Azeri President Implicated In Bribery Probe
Financial Times
Washington DC, September 12: The president of Azerbaijan and his son have been implicated in a bribery investigation focusing on the halted privatisation of the Central Asian republic`s state-owned oil company. Their alleged role in the scandal was detailed in a criminal indictment against a Swiss banker unsealed in a New York court this week. A prominent Wall Street hedge fund, Omega Advisors, was also implicated. The indictment comes at a time of serious political uncertainty in Azerbaijan, a country that the US government and western oil companies regard as a gateway for vast Central Asian energy resources.
Citizen Picket For Hearing By Prosecutor In Southern Uzbekistan
Radio Free Europe
Tashkent, September 11: Two inhabitants of a village in Uzbekistan`s Kashkadarya Oblast successfully picketed for a hearing at the oblast prosecutor`s office in Karshi, the oblast administrative center, centrasia.ru reported on 11 September, quoting the Prima news agency. According to the report, the two citizens -- Nurali Kulabov and a woman who declined to give her name -- picketed the office on 9 September for half an hour, after which they were allowed into the building to meet with the deputy oblast prosecutor, who reportedly promised to look into their grievances against the prosecutor`s office and against the hospital of the raion in which they live.
OSCE Expects Azerbaijani Authorities To Provide For Democratic Election
Interfax
Baku, September 11: The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) expects the Azerbaijani authorities to provide for a democratic presidential election, head of the ODIHR Election Observation Mission Peter Eicher said at a press conference in Baku on Thursday.
Krgyz Parliament Committee Confirms President Cannot Run Again
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, September 11: The Government Affairs Committee of the lower house of Kyrgyzstan`s parliament confirmed on 11 September that President Askar Akaev is not eligible to run for president again in 2005, RFE/RL`s Kyrgyz Service reported. According to committee Chairman Absamat Masaliev, Akaev`s present term is illegal. The Kyrgyz Constitution allows a president only two terms in office, but the Kyrgyz Supreme Court ruled prior to the last presidential election that Akaev`s first two terms should not be counted, because those elections took place before the adoption of the present constitution. Akaev has said repeatedly that he will not run in 2005, but the opposition is distrustful.
Kazakh Opposition, Authorities Complain Of Dirty Campaign Practices
Radio Free Europe
Astana, September 11: As Kazakhstan`s 20 September nationwide elections to local councils approach, both the opposition and the authorities are complaining of the `dirty` campaign practices being employed, Interfax-Kazakhstan reported on 11 September. Opposition Democratic Choice of Kazakhstan (DVK) official and Almaty city council candidate Petr Svoik showed a news conference in Almaty a leaflet allegedly written by him, but which he said was actually a provocation by a `powerful and influential body.`
Islam Karimov Awards Nukus With Dostlik Order
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, September 11: President Islam Karimov signed a decree on 11 September on awarding Nukus city with Dostlik (Friendship) order. The award has coincided with the 70th anniversary of Nukus. The capital of Karakalpakstan has been awarded for contribution to social-economic development of Uzbekistan, high achievements in all spheres of life and strengthening of friendship and consent between nations, preservation of national heritage.
NGO Rates Tajikistan Best, Turkmenistan Worst For Press Freedom In Central Asia
Radio Free Europe
Dushanbe, September 11: The international journalists` NGO Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has published what it describes as the first worldwide index of press freedom, the Azerbaijani news agency Ekho reported on 11 September. The index rates freedom of the media in 139 countries. Among the post-Soviet Central Asian states, Tajikistan rated highest at No. 86. Kyrgyzstan is No. 98; Kazakhstan is 116; and Uzbekistan is No. 120. Turkmenistan rated No. 136, coming just three notches ahead of last place North Korea.
Kazakh President`s Daughter`s Party Steps Up Activities
Interfax
Aktyubinsk, September 10: Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev`s daughter, Dariga, has announced that the Asar political movement will intensify its activities in Kazakhstan. Dariga Nazarbayeva was among those who set up the movement in April 2003. `The future of Kazakhstan is in the hands of young people,` she noted. Asar [By Whole World] may create a parliamentary faction in the future, she said. Nazarbayeva was offered to participate in political activities previously. It was not an easy decision to lead Asar, she pointed out.
Russian Orthodox Churchman Complains Of Missionaries In Kazakhstan
Radio Free Europe
Astana, September 9: In a 9 September article in `Kazakhstanskaya pravda,` Metropolitan Mefodii of Astana and Almaty complained that Kazakhstan is being inundated by a `powerful wave of missionaries` who are practicing what he called `aggressive proselytism` and, in his view, are creating tension among the ethnic groups living in the country. The metropolitan added that `pseudo-religious organizations` are exploiting people`s religious sentiments and called for the rejection of all forms of proselytism.
International Journalist Group Asks Uzbek Government About Blocking Of Uzbek Opposition Web Site
Radio Free Europe
Tashkent, September 9: The international journalists` NGO RSF has asked the Uzbek government for information on the blocking of the website of Ozod Ovoz (Free Voice) (http://www.ozodovoz.org), a group of opposition journalists, RSF reported on 9 September. The website was set up in Azerbaijan in April (see `RFE/RL Newsline,` 9 April 2003), and has frequently posted criticism of Uzbek President Islam Karimov`s policies. Reportedly, it has been inaccessible inside Uzbekistan since 2 September, and people seeking to reach the site receive a message saying that access is not authorized.
Azerbaijan PM Promises Democratic Presidential Election
Interfax
Baku, September 9: The run-up to the presidential election in Azerbaijan and international politics were the main subjects at talks in Ankara on Monday between the Turkish and Azerbaijani prime ministers, Recep Tayip Erdogan and Ilkham Aliyev. `We discussed the pre-election situation in Azerbaijan,` Erdogan told a briefing after the talks. He said Aliyev had assured him the election, scheduled for October 15, would be democratic.
OSCE Opens Mission To Monitor Georgian Election
Radio Free Europe
Tbilisi, September 9: The OSCE`s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) on 9 September officially opened its Election Observation Mission to monitor the 2 November Georgian parliamentary elections, Civil Georgia reported. The head of the OSCE mission, Julian Peel Yates, explained that `the forthcoming elections are crucial for the future democratic development of Georgia.` He stressed that the mission`s `role is to observe and monitor...not to supervise or manage` the election, and stated that `we will not interfere in the election process.`
Uzbek Opposition Group Alleges Activist Was Kidnapped By Police
Radio Free Europe
Tashkent, September 8: The banned Uzbek opposition party Erk has told journalists that a party activist, Hasan Kambarov, was kidnapped by police in the town of Chirchik near Tashkent in May, and the Uzbek authorities have refused to confirm that they are detaining him, Deutsche Welle reported on 8 September, quoting Safar Bekjan, an Erk leader who lives in exile in Switzerland.
Non Governmental Alliance Against Corruption Formed In Kyrgyzstan
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, September 8: Kyrgyz civil society activist Tolekan Ismailova, head of the NGO Civil Society Against Corruption, told journalists on 7 September that a nongovernmental Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Struggle Against Corruption has been formed in Kyrgyzstan, RFE/RL`s Kyrgyz Service and Deutsche Welle reported on 7 and 8 September, respectively. Ismailova said the alliance comprises several political parties, NGOs, well-known politicians, and independent journalists. Because the alliance is a voluntary association, it does not have to register with the Justice Ministry.
Georgian President Seeking Reduction In Number Of Deputies
Interfax
Tbilisi, September 8: Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze has welcomed the idea of holding a referendum on reducing the number of deputies from 235 to 150 together with the country`s parliamentary elections on November 2. Shevardnadze told national radio on Monday that by approving the referendum, he `was guided by the interests of voters, most of whom, up to 90 per cent , support the suggestion on cutting the number of deputies.`
Four Kyrgyz Pro Government Parties Merge
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, September 8: Four pro-government political parties in Kyrgyzstan -- Jany Zaman (New Times), Manas El, Jany Kyymyl (New Movement), and the Party of Cooperators -- have merged under the name Alga, Kyrgyzstan (Forward, Kyrgyzstan), kabar.kg and akipress.org reported on 8 September. The chairman of the new party`s political council is Bolot Begaliev, who formerly headed Jany Zaman.
President Of Azerbaijan Inked Edict To Recruit Soldiers
Baku Today
Baku, September 11: On September 9, Heydar Aliev, the President of Azerbaijan, signed edict to recruit soldiers from October 1 till 20. According to edict, citizens of Azerbaijan, born in 1985 and being 18-year old by the day of recruitment as well as those born in 1968-1984, being up to 35-year old, without right for postponement of recruitment, are called on military service. The soldiers and sergeants of the same ages are dismissed in compliance with law `Military Service`.
No Peace Until Armenia Withdraws From Occupied Azerbaijani Lands
Interfax
Baku, September 11: The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict cannot be resolved until Azerbaijan`s territorial integrity is restored, Armenia withdraws from occupied Azerbaijani lands, and displaced people are returned to their homes, Azerbaijani Prime Minister and presidential candidate Ilham Aliyev said in a televised address late on Wednesday. He expressed hope that the OSCE Minsk group, which is currently attempting to solve the Karabakh conflict, will step up its activities. `But I want to make it clear that the Azerbaijani nation`s patience is running thin. This conflict must be resolved in the coming years. Everybody needs to know that Azerbaijan will use whatever means at its disposal to liberate its lands,` Aliyev said.
Uzbek Border Guards Shoot Down Kazakh Citizen
Radio Free Europe
Tashkent, September 10: Inhabitants of the village of Bagys on the Kazakh-Uzbek border told journalists on 9 September that fellow villager Bakdaulet Madagaliev was wounded by Uzbek border guards who opened fire on him when he tried to retrieve a cow that had strayed across the border, gazeta.kz reported on 9 September.
Pakistani Military Delegation Visits Azerbaijan
Radio Free Europe
Baku, September 10: A Pakistani military delegation led by Admiral Shahid Karimullah, the chief of the country`s Naval Staff, met with Azerbaijani Defense Minister Colonel General Safar Abiev on 10 September during a visit to Baku, ANS reported. The Pakistani delegation discussed plans to expand bilateral cooperation and agreed to boost the number of Azerbaijani Army and Air Force officers studying at Pakistani military academies. Pakistan is second only to Turkey in providing military training and assistance to Azerbaijan.
Multinational Military Exercises Underway In Georgia
Radio Free Europe
Tbilisi, September 8: A two-week multinational military exercise opened in Georgia on 8 September, `The Georgian Times` and Civil Georgia reported. Georgian Defense Minister Davit Tevzadze, U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Richard Miles, and NATO officials opened the Rescuer/Mediceur 2003 NATO Partnership for Peace program exercise at the Vaziani military base outside of Tbilisi. The exercise involves medical training and military search-and-rescue tactical operations for more than 700 troops from Albania, Bulgaria, Estonia, Germany, Moldova, Turkey, Ukraine, and the United States.
Kazakhstan Wants To Send More Peacekeepers To Iraq
Radio Free Europe
Astana, September 8: Kazakh Foreign Minister Qasymzhomart Toqaev told a meeting of Kazakhstan`s foreign-policy consultative council on 6 September that the country`s leadership would like to send more peacekeepers to Iraq, Interfax-Kazakhstan reported on 8 September. He was quoted as saying that the participation of a Kazakh peacekeeping contingent in the stabilization process will involve the country in the settlement of a global problem, a very important consideration in the context of current international policy.
US President Sends Message To Uzbek Leader On Occasion Of 9/11
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, September 11: US President George W. Bush sent a message to his Uzbek counterpart on the occasion of the second anniversary of the 11 September 2001 terrorist acts. In his letter, President of the United States expressed condolences on the death of two Uzbek citizens during the terrorist attacks in New York. Gavkharoy Kamardinova, 26 was a student of the American-Spanish Institute and worked at a grocery at the World Trade Centre. Irina Kolpakova worked as a quality manager in one of the companies located in WTC building.
Government Seeking Extradition Of Kazakh Citizen At Guantanamo
Radio Free Europe
Astana, September 10: The head of the Kazakh Foreign Ministry`s Consular Department, Valikhan Konurbaev, told a news conference in Astana on 10 September that Kazakhstan has requested the extradition of four Kazakh citizens being held by the United States at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Interfax-Kazakhstan reported. Konurbaev said the extent of the guilt of the four has not yet been determined. They were captured in Afghanistan by the international antiterrorism coalition.
Arrest Of Alleged Two Hizb Ut Tahrir Activist Near Dushanbe Worries Tajik Authorities
Radio Free Europe
Dushanbe, September 9: Tajik authorities are concerned that the arrest of two alleged Hizb ut-Tahrir activists in Yavan, a town 30 kilometers south of Dushanbe, indicates that the radical Muslim organization`s influence is moving southward, RIA-Novosti reported on 9 September. The two detainees, a Tajik man and a woman who is an Uzbek citizen, were reportedly distributing Hizb ut-Tahrir leaflets that call for the overthrow of the Tajik government.
Kazakhstan Dismisses Bribery Allegations
Kazakhstan News
Astana, September 12: The Government of Kazakhstan dismissed allegations of bribery in Kazakhstan`s thriving oil industry after U.S. prosecutors subpoenaed ChevronTexaco. ChevronTexaco said on Thursday it had received a subpoena from the U.S. Justice Department, which is investigating the bribery allegations. The company said it did not believe it was a target of the probe and that all ChevronTexaco`s deals in Kazakhstan had been in conformity with U.S. and Kazakh laws. The Kazakh government, keen to attract billions of dollars to develop vast oil wealth in its sector of the Caspian Sea shelf, has shrugged off any suggestion of wrongdoing.
Kazakh Govt. Approves Plan For Caspian Development
Central Asia Daily
Astana, September 12: The Kazakh government has approved a plan of work for 2003-2005 as part of the first stage of a government program to develop the Kazakh sector of the Caspian Sea, Kazakh Energy and Mineral Resource Minister Vladimir Shkolnik said. Kazakhstan will increase its ecological requirements for companies working in the Caspian region, Shkolnik said at the conference Caspian Ecology 2003 on Thursday. Among priority measures aimed at improving the ecological situation in the Caspian, it is planned to gradually clear up sunken oil wells, drilled in the 1930s-1980s in the coastal zone of the Caspian, Shkolnik said. `Of most danger are wells in the flood zone of the Caspian Sea,` he stressed. He also said that as part of the state program, the natural reserve zone in the northern part of the Caspian would be divided into functional parts at which it is planned to carry out ecological research. The program also involves monitoring flora and fauna in the region. Ecological safety during the development of oil reserves in the Caspian was at the center of attention at the conference.
Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan Approved After Public Hearings
Interfax
Tbilisi, September 11: A project for the construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline has been approved following public hearings, an Interfax correspondent reported from the final hearing on Thursday. Public hearings were held in Turkey, Azerbaijan and Georgia at the request of a number of non-government organizations. The International Finance Corporation, the investment arm of the World Bank, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which plan to finance the project, held public hearings in August- September to evaluate the ecological and social impact of the project. EBRD Senior Banker Charlotte Phillips said at the final hearings that of all the alternative routes for the pipeline, the one with the least risk of negative ecological and social consequences was chosen.
Kyrgyz Energy Industry On Threshold Of Crisis - Parliamentary Deputy
Interfax
Bishkek, September 11: The energy system of Kyrgyzstan is on the threshold of a crisis, chairman of the Legislative Assembly`s Energy Committee Tairbek Sarpashev told a Thursday assembly session. `If the energy industry does not collect the debt in the near future, there may be problems with electricity supply and distribution in winter,` he said. `The debt of energy users is 2 billion soms [42.75 soms/dollar]. Most of the debtors are juridical persons - industrial enterprises and servicing companies,` he stressed.
Direct Investments Into Petroleum Sector Of Azerbaijan To Reach $2.2 Billion In 2004
Baku Today
Baku, September 11: Direct investments into oil sector of Azerbaijan will reach $2.2 billion in 2004, reads the Taxation Ministry`s forecast of macroeconomic figures for year 2004. It follows from the document that a similar volume of direct investments is expected into petroleum sector of Azerbaijan this year. Direct investments into petroleum sector in 2002 were at the rate of $1.693 billion, in 2001 - $820.5 million. Information for this report provided by Turan.
Kyrgyz PM Welcomes Free Trade Zone In CIS
Interfax
Bishkek, September 10: The creation of a free trade zone is integral to the further development of the CIS, Kyrgyz Prime Minister Nikolai Tanayev said in Bishkek on Wednesday. Commenting on an upcoming CIS presidential summit in Yalta, Tanayev noted that the establishment of a free trade zone within the CIS will pave the way for new political, trade and business contacts.
China Grants Five Seismological Stations To Uzbekistan
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, September 10: Chinese seismologists handed over five modern seismological stations worth US$300,000 to Ghani Mavlonov Institute of Seismology under the Uzbek Sciences. The Uzbek Science Academy and the China Seismological Bureau signed an agreement on cooperation in 2001. In keeping with the agreement, Chinese specialists are working with Uzbek specialists to training specialists and re-equipment of the seismologic system. According to Khalq Sozi, four of the stations presented by Chinese were installed in Tashkent and one was installed in Samarkand region.
Georgia Hopes To Reschedule Debt To CIS
Interfax
Tbilisi, September 10: Georgia hopes fellow CIS nations will consent to rescheduling some of the countries debt during the Commonwealth economic summit in Moscow September 5, a spokesman for the Georgian chancellery told Interfax. Georgia is due to repay $50 million in principal foreign debt by the end of this year. Most of that debt is due to CIS nations, and it is this that Georgia wants to reschedule. The country is due to pay $22.4 million of the $156.8 million it owes Russia before the end of 2003, $5.6 million of the $27.8 million it owes Kazakhstan and $7.8 million of the $19.6 million it owes Armenia. Georgia is also in debt to Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine. Georgia owes Turkmenistan as much as $297.4 million, but it is repairing Su-25 warplanes and supplying tea and sugar in lieu of this debt.
Kazakhstan To Cut Budget Deficit
Interfax
Almaty, September 10: The government of Kazakhstan plans to lower the budget deficit to 54.9 billion tenge, or 1 per cent of GDP, in 2005, and 31.4 billion tenge, or 0.5 per cent of GDP, in 2006. The 2004 draft budget will put the deficit at 92.7 billion tenge, or 1.9 per cent of GDP, with revenue at 858.5 billion and spending of 951.2 billion tenge. Budget revenue is predicted at 983.2 billion in 2005 and 1.13 trillion in 2006, while spending is expected to reach 1.04 trillion in 2005 and 1.16 trillion in 2006. GDP is to reach 5.48 trillion in 2005 and 6.28 trillion in 2006.
Kazakhstan Expects 5.4 per cent Inflation In 2004
Interfax
Almaty, September 10: The government of Kazakhstan forecasts inflation in 2004 of 5.4 per cent and an average annual exchange rate of 153.3 tenge/$1. The draft 2004 budget is based on a price of $22 per barrel for Brent oil. The government met on Tuesday to approve the 2004 budget draft and economic forecasts.
More Than Half Of Kyrgyz Population Lives In Poverty
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, September 10: Kyrgyzstan`s National Statistical Committee Chairman Zarylbek Kudabaev told a seminar on poverty in Bishkek on 9 September that more than half of the country`s population is living in poverty, `Novye izvestiya` reported on 10 September. According to Kudabaev, 44 percent of Kyrgyzstan`s population lives below the poverty line, and an additional 14 percent are considered `extremely poor,` making the country the poorest in the CIS.
Russia, Kazakhstan To Develop Their Caspian Sea Deposits Jointly
Interfax
Moscow, September 10: Andrei Kuzyayev, president of Lukoil Overseas, Lukoil`s major operator for foreign projects, and Timur Kulibayev, KazMunaiGaz`s first vice president, have signed two option contracts for the exploration and extraction of hydrocarbon resources at the Russian and Kazakh sectors of the Caspian Sea. Russia and Kazakhstan will develop their Caspian sectors as equal partners. These documents come as a follow-up to a memorandum of understanding signed in February and a cooperation agreement signed in June as part of a joint project to develop deposits off the Caspian coast.
Romanian Oil Companies To Invest $220 Mln In Kazakh Fields
Interfax
Almaty, September 10: A number of Romanian oil companies plan to invest a total of about $220 million in the development of Kazakh oil fields, Romanian President Ion Ilescu said. Romanian oil companies, including Faradex and Petrol, which have offices in Kazakhstan, plans to carry out significant investment in the republic`s economy, Ilescu said at the opening of a business forum in Almaty. He noted that Romanian companies have already invested about $70 million in jointly exploring and developing Kazakh fields.
Gas Pipeline In South Uzbekistan Constructed
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, September 10: Uzbekistan has completed construction of Shurtan-Sherabad gas pipeline. Now Surkhandarya region will be supplied with gas from Shurtan gas deposit in Kashkadarya region.
Kazakhstan, Romania To Develop Oil-gas Cooperation
Interfax
Astana, September 9: Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev and Romanian President Ion Ilescu discussed a bilateral agreement on cooperation in the oil and gas sector at a meeting between in Astana on Tuesday. During the meeting Nazarbayev mentioned work by Romanian companies in Kazakhstan - Petrom, which is exploring and producing hydrocarbons at the Zhusaly field; and also Industrialexport and Uletrom, which produce oil and gas equipment, the Kazakh presidential press service said in a statement. The heads of state discussed possible cooperation for the transit of Kazakh gas through Romania.
Tajikistan Sees Highest Inflation In Central Asia And Caucasus In Jan-July
Interfax
Dushanbe, September 9: Tajikistan posted inflation of 7.7 per cent in the first seven months of 2003, the highest rate among Central Asia and Caucasus countries, the CIS Interstate Statistics Committee said. Inflation was 2.3 per cent in Kazakhstan, 1.5 per cent in Georgia, 1 per cent in Armenia, and 0.7 per cent in Kyrgyzstan. Consumer prices went down 0.5 per cent in Azerbaijan. The CIS statistics committee does not have figures for Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Lukoil & KazMunaiGaz Sign Agreements For Caspian Exploration
Central Asia Daily
Astana, September 9 : Lukoil Overseas Holding Ltd. president, Andrey Kuzyaev, and the First Vice-President of KazMunaiGaz Timur Kulibayev have signed two option agreements for hydrocarbon exploration and production in Kazakhstan and Russian sectors of the Caspian Sea. Signing of the agreements is a successive stage of implementation of the joint project in the Caspian offshore after signing the Memorandum of Understanding in February and Agreement on Cooperation Principles in June this year.
Armenia Sees Highest Industrial Growth In Central Asia And Caucasus In Jan-July
Interfax
Yerevan, September 9: Armenia posted the highest rate of industrial output growth among Central Asia and caucasus countries in January-July 2003 at 19.1 per cent , the CIS Interstate Statistics Committee reported. Output was up 9.4 per cent in Tajikistan, 9.2 per cent in Georgia, 9.0 per cent in Kazakhstan and 7.1 per cent in Kyrgyzstan. A lower rate was posted in Azerbaijan at 5 per cent . The statistics committee does not have figures for Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Azerbaijan Ups Oil Exports 3 per cent This Year
Interfax
Baku, September 9: Azerbaijan exported more than 5.9 million tonnes of oil during the first eight months of this year or 3 per cent more than the same period last year, the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR) has said. Exports via the Baku-Novorossiisk totaled 1.71 million tonnes between January and August 2003 or 4.2 per cent more than in the same period in 2002, SOCAR told Interfax. Exports along the Baku-Supsa route were 4.19 million tonnes or 2.4 per cent up on last year.
Budget - 2004: Priorities
Kazakhstanskaya Pravda
Astana, September 9: On 9 September, Tuesday at the Government session with Danial Akhmetov, Prime Minister presiding 2004 draft budget was considered and approved. Payments of consolidated pensions, social welfare benefits, countryside support, industrial and innovation development of the state are the priorities of budget expenses for the next year. The draft budget provides social sphere with considerable means, as never before. Social expenses for next year total 33,1 percent of the budget `pie`: health care allotment will exceed 14,9 percent compared with the current year, education - 46, social maintenance and public assistance - 14,8 percent. The Government scheduled salary increase for many categories of governmental and budget employees next year. The project budgeted 66,4 bln tenge for that. Macroeconomic indexes of the budget 2004 are: GDP - 4 877 bln tenge with 7 percent increase compared to 2003, rate of inflation - 5,4 percent, average annual rate of tenge-dollar exchange - 153,3. The draft budget receipts - 862,2 bln tenge (17,7 percent of GDP), expenses - 954,8 bln tenge (19,6 percent of GDP) with 161,8 bln increase compared to the current year. Next year the forecast fiscal deficit is 92,7 bln tenge, or 1,9 percent of GDP. The state`s main financial document for next year has one more distinctive feature: it takes into account next year taxes decrease - income tax on individuals, and regressive scale of social taxes rate, VAT drop from 16 to 15 percent and expansion of special taxes application.
Uzbekistan Becomes 55th Member Of Islamic Development Bank
Interfax
Tashkent, September 8: The 28th annual session of the Board of Governors of the Islamic Development Bank admitted Uzbekistan as the 55th member to the international banking institution. The decision was made at an official opening ceremony of the session in Almaty on September 1. Now six CIS countries are members of the bank: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. The IDB funding of projects in Central Asia now totals $450 million. Kazakhstan is one of the most active partners of the bank in the region with 21 projects and total investments of $91.6 million since 1995.
Malaysian King Arrives In Kazakhstan
Interfax
Astana, September 12: Malaysia`s King Syed Sirajuddin has arrived in Kazakhstan on a state visit. Kazakh Foreign Minister Kasymzhomart Tokayev met the king at Astana`s airport, an Interfax correspondent reports. The agenda for the visit, due to continue through September 14, includes talks with President Nursultan Nazarbayev and a meeting of the two leaders and their wives. In addition, the king is expected to visit the Gumilyov Eurasian University, Astana`s central mosque, the presidential cultural center and the country`s republican guard. The Malaysian leader will round out his visit with a trip to Almaty, where he will visit the Kasteyev Art Museum, the Central State Museum and the Nurdaulet equestrian club.
Azerbaijan, Japan, Interested In Broader Ties
Interfax
Baku, September 11: Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ilkham Aliyev has praised his country`s cooperation with Japan. `We are committed to expanding relations with Japan in a wide range of areas. This is a crucial, friendly country for us,` Aliyev said at a meeting with the Japanese parliament`s deputy speaker Shoji Motooka on Thursday. The prime minister hailed the performance of the bilateral intergovernmental commission and the role of Japanese oil companies in exploring the country`s energy resources.
Prime Ministers Of SCO To Meet In Beijing On 23 September
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, September 11: The prime ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states will meet in Beijing, China on 23 September, Xinhua reported quoting Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Kong Quan. The report said that Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Kazakh Prime Minister Daniyal Akhmetov, Kyrgyz Prime Minister Nikolai Tanayev, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov, Tajik Prime Minister Akil Akilov and Uzbek Prime Minister Utkur Sultanov will attend the meeting.
Lithuanian President Visiting Georgia
Interfax
Tbilisi, September 11: Georgia and Lithuania are committed to broadening their bilateral ties, Presidents Eduard Shevardnadze and Rolandas Paksas told a joint news conference on Thursday. Lithuania`s Paksas noted that business cooperation does not meet the two nations` potential. To improve this situation, a Georgian- Lithuanian business forum will convene in Tbilisi to set out plans for further contacts. He said that Lithuania is close to integrating with the European Union and NATO.
Italian Parliamentary Delegation Meets Uzbek Officials
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, September 11: Italian parliamentary delegation led by Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies of Italian Parliament Pier Ferdinando Casini met chairman of Oily Majlis (Uzbek parliament) Erkin Khalilov and Foreign Minister Sadyk Safaev. The sides discussed cooperation between parliaments of Uzbekistan and Italy, developments in Afghanistan, regional security, combatting international terrorism and drug trafficking.
Uzbek President Interested In Broader Cooperation With Malaysia
Interfax
Tashkent, September 9: Uzbek President Islam Karimov and Malaysian Paramount Ruler Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin have discussed bilateral relations, regional security and the Afghan situation in Tashkent, sources in the Uzbek presidential press service told Interfax on Monday. Syed Sirajuddin and his wife arrived in Tashkent on Sunday for a state visit at the invitation of the Uzbek president. `Uzbekistan regards Malaysia as a key Southeast Asian nation, whose economic potential is mounting alongside its authority and role in the Islamic world,` Karimov said at the meeting. It was stressed at the meeting that both countries play a principle position in the resistance of such threats as international terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, organized crime and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Is Kazakhstan`s Way To European Union Via Eurasian Economic Community?
Radio Free Europe
Astana, September 9: Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev told journalists at a joint press conference with visiting Romanian President Ion Iliescu in Astana on 9 September that the Eurasian Economic Community (EEC), of which Kazakhstan and several other CIS states are members, as an organization of countries with open borders and integrated trade could at some point unite with the European Union to the benefit of both, gazeta.kz reported. In the meantime, however, Nazarbaev thinks Kazakhstan should be more interesting to the EU than are some East European states because of its reforms and economic-growth rate.
Armenian, Bulgarian Presidents Sign Joint Declaration
Interfax
Yerevan, September 10: Armenian President Robert Kocharian and his Bulgarian counterpart Georgi Purvanov have signed a joint declaration in Sofia, the presidential press service reported on Tuesday. In addition, Kocharian and Purvanov signed a consular convention, an agreement on cooperation in health care, and a joint program for science, culture and education for 2003-2006. Kocharian expressed satisfaction with his official visit.
King Of Malaysia Visits Samarkand
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, September 10: King of Malaysia Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Syed Sirajuddin, who is in Uzbekistan on an official visit, arrived in Samarkand on 10 September. The guest visited the mosque of Imam Al-Bukhari and left his notes in the book for honourable guests, UzA reported. The Malaysian King also paid a visit to such historical sights, as Bibi-Hanum mosque and architectural ensemble Registan.
100 Uzbek Students To Study At US Universities
Uzbek Report
Bishkek, September 10: 100 Uzbek students that manage to pass the selection process of the American Councils for International Education (ACCELS) will study at universities of the United States in the academic year 2004/05. Introductory lecture for those wishing to pursue Masterīs courses on MUSKIE programme was held at the National Educational Centre in Tashkent. The contest will be held on 20 specialties, including management, law, journalism and linguistics.
Aliyev Jr. Seeks Turkey`s Support In Ankara Ahead Of Elections
Turkish Daily News
Ankara, September 9: Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ilham Aliev, the son of the Caspian Sea nation`s ailing president, seeked Turkey`s support ahead of presidential elections in the oil-rich country and was hosted by Turkish leaders at the highest level. It is Aliyev`s first visit to Turkey since he was named premier last month in a move seen by the opposition as an attempt by the ailing 80-year-old president Haydar Aliyev to hand over power to his son in the Oct. 15 presidential elections. Both Aliyevs are candidates in those elections.
11th Session On Legal Status Of Caspian Begins In Ashgabat
Radio Free Europe
Ashgabat, September 9: The 11th session of the special working group on the legal status of the Caspian Sea began in Ashgabat on 8 September, turkmenistan.ru and Russian media reported. According to turkmenistan.ru, there was general agreement among the representatives of the five Caspian littoral states -- Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Russia -- on technical issues, but there are still differences between the positions of the five.
Kazakh Leader Thinks Unification Of EU, Four CIS Countries Possible
Interfax
Astana, September 9: Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev does not think his country should be aspiring to join the European Union on its own. However, he is convinced that in the future, the unification of the emerging common economic space of Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Ukraine with the EU could be mutually-beneficial. `This may attract Kazakhstan from the viewpoint of globalization,` Nazarbayev said at a Tuesday briefing in Astana, following talks with Romanian President Ion Iliescu.
Ilham Aliyev, Prime Minister Of Azerbaijan Is Satisfied With Results Of His Visit To Turkey
Baku Today
Baku, September 9: Ilham Aliyev, Prime Minister of Azerbaijan came back from Turkey. At the meeting with journalists at the airport Prime Minister expressed his satisfaction with visit to Turkey and negotiations held there, and said that, these negotiations will serve for development of Turkey-Azerbaijan bilateral relations. They welcomed me very well. I`m satisfied with all meetings and I think that, we discussed issues very important for relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey. Besides it Ilham Aliyev appreciates negotiations with Turkish president as very important for relations of two countries.
Kyrgyz President Thanks Britain For Its Assistance, Asks That It Open Embassy
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, September 9: Askar Akaev thanked a visiting group of British parliamentarians, members of the British Group of the Interparliamentary Union, for Britain`s assistance to combat poverty in Kyrgyzstan, kabar.kg and akipress.org reported on 9 September. He also noted that relations between Kyrgyzstan and Great Britain have intensified recently and asked that a British Embassy be opened in Bishkek.
Shevardnadze To Raise Abkhaz Settlement Question At CIS Summit
Interfax
Tbilisi, September 9: Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze will raise the question of a settlement in Abkhazia at the CIS summit due in Yalta this month. He told a Monday news conference that Georgia has serious complaints on the matter. `There are CIS resolutions on Abkhazia, but they remain [only] on paper,` he said.
Turkey And Azerbaijan Signed New Agreement
Baku Today
Ankara, September 9: Signing Ceremony of agreement on Mutual Visa Acceptance between Turkish Republic and the Republic of Azerbaijan.After the meeting in a broadened format, a signing ceremony of the Agreement on Mutual Visa Acceptance between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Turkish Republic. The document was signed by Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Abid Sharifov and Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Gul.
Khatami, Kazakh Transport Minister Discuss Political Trade Ties
Tehran Times
Tehran, September 8: Visiting Head of Iran-Kazakhstan Economic Commission Kazhmurat Nagmanov called on President Mohammad Khatami here Monday, IRNA reported. At the meeting, President Khatami noted that the two countries` officials are resolved to strengthen bilateral ties. The exchange of information and cooperation on various issues are key to speedy expansion of relations, he said. He referred to peace and security as pre-requisite for regional socio-economic development. The regional states should prove they can, through cooperation and without intervention by others progress on a path of development and prosperity.
Afghanistan-bound Aid To Be Shipped Via TRACECA
Interfax
Tbilisi, September 8: Relief cargo for Afghanistan will be shipped via the Eurasian transport corridor (TRACECA) starting next week. The Argonaut containership of the United States will dock in the port of Poti for the first time on September 9, Georgian Transport and Communications Minister Merab Adeishvili told Interfax. The vessel will deliver 300 containers of humanitarian cargo for Central Asian states and Afghanistan, Adeishvili noted.
Astana Hosts 14th Sitting Of Consular Chiefs Of CIS Foreign Ministries
Interfax
Astana, September 8: Astana, Kazakhstan, is hosting a 14th sitting of consular chiefs of CIS Foreign Ministries, which started September 8, Interfax learned from the press office of the Belarusian Foreign Ministry Monday. According to the source, the representatives of 10 CIS states, including Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldavia, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine, are deliberating on perfecting their efforts within multilateral and bilateral agreements.
Caspian States To Sign Five-Sided Convention
Tehran Times
Ashgabat, September 8: A framework convention for the protection of biological resources of the Caspian Sea will become the first five-sided document to be signed by the Caspian states, IRNA reported on Monday. `The time will come when the five-way talks on the legal status of the Caspian Sea result in the adoption of the so-called Caspian Constitution,` Viktor Kalyuzhnyi, Russian deputy foreign minister and Russian president`s special envoy for the Caspian Sea, said in Ashkhabad on Monday.
Kyrgyz, Chinese Minister Sign Cooperation Treaty
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, September 8: Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Askar Aitmatov and his Chinese counterpart Li Zhaoxing signed a treaty of cooperation and friendship on 6 September during Li`s official visit to Bishkek, kabar.kg and Interfax reported on 8 September. Aitmatov told journalists after the signing that Kyrgyzstan and China have identical positions on a wide range of political and economic issues, and he praised China`s contribution to regional security through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Kyrgyzstan is particularly interested in attracting Chinese participation in developing Kyrgyz hydroelectric capacity and transportation and communications networks.
Azerbaijan Offers To Resume Talks With Turkmenistan Over Dividing The Caspian Sea
Radio Free Europe
Ashgabat, September 8: Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Khalaf Khalafov offered on 8 September to resume bilateral negotiations with Turkmenistan on the division of the Caspian Sea, according to ITAR-TASS. Khalafov explained that `it is vitally important for both sides to agree on the middle line demarcating the Caspian Sea,` and called for talks to resolve the status of two disputed offshore Caspian oil fields.
Karimov Congratulates Tajik Counterpart On National Holiday
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, September 8: Uzbek President Islam Karimov has sent a message of congratulation to Tajik President Emomali Rahmonov, on the occasion of the Tajikistanīs Independence Day, which falls on 9 September, Tajik radio reported on 7th.
Armenian President Begins State Visit To Bulgaria
Radio Free Europe
Yerevan, September 8: A government delegation led by President Robert Kocharian arrived in Bulgaria on 7 September for a three-day official visit, ITAR-TASS and Armenpress reported. Kocharian met on 8 September with Bulgarian President Georgi Parvanov and discussed plans to expand bilateral economic and trade cooperation.
Malaysian Royal Family Arrives In Uzbekistan
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, September 7: Malaysian King Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Syed Sirajuddin and Queen Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Fauziah arrived in Uzbekistan on an official visit on 7 September. At the Tashkent International Airport the guests were welcomed by senior Uzbek officials. 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.
Iranian Culture Minister Calls On Tajik President
IRNA
Dushanbe, September 7: Visiting Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ahmad Masjed-Jamei here on Sunday conferred on issues of mutual interest between Iran and Tajikistan with Tajik president Emomali Rakhmonov. The Tajik president said that ground is prepared for expansion of ties in diplomatic, economic and cultural sectors. Masjed-Jamei told reporters that Tehran and Dushanbe share common history, civilization and language and are keen on expanding cooperation in all areas. He said that the two nations should use the potentials to strengthen their bilateral relations.
Tehran, Dushanbe Ink A Cultural MoU
IRNA
Dushanbe, September 6: Iran and Tajikistan signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for expansion of mutual cultural cooperation here Saturday. The MoU was inked by visiting Iranian Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance Ahmad Masjed Jamei and his Tajik counterpart Karamatollah Alemov. According to the MoU, the two countries are expected to have further cooperation in exchange of cultural delegations and share of their experiences and knowledge in regards to movies, photos, music and dramatic arts.
Kyrgyz Premier, Chinese Foreign Minister Meet On Relations
People`s Daily
Beijing, September 6: Kyrgyz Premier Nikolai Tanayev and visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing met Bishkek on Saturday to discuss relations between their two countries, calling for strengthening bilateral relations. During the meeting, Tanayev told Li that there has been great development in political and economic relations between Kyrgyzstanand China since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries in 1992.
Iran Allocates $90m To Expansion Of Ties With Azerbaijan
Tehran Times
Ardebil, September 6: Iran has allocated $90 million for facilitating and upgrading of ties with Azerbaijan, Head of the Iran-Azerbaijan Joint Economic Commission Ali Soufi told IRNA here Saturday. He added that $40 million of the figure have been set aside for establishment of Baku-Astara express way, $40 million for paving the way for expansion of mutual ties and the rest for establishment of a power plant.
Uzbek Customs Officials Seize Herion
Radio Free Europe
Tashkent, September 12: Uzbek customs and security-service officials stopped a bus carrying 125 kilograms of heroin divided up into small packets labeled `From Osama bin Laden,` kabar.kg reported on 12 September. The bus was reportedly traveling from Tajikistan to Russia and was driven by a Kyrgyz citizen who told officials he had been promised a lot of money for taking the load to Russia. According to kabar.kg, quoting RIA-Novosti, the heroin is worth about $9 million.
Uzbek Border Guards Detain 125 Kg Of Heroin
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, September 9: Border guards of Tashkent region prevented 125 kg of heroin from being smuggled into the country. Border troops and the customs officials of the Oybek frontier-customs check point on the border with Tajikistan seized 125 kg of heroin that was being smuggled onto the territory of Uzbekistan. According to specialists, the total amount of drugs was worth US$9 million. The drugs were detected while checking a bus driven by a citizen of the Kyrgyz Republic. After a thorough ransack, heroin was found in the caches under the seats and in the petrol tank. This is the largest consignment detained this year.
New Radioactive Hot Spots Found At Kazakh Test Site
Radio Free Europe
Astana, September 11: Additional areas of high radiation have reportedly been found at the former Azgir nuclear-test site in the Kurmangazy Raion of western Kazakhstan`s Atyrau Oblast, `Ekspress-K` and Deutsche Welle reported on 11 September. Details on the number of hot spots and the levels of radiation were not available. The site was used for underground nuclear tests from 1966 to 1970. In 1996, health officials found serious health problems in the local population, which have increased, according to intensive monitoring carried out this year. In addition to increased radioactivity, the site is also contaminated by heavy metals. Kurmangazy Raion is the site of a major oilfield being developed by a Kazakh-Russian joint venture.
Azerbaijan Oil Sector Good Target For Terrorism - Official
Interfax
Baku, September 10: Azerbaijan`s oil infrastructure is a potential target for international terrorism, the country`s civil defense chief said on Wednesday. Dzhavad Gasymov, head of the Defense Ministry`s civil defense department, told reporters in Baku that Azerbaijan has offered to join forces with the NATO Civil Defense Committee to organize a joint anti- terrorism exercise. He said the Azerneftyanacag oil refinery has been chosen for the exercise, which will be held on Thursday. Measures to protect the facility from a terrorist attack and repair it after such an attack will be practiced.
Kazakh President Criticises Law Enforcement, Orders Overhaul
Radio Free Europe
Tashkent, September 10: Nursultan Nazarbaev told a conference on law enforcement in Astana on 10 September that the country`s law enforcement system needs to be overhauled and ordered that decisive steps be taken by the end of the year, khabar.kz, Kazinform, and other Kazakh media reported. Nazarbaev said the law enforcement system is ineffective and fails to protect the constitutional rights of citizens. He called for greater efforts to fight economic crimes and drug trafficking, and said that criminal liability should be introduced for bribing foreign officials.
Advocates Say Prison Conditions For Kazakh Journalists Have Deteriorated
Radio Free Europe
Astana, September 8: The prison conditions of opposition journalist Sergei Duvanov have sharply deteriorated, according to a statement by the Public Headquarters for the Defense of Duvanov, Deutsche Welle reported on 8 September. According to the statement, Duvanov has been beaten and tortured by prison authorities on a daily basis for the last two months in an attempt to force him to request a presidential pardon, and the defense group fears for his health.
Special Focus
Karimov Says Improved Relations With Russia Not At Expense Of US TiesUzbek President Islam Karimov used the 1 September opening of the fall parliamentary session to stress the importance of bilateral relations with Russia.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/pp090603.shtmlTelecom Row Clouds Greek - Armenian Partnership
The Armenian government is seeking to break a monopoly held by a Greek-owned telecom operator, complaining that the company has not improved the country`s communications infrastructure. The dispute could possibly damage Armenia`s important strategic relationship with NATO-member Greece.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/business/articles/eav090803.shtmlCentral Asia: As World Marks Literacy Day, What Of USSR`s Legacy? For all its negative aspects, even die-hard opponents of the former Soviet regime acknowledge one unquestioned success of the USSR: providing universal, primary education to all children, regardless of income or residence.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav090703a.shtml
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Takes Significant Step Towards Viability
China 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.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav090503b.shtml
The Opposition In Azerbaijan Struggles To Name Unified Presidential Candidate
Azerbaijan`s political opposition could potentially mount a serious threat to the ruling party`s grip on power by uniting behind a single presidential candidate, some political analysts maintain. However, philosophical differences and personal rivalries continue to hamper effective cooperation among the opposition as the October 15 vote approaches.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav090903.shtmlMoscow Pressing To Create United Economic Space
Russian leaders continue to press for the establishment of a `United Economic Space (UES),` comprising Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Ukraine. According to Moscow`s vision, this core group of former Soviet republics would rely on the Russian ruble to facilitate trade and continued development. The other potential UES participants, however, do not share Russia`s enthusiasm for the project.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/business/articles/eav090903.shtmlAnkara Warily Watches Azerbaijani Campaign
Ilham Aliyev, heir apparent to his ailing father Azerbaijani President Heidar Aliyev, paid his first visit to Turkey as prime minister on September 8. After the meeting, Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan made clear that a rigged October 15 presidential election in Azerbaijan would mar Baku`s image in ways that Ankara could not ignore.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav091003.shtmlUzbek Crackdown Deepens Diplomatic Dilemma For United States
The latest government crackdown in Uzbekistan is the harshest since that carried out in the aftermath of the 1999 Tashkent bombings, international observers say. In recent months, human rights advocates, independent journalists and opposition political activists have endured arrests, beatings and other forms of intimidation. The Uzbek government campaign is placing the United States in a delicate diplomatic position.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/rights/articles/eav091003.shtmlWill The ECO Trade Agreement Help Create A New Economic Bloc?In July the members of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) gathered in Islamabad to sign the ECO Trade Agreement (ECOTA) aimed at boosting trade and investment in their region. The event took place within the context of a recent move towards reactivating the ECO to deal with all the issues of importance to its membership, including regional trade, tariff structures, trade regulations, insurance, banking and transportation.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.cacianalyst.org/view_article.php?articleid=1719 Russo-Saudi Alliance May Marginalise The Caspian
Geopolitical tectonic plates have shifted as the de-facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, Crown Prince Abullah completed his visit to Russia last week. Oil-exporting Caspian states should watch with concern how the two largest energy producers are beginning their elephantine dance.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.cacianalyst.org/view_article.php?articleid=1718Collapsed Hopes For Opposition Unity In Azerbaijan
As the presidential elections in Azerbaijan are approaching, all hopes for a unified candidate among the opposition parties have been lost. The inability of the two main opposition leaders to agree on a common candidate has split the opposition in two major blocs and a great loss of prestige.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.cacianalyst.org/view_article.php?articleid=1720Two Years Into Terror War, Balkans Appear Better Off, But Central Asia UnchangedTwo years after the 11 September terrorist attacks, southeast European countries such as Bulgaria and Romania, as well as the Central Asian republics, have established themselves as reliable allies of the United States in the war on terrorism.
To read more, click on the link:
http://feeds.bignewsnetwork.com/redir.php?jid=47739d3f001bd9eaShevardnadze Appointments Boost Pro-presidential Bloc`s Election Chances In GeorgiaGeorgian President Eduard Shevardnadze has recruited a controversial media tycoon and a political heavyweight to invigorate the parliamentary campaign of the pro-presidential electoral alliance. The moves significantly boost the chances that Shevardnadze`s allies can retain control of parliament in the November 2 election.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav091103a.shtml
Parched Central Asia Looks To RussiaRussia`s top environmental expert has described a plan to build a 2,225 kilometer Siberia-Central Asia Canal to divert Siberian rivers into Asian deserts as `absolutely hopeless`. Earlier this week, Viktor Danilov-Danilyan, head of the Water Problems Institute, argued that an independent panel of Russian experts had concluded that the project was not feasible.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/EI13Ag01.html
US Indictment Implicates Top Azerbaijani Officials In Corruption CaseA federal grand jury in New York has indicted a Swiss lawyer for his alleged role in facilitating illicit payments made to top officials in Azerbaijan by a consortium of Western business interests. The indictment stands to create a sizeable political problem for Heidar Aliyev`s administration just over a month before Azerbaijan holds a presidential election.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav091103b.shtml
Central Asia: Melting Glaciers Could Affect Millions In RegionGlaciologists agree that warmer temperatures and below-average snowfalls are causing most of the Earth`s 160,000 glaciers to shrink or disappear altogether.
To read more, click on the link:
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/environment/articles/eav091203.shtml
Report Dated 12 September 2003