Kyrgyz Lower House Debates Removal Lenin Statue
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, September 4: The Legislative Assembly (lower house) of the Kyrgyz parliament began a debate on 4 September about the removal of Bishkek`s most imposing statue of Soviet founder Vladimir Lenin from the city`s main square, `Obshchestvennyi reiting` reported on 5 September. Prime Minister Nikolai Tanaev has been sharply criticized by Kyrgyzstan`s two Communist parties for ordering the removal of the statue to another part of town.
Banned Baptists Highlight Lack Of Religious Freedom
Kazakhstan News
Ankara, September 4: Observers and journalists expressed concern over the lack of religious freedom in Turkmenistan on Thursday, following reports that the Turkmen police have banned members of a Baptist congregation in the western town of Balkanabad from gathering to practice their faith. The groups said they had been threatened that if they did so they would be fined for each meeting. In Turkmenistan, the most reclusive Central Asian nation, only followers of officially-sanctioned Islam and the Orthodox Christian church are allowed to openly worship. `The situation there [in Turkmenistan] is very much connected with the issue of ethnic discrimination as there are only two religions that are formally allowed to function inside Turkmenistan,` Erica Dailey, director of the Open Society Institute`s Turkmenistan Project, told IRIN from the Hungarian capital Budapest on Thursday.
Prominent Kazakh Journalism Group Criticises Media Law
Radio Free Europe
Astana, September 4: The Adil Soz (Free Word) International Foundation for Protection of Freedom of Speech has criticized a new draft law on the media in an open letter to journalists and members of the Kazakh parliament, gazeta.kz reported on 2 September. The Ministry of Culture, Information, and Public Harmony submitted the draft law to the government on 26 August (see `RFE/RL Newsline,` 27 August 2003).
Son Of Turkmen Opposition Figure Beaten In Moscow
Radio Free Europe
Ashgabat, September 4: Shanazar Berdyev, an RFE/RL stringer who is the son of prominent Turkmen opposition figure Muhamedgeldy Berdyev, was attacked at the door of his Moscow apartment on 2 September and severely injured by a person reportedly wearing a police uniform, the Russian human rights group Memorial reported on 4 September. Muhamedgeldy Berdyev`s brother, Meretmuhammet, was detained in 1997 for distributing the opposition publication `Turkmen Ili` in Mary Oblast, and later died in a psychiatric institution under unexplained circumstances.
Azerbaijani Prime Minister Appeals To Electorate
Radio Free Europe
Baku, September 3: In a presidential-campaign broadcast on 3 September, Prime Minister Ilham Aliev appealed to voters to re-elect his father, 80-year-old incumbent President Heidar Aliev, in the 15 October presidential ballot, Reuters reported. Prime Minister Aliev said his father`s policies aimed at promoting stability and development are `vital` for Azerbaijan.
Kazakh President Says Oil Contracts Will Not Be Revised
Radio Free Europe
Astana, September 2: Nursultan Nazarbaev told parliament in Astana on 2 September that Kazakhstan will not revise existing oil-production-sharing contracts with foreign investors, but it will change its tax policy on new oil projects, khabar.kz reported. Prime Minister Daniyal Akhmetov made a similar assertion to parliament on 30 June when asking the legislature to approve his government`s action plan.
Azerbaijani Ruling Party Calls For Disciplinary Action Against Opposition Presidential Candidates
Radio Free Europe
Baku, September 2: At its 2 September session, Azerbaijan`s Central Election Commission (CEC) discussed a demand by the ruling Yeni Azerbaycan Party (YAP) for disciplinary action against Azerbaijan Popular Front Party (progressive wing) leader Ali Kerimli and Azerbaijan National Independence Party Chairman Etibar Mamedov, Turan and zerkalo.az reported.
Azeri Opposition Fails To Pick Leader
Institute for War & Peace Reporting
Baku, September 2: President Aliev`s regime improves its election chances as a London opposition meeting ends in failure. A `London summit` convened by four leaders of the Azerbaijani opposition in the hope of fielding a common candidate to fight October`s presidential election ended in failure last weekend. Of the four men who met in London on August 24 three are officially registered as candidates for the October 15 ballot. They are Isa Gambar, former speaker of parliament and head of the Musavat party, Etibar Mamedov, head of the National Independence Party, and Ali Kerimli, leader of the `reform` wing of the Popular Front. Kerimli, who at the age of 38 was the youngest participant in the meeting, made it clear he was willing to stand aside in favour of another candidate. The fourth man present at the meeting was Rasul Guliev, another former speaker of parliament and once a close ally of President Heidar Aliev. He has not been registered for the poll, on the grounds that he now lives in the United States. However, the meeting broke up with only a shared commitment to form a new body called the Union of Democratic Stability to monitor the fairness of the elections, and an appeal to the international community to send observers to the polls. There was no agreement on the main point on the agenda - a joint candidate to avoid splitting the opposition vote - and both Mamedov and Gambar left determined to stand in the election.
Turkmen Justice Ministry Renamed
Radio Free Europe
Ashgabat, September 2: Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov announced at a 1 September cabinet meeting that he is renaming the Justice Ministry and appointing a new minister, turkmenistan.ru and Interfax reported on 2 September. The new name, Adalat ministrligy, using the Turkic word for justice instead of the international term, is meant to convey fairness, honor, and order, in addition to strict justice, Niyazov said. He said the renamed ministry will be given additional responsibilities, including carrying out an inventory of all property -- both state-owned and private -- in the country and checking on how it is being used. It is also supposed to assume responsibility for lawyers, notaries, and civil-registration offices. Taganmyrat Gochyev was appointed minister.
Turkmen Exile Group Appeals For UN To Raise Issue Of Turkmenistan
Radio Free Europe
Ashgabat, September 1: The Turkmen opposition group in exile Watan has appealed to the United States, Russia, the European Union, and the OSCE to put the situation in Turkmenistan on the agenda of the UN Security Council, Deutsche Welle reported on 1 September. The group`s objective is to have the international community remove the Turkmen regime and establish a constitutional system and a democratic society under the auspices of international organizations. The appeal reportedly contains a list of violations of constitutional standards committed by the government of President Saparmurat Niyazov in recent years.
Kyrgyzstan Celebrated Independence Day
Kabar Agency
Bishkek, September 1: Kyrgyzstan has celebrated its Independence Day and 2200-anniversary of Kyrgyz Statehood. It has started on capital square `Alatoo` with military parade where Minister of Defense of the KR Esen Topoev and chief-commander of Armed Forces of Kyrgyzstan President Askar Akaev took part in.
Kyrgyz President Lays Out Country`s Major Goals
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, September 1: Speaking to the World Congress of Kyrgyz in the resort of Cholpon-Ata on 29 August, Askar Akaev laid out Kyrgyzstan`s three major goals for the next stage of the country`s development, akipress.org reported on 1 September. Those goals are to complete constitutional and administrative reform and the reform of the courts and the law enforcement system by 2010, creating the basis for a country that respects human rights. Next, Akaev said, will come reforms directed toward solving concrete social problems. By 2010, poverty in the country should be cut by half. The third goal is to lay the foundations for Kyrgyzstan to become part of the information age, a country with high technology and highly educated citizens. Akaev said these goals will not be achieved in the next five years, but the experiences of the country`s first 12 years of independence have shown that there are no problems that are insurmountable.
Congress Adopts Democratic Code
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, September 1: The World Congress of Kyrgyz ended with the adoption of a Democratic Code for Kyrgyzstan, kabar.kg reported on 1 September. Before the congress, the authorities were sharply criticized by the opposition for planning to submit the document for approval to an unelected body that would not be representative of the political spectrum or the entire multiethnic population of Kyrgyzstan.
Parliament Passes Draft Laws On Informatisation, E-signature
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, August 31: The 12th session of Oliy Majlis (Uzbek parliament) completed its work on Saturday. As we reported earlier, on the second day of the session draft laws `On bank secrets` and `On protection measures, dumping and compensational duties` were passed. Later the parliament considered the draft laws `On informatisation` (first reading), Uzbek Radio`s Yoshlar channel reported. Chairman of parliamentary Committee for Industry, Construction, Transport and Telecommunications, Izidor Kochmarik, delivered a report on the draft.
Speech Of Islam Karimov At Solemn Ceremony
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, August 31: Speech of President Islam Karimov at the solemn ceremony devoted to the 12th anniversary of independence of Uzbekistan Assalomu alaykum, dear compatriots! Dear guests! Today it is a memorable and historic day in our country, a great celebration. Today we are marking a great holiday of our people - the 12th anniversary of independence of our Motherland. Standing on this high tribune, from the bottom of my heart, I would like to congratulate you, my dear, all countrymen living on this sacred lad, with this significant holiday. Taking this opportunity, I am also glad to congratulate with this great date our foreign guests, representatives of the diplomatic corps and foreign mass media, which are sharing our joy today.
Armenia To Increase Defense Spending
Interfax
Yerevan, September 3: Armenia plans to increase spending on defense next year, Security Council Secretary and Defense Minister Serzh Sarkisian told the press on Tuesday. `The 2004 draft budget reserves larger spending for defense than in 2003,` he said. He announced that Armenian industries will increase the output of goods.
President Says Uzbekistan Won`t Send Specialists To Northern Afghanistan
Radio Free Europe
Tashkent, September 2: Islam Karimov told Deutsche Welle on 1 September that Uzbekistan will not send specialists to northern Afghanistan to help the international antiterrorism coalition in their dealings with the region`s Uzbek-speaking inhabitants. German Defense Minister Peter Struck had raised the question of Uzbek assistance when he visited the country in August.
Kyrgyzstan Apparently Accepts Loss Of Anti Terrorism Centre
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, September 2: Kyrgyzstan has apparently accepted Tashkent as the site of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization`s (SCO) Regional Antiterrorism Structure, according to a report by the official news agency kabar.kg of 2 September. As the report notes, SCO member states agreed earlier this year that the antiterrorism center would be located in Bishkek, and the Kyrgyz authorities had already selected a building to house it.
Turkmenistan Forms State Commission To Fight Terrorism
Radio Free Europe
Ashgabat, September 2: A State Antiterrorism Commission was formed during an expanded session of Turkmenistan`s cabinet of ministers on 1 September, turkmenistan.ru reported the next day. Creation of the commission was approved at the session of the People`s Assembly on 15 August. Its main function is to coordinate the antiterrorism activities of state agencies.
Astana Kashagan Suit?
The Moscow Times
Moscow, September 5: Kazakhstan will demand damages from companies tapping a Caspian field if they delay the start of oil production there, Interfax quoted the general director of Kazakh state oil and gas company Kazmunaigaz as saying. Eni SpA, Total SA and partners, which are developing the Kashagan field, would have to compensate the Kazakh government for profits not received, Kazmunaigaz general director Kairgeldy Kabyldin said in Baku, Interfax reported.
Turkmenistan To Supply $480 Mln Worth Of Electricity To Iran In 10 Years
Interfax
Ashgabat, September 5: Turkmenistani President Saparmurad Niyazov and Iranian Energy Minister Habibollah Bitaraf signed a 10-year contract in Ashgabat worth $480 million to supply Turkmenistani electricity to Iran. The signing of this contract was announced by the Turkmenistani mass media on Friday. A source in the republic`s Energy and Industry Ministry told Interfax that the signed agreement continues the implementation of a long-term Turkmen-Iranian cooperation program in the area of electricity, signed by the presidents of the two countries in Teheran in March this year.
Aktau-Baku Oil Route Management Company To Be Set Up
Interfax
Aktau, September 4: A project to transport Kazakhstani oil through Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline will involve establishment of a company to operate oil supplies along the Aktau-Baku route, KazMunaiGaz Managing Director for Transport Kairgeldy Kabyldin said. It is planned that shareholders in the new company will include ENI, TotalFinaElf, ConocoPhillips and Inpex, who develop the Kashagan filed and have a 15 per cent stake in BTC Co., the operator for construction and operation of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan pipeline.
Siemens Gets EUR50 Million Kazakhstan Power Order
Kazakhstan News
Berlin, September 4: Siemens AG (SI) said Thursday its power transmission and distribution (PTD) group has received an order from the Kazakhstan Electricity Grid Operation Company (KEGOC) to modernize the control and protection equipment in all its substations. The order is worth more than EUR50 million. It is the largest individual order received so far by the power automation division.
Azerbaijani PM Says Kazakh Oil Distribution To World Market Via BTC Important
Turkish Daily News
Ankara, September 4: Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ilham Aliyev said the possibility of transporting Kazakh oil to the world market through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) line that the project was not only important for oil companies, but also for both countries. Aliyev received Kazakh `KazMunayGaz` company delegation, arriving in Baku to hold talks regarding their participation in the BTC line and the Azerbaijani prime minister said that the talks concerning Kazakhstan`s participation to the project began in December, 1992, adding that bilateral talks on the issue would continue in the two countries.
Routine Negotiations Held For Kazakhstan To Participate In BTC
Baku Today
Baku, September 4: Approximately 20 specialists are participating in the discussions and working groups will be formed for them to complete the document stage by stageNegotiations began yesterday in Baku for Kazakhstan to participate in the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline project. Natig Aliev, SOCAR President, reported that Kairgeldi Kabildin, Executive Director of `KazMunaiGaz`, is representing Kazakhstan at the negotiations. However, Timur Kulibayev, First Vice-President of `KazMunaiGaz`, expects to participate as well. Additional participants include: BTC Co., ConocoPhilips, INPEX, Agip, and TotalFinaElf. Aliev said two versions of the treaty between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are under discussion.
Oil Majors In Kazakhstan May Ink Pipe Deal In Oct
Kazakhstan News
Baku, September 3: Western oil majors working in Kazakhstan may agree on the details of joining the giant BP-led pipeline from the Caspian Sea to Turkey`s Mediterranean coast on October 25, a Kazakh oil official said on Wednesday. BP plans to finish a one million barrel per day (bpd) pipeline from its huge oilfields near Baku in Azerbaijan to the Turkish port of Ceyhan by 2005, but Kazakhstan hopes it could also ship its own booming output via the link, sending oil cargoes to Baku across the Caspian Sea. The Kazakh oil would be shipped by French oil giant Total , third largest U.S. oil company ConocoPhillips , Italian major ENI and Japan`s unlisted Inpex, none of whom have oil projects in Azerbaijan. The four firms agreed last year to join the $3-billion Baku-Ceyhan pipeline with a view to securing additional export routes from Kazakhstan`s huge Kashagan field, expected to produce its first oil in 2006-2007.
Gazprom To Start Its Activities In Kyrgyzstan By Late 2003
Interfax
Bishkek, September 3: Gazprom OJSC will start its activities in Kyrgyzstan by late 2003, deputy chair of company`s board of directors Alexander Ryazanov told journalists on Wednesday, September 3, in Bishkek after his meeting with Kyrgyz prime minister Nikolay Tanaev. The parties at their meeting discussed performance of an agreement signed in May between Kyrgyz government and Gazprom.
Tajikistan Hopes To Sell Electricity To Europe, Says Prime Minister
Radio Free Europe
Dushanbe, September 2: Tajik Prime Minister Oqil Oqilov told a news conference in Dushanbe that Tajikistan wants to sell electricity to Europe cheaply when a series of new hydroelectric plants is completed, ITAR-TASS reported on 2 September. The Tajik power exports would use the Russian electricity grid. Oqilov noted that Tajikistan signed an agreement in June to supply 5 million kilowatts to Russia daily, thereby demonstrating that Tajik electricity can find a market.
Azerbaijan`s SOCAR Edges Ups Oil Production
Interfax
Baku, September 2: The State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR) produced 5.953 million tonnes of oil and gas condensate in the first eight months of 2003, 0.2 per cent more than in the same period of last year and 1.6 per cent more than targeted. The company told Interfax that its Azneft unit reduced production 1 per cent to 5.385 million tonnes.
Investments In Kazakhstan Exceeded $23 Bln - President
Interfax
Almaty, September 2: Total investments in Kazakhstan`s economy for the republic`s independence (1991) exceeded $23 bln, Kazakhstani President Nursultan Nazarbaev said speaking at the opening ceremony of 28-th session of the Islamic Development Bank`s managers` council on Tuesday in Almaty. Annual economic growth in the republic is 10-11 per cent and the GDP will double in 2003 compared to 1999, Nazarbaev said. Kazakhstan`s development strategy- 2030 puts a task to increase GDP by 3.5 times by 2015. He reminded that Kazakhstan was recognized by the world community as the state with market economy and its financial system is the best in Central Asia.
Kazakhstan Harvested About 4 Million Tons Of Grain As Of September 2
Interfax
Astana, September 2: Kazakhstan harvested 3 ml 997,000 tons of grain (gross) from 3 ml 84,400 hectares - 22.3 per cent of the total area, the Agriculture ministry`s press service told Interfax- Kazakhstan on Tuesday. In 2002, Kazakhstan harvested 3 ml 343,300 tons for this date from 16.6 per cent of harvested area. Average yield of current harvest campaign is 1,300 kg from one hectare compared to 1,440 kg last year. The harvest area in Kazakhstan in 2003 is 13 ml 825,800 hectares against 13 ml 953,300 hectares in 2002. According to the ministry`s prognoses, the republic can harvest not less than 13 ml tons of grain this year with good weather conditions. In 2002, Kazakhstan harvested 16.2 ml tons.
Kazakhstan To Increase GDP 250 per cent By 2015
Interfax
Almaty, September 2: Kazakhstan plans to increase GDP 250 per cent by 2015, as part of a development strategy until 2030, Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev said. Per capita GDP in Kazakhstan will double in 2003 compared with 1999, he said at a ceremony to open the 28th annual meeting of the Council of Managers of the Islamic Development Bank in Almaty.
Uzbekistan Completes Construction Of Gas Pipeline
Interfax
Tashkent, September 2: Uzbekistan has completed the construction of the Shurtan-Sherabad gas pipeline in the country`s southern regions bypassing Turkmenistan, a source in the leadership of the Uzbek national oil and gas holding company told Interfax. He said the 90 billion sum pipeline was built at the expense of the holding company and will be operated by the Uztransgaz company. The 193-kilometer line has an annual throughput capacity of about 1,000 cubic meters. U.S. Zeromax built the most difficult section in the mountains between the 81st and 167th kilometers, while Uzneftegazstroi built the rest. Natural gas previously was transported to south Uzbekistan along the Kelif-Dushanbe and Kelif-Mubarek pipelines which mainly run across Turkmenistan. The commissioning of the new pipeline will put an end to Uzbek gas transit via Turkmenistan and fully satisfy the needs of households and industry for natural gas in southern Uzbekistan. The same route can be used for exporting gas to Tajikistan.
Azerbaijan Ups Baku-Novorossisk Crude Exports 3.4 per cent In Jan-Aug
Interfax
Baku, September 1: Azerbaijan exported 1.82 million tonnes of crude oil via the Baku-Novorossisk route in January- August 2003, up 3.4 per cent year-on-year, the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) told Interfax. Exports in August amounted to 219,302 tonnes. SOCAR is to export a total of 2.5 million tonnes of crude in 2003, sustaining last year`s level.
Islamic Development Bank To Up Financing In Central Asia
Interfax
Almaty, September 1: The Islamic Development Bank plans to provide more loans to Central Asian countries to finance road construction, small and mid-sized business projects and private sector development, the bank`s president said. The official opening ceremony of the IDB executive directors council meeting, which will be attended by over 500 delegates from 54 countries, takes place in Almaty on September 2.
Uzbekistan Becomes Islamic Development Bank Member
Interfax
Tashkent, September 1: Uzbekistan has been affiliated as the member of the Islamic Development Bank at the 28-th session of the bank`s managers` council. The decision was approved by the IDB members on Monday in Almaty at the official opening ceremony, Interfax-Kazakhstan correspondent reported. So Uzbekistan is 55-th member. Of CIS states the members of the organization are - Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Kazakhstan Eyes Joining BTC Project
Central Asia Daily
Astana, August 31: Negotiations on Kazakhstan`s joining the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan project will take place in Baku (Azerbaijan) on September 2 to 3, 2003, Kazakhstani Ambassador to Azerbaijan Andar Shukputov declared. Earlier, a meeting of task forces was planned for late June, and then it was rescheduled for early July.
SCO General Prosecutors Meet In Kyrgyz Capital
Uzbek Report
Bishkek, September 5: The Second meeting of general prosecutors of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states (SCO) started on 4 September in in Bishkek. General prosecutors of all SCO countries - Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Russia - are participating in the meeting. The meeting was opened by Myktybek Abdyldayev, general prosecutor of Kyrgyzstan.
Uzbek Leader Meets Foreign Ministers Of SCO Member States
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, September 5: Uzbekistan`s President Islam Karimov received foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states on 5 August. Welcoming the guests, Islam Karimov said that the meeting of SCO foreign ministers and documents signed attached great significance to the future activities of the organisation. During the meeting, President Islam Karimov expressed his views on the SCO´s regional anti-terrorism centre.
SCO Member States Support Transitional Afghan Government
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, September 5: The Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) supported the efforts of the transitional government of Afghanistan, aimed at stabilising the situation in the country, a joint communique on the result of the SCO meeting in Tashkent said. The SCO member states pointed to the need for holding a constitutional Loya Jerga (parliament) and general elections in Afghanistan in 2004. They also stressed the importance of implementation of the provisions of the Declaration on Good Neighbourly Relations without the fail. The declaration was adopted in Kabul in December 2002. Foreign ministers drew their attention to fighting illegal drug trafficking from Afghanistan.
SCO Foreign Ministers Summit Ends In Tashkent
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, September 5: Summit of foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states ended in Tashkent on 5 September. The main agenda of the summit was to discuss issues of realisation of decisions made by the leaders of SCO member states in May 2003, Uzbek Foreign Minister Sodiq Safoev told journalists after the summit. First of all, this is creation of the SCO Secretariat in Beijing and the Regional Anti-Terrorism Centre in Tashkent. The ministers decided that the SCO Secretariat will start working fully on 1 January 2004, and the Secretariat of the Regional Anti-Terrorism Centre on 1 November 2003. The same month, the centre`s coordination council will held its first meeting.
Iran, Turkmenistan Sign 10-Year Protocol On Energy Cooperation
Tehran Times
Ashgabat, September 5: Iran and Turkmenistan signed an agreement here on Thursday for 10 years of cooperation in the field of energy. Under the agreement, Turkmenistan`s capacity for the transfer of power to Iran will rise to 700 megawatts from 200 megawatts, Iranian Energy Minister Habibollah Bitaraf told reporters after a meeting with Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov. Bitaraf said that two new lines -- Serakhs-Sarakhs and Merv-Mashhad -- would be set up to raise Turkmenistan`s capacity for the purpose, IRNA reported.
Majilis Of Kazakhstani Parliament Accepted For Examination Treaty On Joint CIS Use Of Transport Communications Network
Interfax
Astana, September 4: Majilis of Kazakhstani Parliament accepted for its examination a draft of the Law on Ratification of the treaty to use and develop a network of transport communications for the needs of economic, military and humanitarian conveyances of the CIS member states. This treaty was signed at the meeting of the CIS prime ministers on May 31, 2001 in Minsk.
Memorial Says Russian Security Service Detained Turkmen Diplomats
Radio Free Europe
Ashgabat, September 4: The Moscow human rights organization Memorial has issued a report asserting that the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) detained several Turkmen diplomats in Moscow on 17 August for allegedly engaging in activities not compatible with their diplomatic status, centrasia.ru reported on 4 September. An FSB spokesman was quoted as saying the detained officials included the first secretary of the Turkmen Embassy in Moscow, a representative of the Turkmen Foreign Ministry, and an official of the Turkmen National Security Ministry who was allegedly sent to Moscow to undertake actions against the Turkmen opposition.
Citizenship Granted
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, September 4: Before Constitution Day the Head of State signed the Decree granting Kazakhstan citizenship. Press Service of President Administration informs that 9128 people were granted Kazakhstan citizenship. Most of them are oralmans from 14 CIS and foreign countries.
Rosneft Looks To Start Working Turkmenistan`s Caspian Shelf Next Year
Interfax
Astrakhan, September 4: Russian oil company Rosneft plans to start operating on the Turkmen shelf in the Caspian Sea in the coming year, Rosneft president Sergei Bogdanchikov announced Thursday in Astrakhan. `We are now negotiating with Turkmenistan, and I think we will be able to start the work next year,` Bogdanchikov said.
Malaysian King, Queen To Visit Uzbekistan On 7-11 September
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, September 4: Malaysian King Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Syed Sirajuddin and Queen Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Fauziah will visit Uzbekistan on an official visit on 7-11 September, Foreign Ministry has said. It is expected that Malaysian leader and Uzbekistan`s President Islam Karimov will consider issues of development of bilateral cooperation, firstly, in humanitarian aspect, problems of regional security and situation in the war-torn Afghanistan.
Uzbekistan, China To Join Efforts On Fighting Terrorism
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, September 4: Uzbekistan`s President Islam Karimov received Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing at his presidential Oq Saroy residence on 4 September. During the meeting the sides considered development of Uzbek-Chinese relations, cooperation in fighting various threats to the regional security, as well as other issues of mutual interest. Chinese Foreign Minister also met his Uzbek counterpart Sadyk Safaev.
Russian Foreign Ministry Criticises Turkmenistan
Radio Free Europe
Ashgabat, September 3: Russian First Deputy Foreign Minister Yelenora Mitrofanova criticized Turkmen authorities for its negative attitude toward contacts between Turkmenistan`s ethnic Russians and Russia, Interfax reported on 3 September, quoting Mitrofanova`s interview in that day`s issue of `Rossiiskaya gazeta.` Mitrofanova said that ethnic Russians reportedly were prevented by the Turkmen authorities from attending a meeting of Russians living in Central Asia.
Tajikistan, China Agree To Cooperate Against Terrorism
Radio Free Europe
Dushanbe, September 3: Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing, on an official visit to Tajikistan, and Tajik Foreign Minister Talbak Nazarov signed an agreement on 2 September in Dushanbe on cooperation in fighting terrorism, extremism, and separatism, Interfax and RIA-Novosti reported on 3 September. The two countries agreed to set up bilateral and multilateral systems to counter these threats, particularly in the context of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
Energy Minister To Visit Turkmenistan
Tehran Times
Ashgabat, September 3: Iran`s Ambassador to Ashkhabad Ebrahim Derazgissou said on Wednesday that Iranian Energy Minister Habibollah Bitaraf heading a high ranking delegation is to pay an official visit to Turkmenistan on Thursday. Speaking to IRNA, he said the visit takes place at the official invitation of the Turkmen vice president for oil, gas and energy affairs. The Iranian minister is scheduled to confer with Turkmen President Saparmurad Niyazov on expansion of mutual cooperation in energy sector, he said. The two sides will sign a long term memorandum of understanding (MoU) on electricity, he said.
Public Prosecutor Of Kyrgyzstan And China Have Signed The Protocol On Cooperation
Kabar Agency
Bishkek, September 3: The State Office of Public Prosecutor of Kyrgyzstan and the Supreme Office of Public Prosecutor of China have signed the Protocol on cooperation. Signing of the given document became result of the meeting of general public prosecutor of Kyrgyzstan Myktybek Abdyldaev and the head of Office of Public Prosecutor of China Tsya Chunwang. The protocol fixed that the sides recognize presence of the significant unused potential for expansion of the cooperation.
The Role Of Parliament Marked
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, September 2: On 2 September, Tuesday Oralbai Abdykarimov, Senate Chairman, received, Yao Peisheng, Ambassador of China to Kazakhstan, on the occasion of his diplomatic functions termination in our country and return home. Oralbai Abdykarimov highly estimated the activities of the diplomat in strengthening political, trade-economic and humanitarian links of the two states, providing harmonized actions within Shanhai Organization of Cooperation (ShOC), the opening of Kazakhstan Embassy in Hong Kong. In his turn Chinese Ambassador underlined a significant role of Kazakhstan Parliament and Oralbai Abdukarimov`s contribution to drafting and adopting important international Kazakhstan - Chinese documents on the boundary demarcation, other aspects of bilateral relations.
Iran-Pak-Afghan Coop To Boost Central Asian Trade: Pak MP
IRNA
Islamabad, September 2: A member of the Pakistani Parliament on Tuesday said cooperation among Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan will boost trade ties with Central Asian republics. Insecure Afghanistan hinders progress and can be a source of constant tension in this part of the world. Therefore, neighbouring states must join hands to help the war-torn country forge unity and peace, Maulana Akbar Chitrali told IRNA here. Big projects like Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan gas pipeline, he contended, could be effectively implemented if Kabul is quiet and peaceful, he added. Mutahida Majlis-e-Amal lawmaker also called for disarming of the warlords and pullout of the United States forces from Afghanistan, saying peace will remain illusive if the warlords were not disarmed and America did not withdraw forces from the country.
Chinese Foreign Minister Visits Tajikistan
Radio Free Europe
Dushanbe, September 2: Li Zhaoxing arrived in Dushanbe on 1 September on an official visit, Asia Plus-Blitz reported on 2 September. Tajik presidential press secretary Zafar Saidov was quoted as reporting that Li held a wide-ranging discussion with President Rakhmonov, focusing particularly on closer bilateral economic ties. Rakhmonov was quoted as saying that opening direct overland access between Tajikistan and China via the Kulma Pass will facilitate contacts.
Kyrgyz-Kazak In Spat Over Holiday Resort
Institute for War & Peace Reporting
Bishkek, September 2: Bishkek seizes Kazak-owned hotels in a row reflecting low-level diplomatic tensions. Relations between Kyrgyzstan and Kazakstan have become strained over a property row on Lake Issyk-Kul, the region`s main tourist destination. The dispute arose out of a decision by Kyrgyzstan`s government to assume ownership of five sanatoriums and small hotels belonging to Kazakstan but located along the lakeside - in Kyrgyz territory. The ownership issue highlights the difficulty of deciding who owns what in the post-Soviet republics, more than a decade after the end of the USSR. But the row appears to driven by friction between the two countries, which normally enjoy good relations and have no substantial areas of dispute. Kyrgyzstan has been angered by its bigger neighbour`s recent decision to introduce immigration controls and deport Kyrgyz migrant workers. `This move by our government can be seen as a response to Kazakstan`s actions,` former Kyrgyz foreign minister Muratbek Imanaliev told IWPR.
SCO Foreign Ministers To Meet In Tashkent On 4-5 September
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, September 2: Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation member states will meet in Tashkent on 4-5 September to discuss a number of issues related to the consolidation of the organisation. The SCO members will discuss issues on establishment of main SCO bodies by 1 January 2004.
Ethnic Russian Leader Says Kyrgyz Independence Day Is No Holiday For Russians
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, September 2: Valerii Uleev, leader of the Slavic Diaspora Society of ethnic Russians in Kyrgyzstan`s Djalal-Abad Oblast, told the Djalal-Abad city council during preparations for celebrations of the country`s Independence Day that Kyrgyz Independence Day is not a holiday for Kyrgyzstan`s Russian population, akipress.org reported on 2 September.
Uzbek President Appoints New Envoy To France
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, September 2: Uzbek President Islam Karimov appointed new Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Uzbekistan to the French Republic on 2 September. According to the presidential decree, Hamidulla Karamatov is a new ambassador of Uzbekistan to France. Prior to appointment, Karamatov served as deputy prime minister on social issues.
Uzbekistan, Russia Need To Draw Attention To Business
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, September 2: A political dialogue between Russia and Uzbekistan `is more intensive this year,` Uzbek Ambassador to Russia Bakhtiyer Islamov said on the occasion of Independence Day of Uzbekistan. He told ITAR-TASS on Monday, `Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Uzbek counterpart Islam Karimov held substantial talks in Samarkand on 6 August 2003.` `This meeting became a landmark in our relations,` the ambassador added. The foreign ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) will gather in Tashkent on 5 September.
British Delegation Starts Visit To Uzbekistan Today
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, September 2: A British delegation led by Alderman Gavyn Arthur, the Rt.Hon The Lord Mayor of London starts an official visit to Uzbekistan on 3 September. The delegation includes Miss Carole Blackshaw, The Lady Mayoress, Alderman and Sheriff of the City of London David Brewer and Mrs Tessa Brewer, Mr Neill O´Connor, Lord Mayor´s Acting Private Secretary.
Mutual Trade Plays Key Role Says Former Czech Envoy
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, September 2: Former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Czech Republic to Uzbekistan Mr Jaroslav Ludva spoke to BVV Business Report on his activity in Uzbekistan and Uzbek-Czech bilateral relations. - After Uzbekistan had gained independence in 1991 and the Czech Republic in 1993, economic ties between our nations have gradually expanded. The mutual trade played the key role here - the commodity turnover increased by 200 per cent, and during the past years its volume has made up several millions of US dollars, covering a broad list of raw materials, intermediate products, ready goods, machinery, equipment and spare parts.
Tajik Head Congratulates Uzbek People With Independence Day
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, September 1: Tajik President Emomali Rahmonov sent a congratulatory telegram to the Uzbek President Islam Karimov on occasion of 12th anniversary of Independence Day of Uzbekistan. The message says: `We cherish the long friendly relations of our people and the state of neighbourliness which unite the Tajik and Uzbek nations. The relations between our countries are built on that and we will take all necessary measures to strengthen this foundation.`
UN Refugee Agency Salutes Kyrgyz Hospitality
Central Asia Daily
Bishkek, September 1: More than 50 Tajik refugees have taken Kyrgyz citizenship in a ceremony marking the third anniversary of a presidential decree that has helped more than 3,500 long-time refugees obtain Kyrgyz nationality. Kyrgyzstan`s First Deputy Prime Minister, Kurmanbek Osmonov, represented President Askar Akaev at the citizenship ceremony on August 29, marking three years to the day since the decree was signed allowing ethnic Kyrgyz refugees to become naturalised citizens. On behalf of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Ekber Menemencioglu, director of the agency`s bureau for Central and South West Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East (CASWANAME), thanked Kyrgyzstan for adopting policies and practices that have enabled refugees to integrate.
Uzbek Envoy To Turkey Holds Reception For Diplomats
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, September 1: Uzbek Embassy in Turkey held a reception on occasion of 12th anniversary of Uzbekistan`s gaining its independence on 1 September. The reception, hosted by Uzbek Ambassador to Turkey Rustem Isayev, was attended by Acting Prime Minister Abdullatif Sener, former president Suleyman Demirel, former foreign minister Yasar Yakis, US Ambassador to Turkey Eric Edelman, British Ambassador to Turkey Peter Westmacott and other guests, Turkishpress reported.
IDB To Hold Next Session In Iran
IRNA
Tehran, August 31: Islamic Development Bank is to hold its upcoming meeting in Tehran next year per a decision by its presiding body. Deputy Minister of Economy and Finance Mehdi Karbasian told IRNA over phone that the decision would be formally declared at the session of the IDB presiding board in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on Tuesday.
IMF Closes Kazakh `Res Rep` Office
The Moscow Times
Almaty, August 31: This month, the International Monetary Fund`s representative in Almaty, the country`s economic capital, ended a two-year assignment and was not to be replaced -- testimony to the Fund`s faith that this former Soviet republic will not need to borrow money anytime soon. The representative, Geoffrey Åstricher, a soft-spoken Canadian with a trim beard, said that while IMF teams would continue to come to Kazakhstan two or three times a year to provide technical assistance and discuss economic policy with the country`s financial leadership, the closing of the `res rep` office was `a reflection of their success.`
Rakhmonov, Ebtekar Review Expansion Of Ties
IRNA
Dushanbe, August 30: Vice-President and Head of the Department of Environment (DoE) Masoomeh Ebtekar and Tajik President Imomali Rakhmonov here Saturday evening explored avenues to bolster all-out bilateral cooperation. During the meeting Ebtekar submitted a message from President Mohammad Khatami to his Tajik counterpart. Khatami`s message stressed on materialization of the agreements reached between the two countries during President Rakhmonov`s visit to Tehran in June 2003.
Uzbek Police Detain Pensioners Growing Drugs
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, September 4: About 200 cases of cultivating drugs containing plants in private and cooperative farms´ abandoned lands have been revealed by police officers during the Black poppy - 2003 operation in Uzbekistan´s eastern Andijan region. The total area of crops exceeds 3,000 sq. m. More than 5,000 opium poppy shrubs have been destroyed.
Alleged Afghan Drug Traffickers Kill One Police Officer, Take Another Hostage In Tajikistan
Radio Free Europe
Dushanbe, September 2: Alleged Afghan drug traffickers clashed with police in the Shurabod Raion of southern Tajikistan`s Khatlon Oblast on 1 September, killing one officer, wounding another, and taking a third hostage, Asia Plus-Blitz and Interfax reported on 2 September. An official of the raion police department told Asia Plus-Blitz that the captured officer is believed to have been taken to Afghanistan.
Russian Border Guards Seize Largest Ever Drugs Cache On Tajik-Afghan Border
Pravda
Moscow, August 31: Russian border guards working on the Tajik-Afghan border have made their largest ever find of heroin. As the Russian border control department announced, border guards discovered a group of ten people crossing the Pianj river on two rafts attempting to smuggle drugs across the border. The following morning the guards discovered another three bags of heroin, weighing 92.7 kilogrammes. The total cache of drugs therefore comes to 389.7 kilogrammes. The drugs will now be destroyed. Since the beginning of this year border guards in Tajikistan have seized about 3 tonnes of different drugs including 1.75 tonnes of heroin.
Uzbek Border Guards Seize 32 Kg Of Afghan Heroin
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, August 31: Uzbek border guards captured drug smugglers with over 32 kg of heroin in Uzbek-Tajik border, Uzbek newspaper Narodnoye Slovo reported.
Authorities In Osh Stop Sale Of Book On Aksy Killings
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, September 4: National Security Service officers in southern Kyrgyzstan`s Uzgen and Kuldja Raions have stopped the sale of journalist Nuradil Bakashev`s book on the killing of five antigovernment demonstrators in the Aksy Raion of Djalal-Abad Oblast in March 2002, RFE/RL`s Kyrgyz Service reported on 4 September. The information about the security officers` action was attributed to the Osh representative of the opposition Young Kyrgyzstan Party, Kegin Makeev.
Dissident`s Father Sent Into Internal Exile
Central Asia Daily
New York, September 3: The Turkmen government should immediately free a dissident`s elderly father who was forced last week into internal exile, Human Rights Watch said today.
Rights Group Seeks Probe Of Uzbek Kidnapping
Voice of America
Tashkent, September 1: The international rights group Human Rights Watch is calling on the Uzbek government to investigate the alleged kidnapping and beating of an activist in Tashkent. In a statement, the London-based group says Surat Ikramov was abducted and assaulted early Thursday after a man flagged him down in his car and asked for a ride. It says four masked men tied him up and drove him to the outskirts of Tashkent, where they demanded money, beat him, and left him unconscious.
Special Focus
President Of Georgia Regrets Abolition Of Death PenaltyApparently alarmed at deteriorating law and order in Georgia, the country`s president has publicly expressed his regret at being forced into abolishing the death penalty.
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http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/rights/articles/eav083103.shtmlSouthern Caucasus: Facing Integration Problems, Ethnic Russians Long For Better Life
After the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991 and the ethnic conflicts that followed, tens of thousands of ethnic Russians left the Transcaucasian region.
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http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/pp083003.shtmlProposed Election Law Changes In Kazakhstan Stand To Curtail Independent Monitoring
Proposed changes to Kazakhstan`s election law are facing criticism from non-governmental organization activists, who contend that the government seeks to greatly reduce the ability of independent observers to monitor 2004`s parliamentary election.
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http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav090203.shtmlTajikistan Conference Draws Attention To Lack Of Central Asian Cooperation On Water Issues
The Tajik hosts of the recent United Nations-sponsored Fresh Water Forum suggested that greater international aid could ease Central Asia`s water woes. UN officials made it clear, however, that alleviating the regional water crisis requires increased cooperation among Central Asian states.
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http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/environment/articles/eav090203.shtmlDagestani Violence Underlines Caspian Volatility
Political violence in the Russian internal republic of Dagestan returned with a vengeance on August 27 when Magomed-Salikh Gusayev, regional minister for national policy, information and external relations, was killed in an explosion caused by a magnetic bomb placed on the roof of white sedan in Makhachkala, capital of Dagestan.
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http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/EI03Ag01.html- 3 septFree And Fair Elections Still A Distant Dream In The Caucasus - Experts
There is a high probability that officials will attempt to manipulate upcoming elections in Azerbaijan and Georgia, leading political observers told an audience at the Open Society Institute in New York on September 2. The absence of free and fair democratic processes could spark political and social instability in the region, the experts added.
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http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav090303a.shtmlDomestic Political Uncertainty In Azerbaijan Raise Danger Of Renewed Karabakh Conflict
An escalating domestic political struggle in Azerbaijan increases the odds that fighting with Armenia over the Nagorno-Karabakh enclave will resume, regional observers believe.
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http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav090403.shtmlCentral Asia: Early Travelers Part 2: Sven Hedin, A Lifetime Of ExploringIn one expedition, Hedin traveled across Russian Central Asia, crossing the Pamirs, exploring and attempting to climb the peaks, and then crossing part of the Taklamakan desert, where he nearly lost his life for lack of water. Hedin was taken by local guides to a ruined city in the desert northeast of Khotan where he found not only the remains of buildings, orchards and avenues preserved in the sand, but also Buddhist stucco figures and wall paintings. Hedin was no archaeologist, but he realized that he had been brought to one of the old cities of the Silk Road.
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http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/EI06Ag02.htmlShanghai Cooperation Organisation Takes Significant Step Toward ViabilityChina is trying to raise its profile in Central Asian security matters, and Russia wants to discourage Uzbekistan from strengthening security ties with the United States. In seeking to achieve these policy aims, China and Russia hope the Shanghai Cooperation Organization proves to be a key mechanism. Recent anti-terrorist exercises marked a significant step in the ongoing effort to turn the organization into a major regional player.
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http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav090503b.shtmlCopycatting The US `war On Terrorism`It has been stated more than once about the United States that whatever it decides to do, it does with style. Doing it with style in the most neutral sense means doing it systematically and uniquely. I will avoid all the polemics associated with doing it with style and stick with its neutral meaning. Doing it with style is quite true about America`s war against global terrorism. The essence of the Bush administration`s campaign against terrorism revolves around finding regional allies and expecting them to bear the brunt of the fight against terrorism, while fully retaining the prerogatives of unilateral action. The US`s campaign in Afghanistan typified that style.
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http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/EI03Ag02.html
Report Dated 05 September 2003