an official representative [spokesman] for the Russian Foreign Ministry, Aleksandr Yakovenko, said in connection with Russian President Vladimir Putin`s working visit to [Tajik capital] Dushanbe which is to start today.
Kyrgyzstan PM To Inaugurate CII Show
The Financial Express
New Delhi, June 30: Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Nikolai Timofeevich Tanaev will inaugurate the Enterprise India 2003 show starting at Bishkek on July 1. The show is expected to be attended by the leading government and industry dignitaries from Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Organised by the CII, the event is intended to showcase the capabilities of the Indian small and medium enterprises (SMEs) over a 7-day period. According to a CII release, the export-import policy of India for 2002-2007 has focussed on traditional ties with CIS countries and stressed on CIS as a high growth region for expanding India`s bilateral trade.
Water Conference Calls For Regional Cooperation
Central Asia Daily
Khorugh, June 30: A two-day international conference held in Tajikistan`s eastern city of Khorugh, ended on Monday, with experts calling for more regional co-operation to resolve the huge issue of water resources in the region. `Water is a key economic resource and we need to set the politics aside and make rational decisions,` John Baxter, a water management expert with the US Agency for International Development, told IRIN in the city, capital of the eastern Badakhshoni Kuhi Province. The five post-Soviet Central Asian states of Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan wrestle with sharing limited water resources and the regional environmental degradation caused by the shrinking of the Aral Sea. This is one of the world`s major environmental disasters caused by extensive draining of the Amudar`ya and Syrdar`ya rivers - the two major Central Asian waterways discharging into feed Aral Sea while providing millions with fresh water. Moreover, in recent decades extensive use of pesticides has polluted the river waters, thereby damaging the Aral Sea`s ecosystem. The glaciers and rivers in the Pamir mountains of Badakhshoni Kuhi remain a major source of fresh water in Central Asia, with 55 percent of all such resources originating here. However, managing these waters remains a major challenge, with experts demanding more co-operation between the Central Asian republics and their neighbours, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and China.
Niyazov Sent Congratulations Telegram To US President Bush
Turkmenistan.RU
Ashgabat, June 30: Turkmen leader Saparmurat Niyazov addressed to the US president George Bush a congratulation telegram on the occasion of the 227th anniversary of Independence of the United States of America. Ashkhabad`s correspondent of Turkmenistan.ru reports referring to the presidential press service that in his message Niyazov emphasized `multilateral and long-term character ` relations between Turkmenistan and USA as well as `an openness of Turkmenistan for the further development of equal-right co-operation in political, economic and humanitarian sphere`.
Uzbek Diaspora In Kazakhstan Elects New Head
Radio Free Europe
Astana, June 30: Dustlik, an association of ethnic Uzbeks living in Kazakhstan, held a congress over the weekend in South Kazakhstan Oblast, electing a new president and voting to move the association`s headquarters from Almaty to Shymkent, the administrative center of South Kazakhstan Oblast and the largest Kazakh city near the border of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan Today reported on 30 June. Rozakul Khalmuradov, head of the South Kazakhstan Oblast Disciplinary Council, was elected to head Dustlik and to act as spokesman for the 400,000 ethnic Uzbeks living in Kazakhstan, most of them in South Kazakhstan Oblast.
Caspian States To Hold Summit Next Year
Tehran Times
Perm, June 30: A summit of Caspian Sea states will be held next year, while foreign ministers of the five littoral states will meet for a conference in Russia in this year`s November, said Deputy Foreign Minister Viktor Kalyuzhny. Kalyuzhny, the Russian president`s envoy to talks on the Caspian Sea`s status, attended a visiting session of the Russian Supreme Mining Council in Perm on Monday. He told Itar-Tass that the `meeting of foreign ministers of Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan has been already discussed at the level of working groups of the Caspian states`.
Russian Security Service Arrests Former Tajik Interior Minister
Radio Free Europe
Dushanbe, June 30: The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has arrested former Tajik Interior Minister Yakub Salimov in Moscow at the request of Tajik law enforcement agencies, Interfax and other Russian media reported on 30 June. A Tajik delegation is reported to be in Moscow seeking to arrange Salimov`s extradition. Salimov has been accused of treason, murder, and planning an armed coup in 1996-97. Tajik opposition journalist Dodojon Atovulloev, who lives in exile in Moscow, told a correspondent for `Kommersant-Daily` that if Russia extradites Salimov, it `risks losing Tajikistan in the future.`
Dushanbe Wants Extradition Of Former Interior Minister
Interfax
Dushanbe, June 29: The Tajik Prosecutor General`s Office is requesting the extradition of former Interior Minister Yakub Salimov, who was detained in Moscow at the request of Tajikistan, a source in the Tajik Prosecutor General`s Office told Interfax. First Deputy Prosecutor General of Tajikistan Azizmamad Imomov left Dushanbe for Moscow on June 25 to discuss the extradition, the source said. The Tajik police instituted criminal proceedings against Salimov on several charges, including an attempted coup and hostage taking, he said.
Are Russian Owned Apartments Being Confiscated In Ashgabat?
Radio Free Europe
Ashgabat, June 29: A Deutsche Welle broadcast of 25 June in which the station`s correspondent in Turkmenistan reported that holders of dual Russian-Turkmen citizenship are being deprived of their homes (see `RFE/RL Newsline,` 26 June 2003) is causing controversy in the Russian media. Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman Aleksandr Yakovenko told Interfax and other media on 27 June that the ministry cannot confirm the story and that it has asked Deutsche Welle for the source of its information. Deutsche Welle reported on 29 June that Russian journalists had confirmed the report and had provided additional details. Journalist Arkadii Dubnov, a well-known specialist on Turkmenistan, reported having learned that the confiscation of homes of dual citizens began after Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov issued his 22 April decree on the revocation of dual citizenship.
Turkmenistan`s Russians Packing Up
The Moscow Times
Ashgabat, June 29: Fearful Russians are lining up at Moscow`s embassy in Turkmenistan, apartment prices in that country`s capital are plunging, and a war of words has broken out as politicians in Russia denounce Turkmen President Saparmurad Niyazov. Steadily worsening conditions for the ethnic Russian minority living in Turkmenistan deteriorated further after Niyazov in April gave dual citizens two months to choose which country`s passport to hold. Niyazov -- an eccentric leader who in recent years has promoted a personality cult around himself -- appears motivated by a desire to solidify his dominance and boost the country`s Turkmen character, observers say. An estimated 300,000 ethnic Russians live in Turkmenistan, and about 100,000 of them have registered for Russian as well as Turkmen citizenship under a 1993 dual-citizenship treaty, according to Konstantin Zatulin, head of the CIS Countries Institute. Thousands of Russians have scrambled in recent weeks to get the Russian Embassy to stamp visas into their Turkmen passports, in case that proves to be the only way they can get out of the country, according to Russian media reports. Some have already left, and competition to sell apartments has pushed prices to half or one-quarter their previous levels, reports say.
Uzbek Detained With False Australian Passport In The US
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, June 29: Scores of passports feared stolen from the mail have ignited concerns they may be falling into the hands of terrorists or criminals, according to a Sunday Australian newspaper report. Official concern over the lost passports, more than 2,000 a year, mounted after a man was found with a false Australian passport in the United States. The man, Dilshod Bababekov, claims he bought the passport in Australia for $US 10,000 after entering the country illegally in 2001, a report in the Sunday Age said. Earlier this year the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) admitted that more than 2,000 passports had been lost in the mail over 12 months.
Russian Party Pickets Turkmen Embassy In Moscow
Radio Free Europe
Ashgabat, June 28: On 27 June Russia`s Union of Rightist Forces (SPS) issued a declaration calling on the Russian authorities to intervene on behalf of dual citizens in Turkmenistan, comparing the confiscation of the apartments of dual citizens to Stalin`s deportation of entire nations, Interfax reported on 28 June. The text of the declaration can be found on the party`s website (http://www.sps.ru). On 29 June, about 20 party activists attempted to picket the Turkmen Embassy in Moscow to protest the alleged violations of the rights of Russian citizens in Turkmenistan, but the picketing was broken up by police after just 10 minutes, Interfax reported.
Kazakh President Ends Visit To Canada, Meets French Colleague In Paris
Hoover`s Online
Almaty, June 28: Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev made a stopover in Paris today, following his official visit to Canada. This is the ninth meeting between the Kazakh president and [French President] Jacques Chirac. The presidents have known one another for a long time. This is an important factor which has a positive impact on expanding bilateral co-operation. Nursultan Nazarbayev expressed the hope that the relations between the countries would further strengthen in the future. France is one of the world`s most developed countries.
Kazakhstan-Canada: Business Opportunities Increasing.
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, June 28: Official visit of RK delegation to Canada continued on 27 of June. President Nazarbayev visited city of Calgary to participate in the conference `Kazakhstan - a gem of the Central Asia: business opportunities`. He delivered a speech to the conference. Nursultan Nazarbayev spoke about our young developing country, economic and political reforms, our achievements in developing the banking sector; he highlighted pension reforms. Organizers of the conference - Canadian Eurasian Energy and Industrial alliance focused on a number of questions: what can Kazakhstan offer to Canadian business, how industrial program in RK would affect Canadian business prospects in the region, who should invest to Kazakhstan and why.
UN Work Plan Includes Resolving Kazakh - Kyrgyz Water Dispute
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, June 28: The UN Development Program`s Work Plan for 2004-05 includes sending a group of advisers to Central Asia to help resolve a dispute between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan over water resources, centran.ru reported on 28 June. The dispute between the two countries involves the water of the Chu and Talas rivers in northern Kyrgyzstan, which Kazakhstan needs for agriculture. Kyrgyzstan is demanding that the Kazakh side pay for the water, while Kazakhstan says the demand for payment is illegal.
Central Asian, German Police Detain Large Set Of Afghan Heroin
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, July 4: Police of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and German Federal Criminal Police Department held a joint action, which resulted in detaining of a large party of heroin with roots in Afghanistan and arresting drug dealers. The group of drug dealers that had organised a drug channel through countries in the region was arrested in Bishkek and Almaty. The operation was named Druzhba (Friendship) and was realised by the method of `controlled delivery` of drugs to a receiver on route Tajikistan-Uzbekistan-Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan. The participants expressed hopes for further collaboration in fighting drug traffic.
Tajik President Proposes Creation Of Anti-Drug Coalition
Voice of America
Dushanbe, July 2: The president of Tajikistan is urging the creation of an international anti-drug coalition to stop the flow of drugs out of Afghanistan. A spokesman for President Emomali Rahmonov said Wednesday that the Tajik leader had signed a decree endorsing a plan that could serve as a basis for an anti-drug trafficking effort. He said the proposal envisions help for Afghanistan to revive its economy. The Tajik president`s office says copies of the proposal are being sent to the United Nations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and other international bodies.
Results Of EU Uranium Cleaning Project Presented In Kyrgyz Town
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, July 1: The results of a European Commission project to clean up uranium-tailings dumps in the southern Kyrgyz town of Maili-Suu were presented there on 30 June, according to akipress.org on 30 June and centrasia.ru on 1 July. According to the European Commission representation in Kyrgyzstan, the two-year project included assessing the danger posed by the dumps, stabilizing the dump that was found to pose the greatest threat, improving the monitoring system that was already in place, and carrying out a technical and economic analysis of various ways to correct the situation. According to centrasia.ru, the mayor of Maili-Suu complained that the findings of the 500,000-euro ($575,000) project are not new; 130,000 euros worth of promised monitoring equipment has not arrived; and two-thirds of the total amount of the project went to foreign firms, while only 30,000 euros went to local contractors. An EU expert was quoted by akipress.org as saying that 3 million euros will be needed to remove the radioactive waste from the most unstable of the dump sites.
Radioactive Levels In Semipalatinsk Remain Problematic
Kazakhstan News
Ankara, July 1: Levels of radioactivity in northeastern Kazakhstan`s former Semipalatinsk nuclear testing area remain a source of concern, IRIN learnt on Tuesday. One of three sites across the former Soviet Union where hundreds of nuclear tests occurred until 1990, its legacy continues to this day. `The radioactive situation has worsened,` Larisa Ptitskaya, the director for the institute for radioactive security and ecology at the National Nuclear Centre of Kazakhstan, told IRIN from Kurchatov town, 130 km from Semipalatinsk.
Uranium Tailing Dumps Of Kyrgyzstan Endanger Central Asian Region
Central Asia Daily
Bishkek, June 30: Uranium tailing dumps located not far from Kyrgyz town of Mailuu Suupose endanger entire Central Asian region, international experts of the European Union`s radiation security programme concluded after examining the tailing dumps near the uranium production and processing facilities. As many as 23 dumps and 13 disposal areas are located near Mailuu Suu. Buried there are close on 3 million cubic metres of radioactive material. Some of the dumps have been badly damaged by land slides and mudflows, RIA Novosti reports. The international experts insist on prompt measures to restore the dumps, which threaten Uzbekistan`s Fergana Valley, home to about 10 million people. The Kyrghyz government has repeatedly stated that it would need at least $50 million to restore the uranium dumps throughout the country. The World Bank allocated $5 million of aid for the purpose. Russia and the United States, too, gave the republic around $640,000 to launch a pilot project to restore the tailing dumps in the Kaji Sai district of Kyrghyzstan`s Issyk Kul region.
Kazakhstan To Build Nuclear Plant Within 15 Years
Interfax
Calgary, June 30: Kazakhstan plans to build a nuclear power plant within 15 years on the shores of Lake Balkhash (in Karaganda region, central Kazakhstan). We plan to construct two-three power-producing units at Lake Balkhash within 15 years, Kazakh Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Vladimir Shkolnik said at a news conference in Calgary after a visit by Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev to Canada on June 23-28. Shkolnik also said that within 15 years it is planned to build and launch two units at Ekibastuz State Regional Power Plant-2, which operates on coal, an Interfax correspondent reported from Calgary.
Armenian Nuclear Power Plant To Resume Electricity Production On July 3- 4
Interfax
Yerevan, June 30: The Armenian nuclear power plant will resume production of electricity on July 3-4, the nuclear power plant`s director general Gagik Maroksian told Interfax. Fresh nuclear fuel from Russia has been loaded in the only functioning unit of the Armenian nuclear power plant (the second unit), and the unit is being tested, he said. The unit was stopped on April 4, 2003.
Georgia, Turkey, Azerbaijan To Perform Oil Pipeline Security CPX
Interfax
Tbilisi, June 30: Ten Georgian Defence Ministry officers have departed for Turkey to take part in computerized oil pipeline security CPX to be held by Georgia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan. Vice Colonel Irakly Batkuashvili, chief of the PfP Co-ordination HQ in the Georgian General Staff told Interfax-Military News Agency that `the topic of the exercise is about the security of the Baky-Tbilisi- Ceyhan pipeline.` Optional action involving the forces of the countries to host portions of the pipeline in response to terror threats will be trained in the two-week exercise, he said.
New Appointments Made In Kazakhstan
Interfax
Almaty, July 3: The Kazakh government has made numerous appointments in its agencies. Gani Uzbekov has been appointed deputy finance minister, says a report made public by the prime minister`s office. Askar Zhumagaliyev will serve as deputy chairman of the Kazakh Information Technology and Communications Agency. In the Transport and Roads Ministry, Almas Kosunov will chair the Aerospace Committee, Almatbek Mambetov, the Civil Aviation Committee, and Yerik Sultanov, the Roads and Infrastructure Construction Committee. Totarbai Kadambayev, Gasal Musin and Alexander Cherepanov have been appointed deputy chairmen of the Kazakh State Purchasing Agency.
Special Focus
Setback For $3bn Pipeline Project In a breakthrough for both judicial independence and the environment in the former Soviet republic of Georgia, the Georgian district court has granted an environmental group the right to sue the country`s government for approving the controversial US$3 billion Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) oil pipeline project.
To read more, click on the link:
http://atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/EG01Ag01.html Will A Resource Curse Befall Azerbaijan And Kazakhstan?
Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan may see poverty worsen as their oil exports grow, a panel of experts warned on June 26 during a discussion in New York. Citing oil pipeline and extraction projects in Africa as templates for how oil wealth can actually undermine a nation`s economic health, the experts called on international financiers, energy conglomerates, and large aid-giving countries to overhaul the way such projects work.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/recaps/articles/eav062703.shtml Prison Torture In Uzbekistan Comes Under Renewed International ScrutinyA series of recent disclosures about abuse has resurrected questions about the use of torture in Uzbekistan`s prisons. Following criticism from both a prominent human rights organization and a US congressman, Uzbek President Islam Karimov offered to open one of his largest prisons to outside inspection. Nevertheless, prison safeguards against the use of torture remain unclear.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/rights/articles/eav063003.shtml
Kazakhstan`s President Promises Oil BoomOn a recent trip to Canada, Kazakhstani President Nursultan Nazarbayev declared the country`s oil sector was ready to boom. Many multinational oil conglomerates, however, may not share Nazarbayev`s optimism. Foreign oil executives have grumbled of late about unfair Kazakhstani practices, including attempts to alter established contracts. Nevertheless, Kazakhstan`s abundant resources may render the country impossible for foreign investors to ignore.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/business/articles/eav070203.shtmlBaku - Tbilisi - Ceyhan: Great Game For NGO`s?Speaking at a Washington event, the former U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan Ross Wilson underlined the Host Government Agreements (HGA) concluded between energy companies and governments of the transit countries for the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline (BTC) as an outstanding example of regional co-operation and the most positive development during his recently concluded tenure in Baku.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.cacianalyst.org/view_article.php?articleid=1535The Russia - Turkmenistan Gas Deal Gone AwryMany observers have commented on the implications of the recent Russia-Turkmenistan gas deal for Russian energy and gas policy or on Russian policy in Central Asia.
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http://www.cacianalyst.org/view_article.php?articleid=1536Caspian Energy Projects Coming To Grips With Iraq WarIn the aftermath of the Iraqi war, leaders and countries in the Caspian littoral are competing to obtain maximum geopolitical and economic advantage by attracting investors through lower bureaucratic barriers and reduced political risk. The Iraq war has generated rethinking on the part of regional governments, who now have to adapt to a more competitive situation. Iran`s stance is still ambiguous with contradicting hard and soft lines, while some Balkan operators are beginning to involve in the pipeline discussion.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.cacianalyst.org/view_article.php?articleid=1538Radical Islam In Central Asia: Responding To Hizb Ut-TahrirHizb ut-Tahrir al-Islami (The Party of Islamic Liberation) stands apart from better known radical Islamist movements by its apparent opposition to the use of violence. But its views are highly radical, advocating the overthrow of governments throughout the Muslim world and their replacement by an Islamic state in the form of a recreated Caliphate. It has grown quickly in Central Asia and been met with a heavy-handed repression that threatens to radicalise members still further and sow the seeds of greater Islamist extremism in the region.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.crisisweb.org/projects/showreport.cfm?reportid=1032Georgian Court Decision Could Force Delay In Pipeline ConstructionA Georgian Court will hear an environmental non-governmental organization`s appeal to halt construction on the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline. The NGO, Green Alternative, maintains that the government approval process that sanctioned the pipeline`s route through Georgia was flawed.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/environment/articles/eav070303.shtml
Report Dated 04 July 2003