Russian Election Chief Satisfied With Preparation To Elections
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, December 17: Chairman of the Central Election Committee of Russia Alexader Veshnyakov was pleased with preparation to parliamentarian elections in Uzbekistan on Thursday, he said visiting election point in Tashkent. `If preparation to elections in other regions of Uzbekistan is taking place as in election points of Tashkent city, then I am sure that elections in Uzbekistan will pass with merit,` Veshnyakov told RIA Novosti. Similar conditions like in Tashkent should be created in all regions of Uzbekistan, so each candidate has a chance to deliver their platforms and positions to population, he said. Veshnyakov called the Uzbek electorate to participate actively in elections, as the future of all depends of those who they elect.
Uzbekistan Elections Should Be Free, Transparent, US Says
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, December 17: The United States expressed its hope and expectation that the 26 December parliamentary elections in Uzbekistan will be free, fair and transparent, consistent with international democratic standards, a US diplomat said. Paul Jones, US diplomat, said: `The United States takes this opportunity to express its hope and expectation that these elections will be conducted in a free and transparent manner, consistent with OSCE commitments and with international democratic standards.` `We also note with regret that no truly independent opposition candidates will be taking part in these elections, a development unfortunately calling into question whether the elections will be truly competitive,` he said. `But the United States is pleased that there are a number of OSCE/ODIHR [Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights] long-term election observers currently on the ground in Uzbekistan and that they will be assessing the pre-election process,` Jones said.
Turkmenistan Polls Seen As `farce`
Aljazeera
Ashgabat, December 17: Turkmenistan`s forthcoming parliamentary elections are being dismissed as a farce by Western diplomats. President Saparmurat Niyazov`s authoritarian leadership appears more and more divorced from the outside world, they say. Election officials in the natural gas-rich former Soviet republic have insisted that Sunday`s elections to the 50-seat parliament, or majlis, will be competitive. But only one political party, Niyazov`s Democratic Party, is registered. `To be nominated for parliament a person must be an honest, decent citizen demonstrating loyalty to the country, homeland and president and adhering to high professional, political and legal standards,` election commission chairman Murad Karryev said.
Turkmenistan: Observers Say Upcoming Elections `Are Elections In Name Only`
Radio Free Europe
Prague, December 16: Turkmenistan is holding parliamentary elections on 19 December. Some 140 candidates are running for 50 seats in the Turkmen parliament, or Mejlis. Turkmen officials say the elections will be free and fair, but foreign observers and members of the opposition believe that is highly unlikely. President Saparmurat Niyazov makes all political decisions in the country, and only one political party, the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, is allowed to function. What type of tobacco to use. What kind of theaters to attend. Which newspapers to read. How many doctors the nation needs. These questions are among the many that Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov decides for his nation`s people. Niyazov -- who calls himself Turkmenbashi, or `Father of All Turkmen` -- also makes decisions about which candidates can run for seats in parliament. In a televised speech last week, Niyazov instructed members of the Central Election Commission on the documents needed by every candidate nominated to run for the Mejlis, and pointed out how their CVs should be written. Niyazov also spoke about the skills that members of parliament must possess. `They should be very educated and intelligent people. Don`t include people who are not known to us,` he said. `Let`s have different candidates. We need lawyers who can write laws and people who can defend the reputation of Turkmenistan in international organizations.` But opposition leaders say that, despite Niyazov`s appeal, intelligence and superior qualifications are unlikely to make much difference, since parliament has a nominal role in the governance of the country and all decisions are ultimately made by Niyazov himself.
Kyrgyz Opposition Groups Form Partnership
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, December 16: The Kyrgyz opposition groups Ata-Jurt and the People`s Movement of Kyrgyzstan signed a partnership agreement on 16 December unifying their positions on basic political issues, RFE/RL`s Kyrgyz Service reported. The two movements will pursue a coordinated policy in the lead-up to February parliamentary elections in the hope of garnering a majority. The organizations share common positions on the privatization of strategic economic sectors, issues of rights and freedoms, and the country`s future course of development.
Turkmen Elections
Neutral Turkmenistan
Ashgabat, December 16: Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov said he is confident Sunday`s parliamentary elections will meet democratic standards, according to official newspapers. `I`m sure that our activists will do their best to make sure that the elections are conducted in an organized way and in accordance with the best models of representative democracy,` Niyazov said in an address to the Democratic Party, the country`s only party that he himself leads, the Neutral Turkmenistan newspaper reported Thursday.
Tajik Election Commission Meets
Radio Free Europe
Dushanbe, December 16: Tajikistan`s Central Election Commission (CEC) met in Dushanbe on 16 December to discuss preparations for 27 February 2005 parliamentary elections, Tajik television reported. Participants noted that 41 districts and more than 3,000 polling stations will be set up for the elections. The meeting also approved regulations for the participation of political party representatives, media coverage, and domestic and foreign observers.
Kazakhstan Celebrates Independence Day
Radio Free Europe
Astana, December 16: Kazakhstan began its 16-17 December Independence Day celebrations on 16 December, Interfax-Kazakhstan reported. The holiday commemorates Kazakhstan`s passage of a law on independence and sovereignty on 16 December 1991. During an award ceremony on 14 December, President Nursultan Nazarbaev said, `For history, 13 years is a short time, but a great deal has already been done thanks to the unity of our multinational people, internal political stability, and true friendship with all those around us,` RIA-Novosti reported.
Memo For Foreign Observers Published In Uzbekistan
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, December 15: Central Election Commission (CEC) of Uzbekistan published a memo for foreign observers in Russian and English languages. The book includes the resolution of the commission on the start of the election campaign, calendar of events, lists of 120 election districts, as well as contact details of the heads of district election commissions. The publication also contains extracts from the laws on elections to Oliy Majlis (new edition), on Central Election Commission, full text of the law on financing political parties, as well as CEC instructions and regulations.
Tajik Parliament Confirms Election Commission
Radio Free Europe
Dushanbe, December 15: Tajikistan`s Majlisi Namoyandagon (lower chamber of parliament) on 15 December approved the composition of the Central Election Commission (CEC), RFE/RL`s Tajik Service reported. CEC Chairman Mirzoali Boltuev noted that the 15-member commission has four new members, including a representative of the opposition Islamic Renaissance Party. But Latif Hadyazoda, an independent Tajik expert, told RFE/RL`s Tajik Service that the commission has remained largely unchanged. `That`s why I think that with the commission as it exists today, the upcoming elections, and especially elections to both chambers of parliament, will repeat the mistakes of the past,` she said.
Constitutional Court Of Kyrgyzstan Refused To Consider Complaints
Kabar Agency
Bishkek, December 15: The Constitutional Court of Kyrgyzstan refused to consider complaints of former ambassadors to participate in parliamentary elections. In the opinion of members of the Constitutional Court, there is a no reason to consider their complaints. It is not prohibited to none former diplomats, who stayed in abroad during the latest five years to participate in elections or register as the candidate. This question is appeared whereupon the parliament of Kyrgyzstan asserted that Central Election Commission and all election commission do not have a right to register those candidates, who stayed in abroad more then six months during the latest five years. In his opinion, all diplomats, in particular, ambassadors have the same rights which have all citizens of Kyrgyzstan and that`s why there in no any consequences to participate in elections.
New Defense Minister Tasked With Restoring Georgia`s Integrity
Interfax
Tbilisi, December 15: The main job of the newly-appointed Georgian Defense Minister Irakly Okruashvili will be restoring the country`s territorial integrity, said President Mikheil Saakashvili. Introducing the new defense minister at a session of the Georgian military top brass at the Defense Ministry headquarters on Wednesday night, Saakashvili said Okruashvili will be occupying this position `until the country`s territorial integrity is restored.` `This is the main purpose for Irakly Okruashvili to head the Defense Ministry,` Saakashvili said.
Election Commission Issues Posters For Deputy Contenders
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, December 14: Uzbekistan publishing house of the Agency for communication and information published posters for contenders to the deputies of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis. The posters, created together with the Central Election Commission, feature biographies and election programs of the contenders from the political parties and initiative citizens` groups, and aim to provide the voters with detailed information about each candidate. 500 posters of the same format for each contender have been delivered to the corresponding voting districts across the country.
Tajik Opposition Reacts To Party Head`s Arrest In Moscow
Radio Free Europe
Dushanbe, December 14: Tajik opposition parties continued to react to the arrest of Muhammadruzi Iskandarov, head of the opposition Democratic Party, in Moscow on 9 December (see `RFE/RL Newsline,` 13 December 2004), RFE/RL`s Tajik Service reported on 14 December. Muhiddin Kabiri, deputy head of the Islamic Renaissance Party (IRP), said that the IRP is concerned that the arrest could endanger the national reconciliation that Tajikistan has achieved with such difficulty. Mirhuseyn Nazriev, head of the Socialist Party, was more categorical, saying, `I think that the arrest of the Democratic Party leader is purely political.` Andrei Shugurov, deputy head of the OSCE Center in Dushanbe, said, `Only an unbiased and fair trial can render a verdict on this case.`
200 National Observers To Monitor Turkmen Elections
Interfax
Ashgabat, December 14: Two hundred national observers representing various public organizations will monitor the Turkmen parliamentary elections, the Central Elections Commission told Interfax. No special invitations have been sent to foreign countries, but any foreign representatives may apply for observer accreditation, the commission said. In total, 139 candidates will compete for 50 seats in parliament. The parliamentary elections will be held on December 19, and voting will proceed at 1,610 polling stations in 50 electoral districts. The previous parliamentary elections were held on December 12, 1999. Voter turnout in that poll reached 99.6 per cent. All citizens from the age of 25 have the right to run for parliament if they have resided in Turkmenistan for no less than ten years.
Kyrgyz Opposition Calls On President To Be Objective
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, December 14: The Kyrgyz NGO Coalition for Democracy and Civil Society issued a statement on 14 December asking President Askar Akaev to be objective in his assessments of domestic politics, RFE/RL`s Kyrgyz Service reported. More specifically, the coalition disputed the president`s remark at a recent conference that the Kyrgyz opposition is following the example of opposition groups in Georgia and Ukraine and seeking support abroad. The coalition also asked Akaev to ensure the observance of all rights and freedoms during February 2005 parliamentary elections, a call that was echoed by the People`s Movement of Kyrgyzstan.
Uzbek Embassy In Washington Hosts Briefing On Elections
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, December 13: Embassy of Uzbekistan in the United States organised a briefing on the upcoming parliamentary elections in Uzbekistan for representatives of the US State Department, US Congress and mass media. Jahon news agency reported that participants were informed about parliamentary reforms in Uzbekistan and preparation to elections to the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis, scheduled for 26 December. Attention of the American audience was drawn to achievements of Uzbekistan in liberalisation and improvement of election legislature, further democratic and economic reforms, the report said. Correspondent of United Press International John Daly said in his speech that he was a witness of active preparation to elections to Oliy Majlis during his recent visit. `US journalist paid attention to high political activity of public of Uzbekistan participating in the election campaign,` the report said.
New Kyrgyz Political Movement Looks Ahead To Elections
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, December 13: Former Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Roza Otunbaeva announced the creation of a new political movement on 13 December, akipress.org reported. Speaking at a news conference in Bishkek, Otunbaeva said that Ata-Jurt (Fatherland) is being set up with Legislative Assembly members Dooronbek Sadyrbekov, Adakhan Madumarov, and Omurbek Tekebaev. `The core of our political activities today is to participate in both parliamentary and presidential elections. We intend to fight together with all the constructive forces for a majority in the future [Kyrgyz] parliament,` RFE/RL`s Kyrgyz Service quoted Otunbaeva as saying.
Tajik President Signs Decree On Parliamentary Elections
Itar-Tass
Dushanbe, December 13: President Emomali Rakhmonov of Tajikistan signed a decree on parliamentary elections on Monday. The elections to the lower house of parliament (Majlisi Namoyandagon) and to local councils of new convocation will be held on February 27, 2005. The elections to the National Assembly (Majlisi Milli), upper chamber of the parliament, are scheduled for March 24, 2005, presidential press secretary Abdulfattokh Sharipov told Itar-Tass. According to the Constitution, six political parties of the republic, registered by the Justice Ministry, have a right to take part in the elections. Deputies of the lower house are elected for a five-year term in. The house consists of 63 deputies, 65 percent of whom (or 41 members) elected in single-seat constituencies and 35 percent (or 22 members) by proportional representation. According to the new Election Code, each candidate should pay a registration fee in the sum of 200 minimum wages (or 500 U.S. dollars). The upper house consists of 33 representatives, eight of them should be appointed by the president.
Parliament Approves Law On Presidential Poll In Abkhazia
Itar-Tass
Sukhumi, December 13: Abkhazia`s parliament approved a law `On Elections of the President of Republic of Abkhazia` on Monday. The law has been worked out by parliament deputies in compliance with the agreement `On Measures to Reach National Accord in Republic of Abkhazia`. The document was signed by former opponents - Sergei Bagapsh and Raul Khadzhimba - on December 6. Under the agreement, Bagapsh and Khadzhimba will take part in new presidential elections in one team: Bagapsh will run for presidency and Khadzhimba for vice-presidency. The new presidential elections should be held till January 13, 2005. However, the Central Election Commission has not specified the exact date of the elections.
No Political Motives Behind Tajik Democratic Party Leader`s Arrest - Prosecutor
Interfax
Dushanbe, December 12: There are no political motives behind the opening of a criminal investigation against chairman of the Democratic Party of Tajikistan Makhmadruzi Iskandarov and his arrest in Moscow on December 9, said Tajik Prosecutor General Bobodzhon Bobokhonov. `We are being guided only by law,` the prosecutor said at a press conference in Dushanbe on Saturday. Iskandarov has been charged with large-scale embezzlement of state property, abuse of office, illegal possession and carrying of firearms, illegal hiring of armed bodyguards, a murder attempt, and terrorism, he said. `We are not persecuting the Democratic Party of Tajikistan. The party chairman Iskandarov does not have an immunity and must answer for breaking the law,` he said. Iskandarov earlier led the Tajik state gas company Tajikgaz. `The abuses committed by Iskandarov caused damages worth 126 million somoni [over $41 million] to Tajikgaz. He also organized a terrorist attack in Tajikabad [in northeastern Tajikistan] on August 27, 2004, in which one man was wounded as the district police and prosecutor`s office was fired upon. This has been a hundred percent proven,` he said.
Azerbaijan Marks First Anniversary Of Heydar Aliyev`s Death
Interfax
Baku, December 12: People from across Azerbaijan have been visiting the grave of the country`s late President Heydar Aliyev since Sunday morning to commemorate the first anniversary of his death. Traffic near the Alley of Honors, where the former president was buried, has been stopped for security reasons. A memorial ceremony will take place at the Heydar Aliyev Palace at 4:00 p.m., to be followed by a minute of silence in memory of Aliyev at 7:00 p.m.
Tajik Opposition Concerned Over Party Leader`s Arrest
Avesta
Dushanbe, December 11: `We consider the actions of the Tajik government and the Prosecutor-General`s Office inadmissible and deliberately aimed at preventing political parties participating freely and equally in the forthcoming parliamentary elections [due in February 2005]. We also view them as aimed at undermining and splitting the Coalition for Fair and Transparent Elections on the whole,` the leaders of four Tajik opposition parties - Democrats, Social-Democrats, Socialists, and the Islamic Rebirth party - say in a press release. The press release was issued in Dushanbe today following the detention of the leader of the Democratic Party, Mahmadruzi Iskandarov, in Moscow. The document says that the parties are extremely concerned over the current situation ahead of the forthcoming parliamentary elections.
The Meeting Of The Defense Council Held In Bishkek
Kabar Agency
Bishkek, December 17: The tendency of realization of attempts of terrorist acts and activization of extremism in the territory of Kyrgyzstan continues to strengthen, President of the Republic Askar Akayev told during the meeting of the Defense Council. `I think, that in 2005 the level of aggravation of public- political conditions in the country, in connection with parliamentary and presidential elections, will sharply increase`, - the president told. According to his words, radicalism can proceed to force methods of struggle, in this connection, state structures should do the best efforts to provide public safety, reliable protection of human rights and civil freedom. The head of the state noted, that taking into account modern threats, the Council should define specific targets for all force structures, including a military component. The agenda of the Council included two items - summarizing of 2004 and confirming the plan on providing military safety of the country in 2005. At present proceeding from the analysis of the public-political situation, one can say that religious and political extremism are growing together with international terrorism, President Askar Akayev told during the meeting of the Council of Defense of Kyrgyzstan.
Stability On Tajikistan-Afghanistan Border To Continue
RIA Novosti
Moscow, December 15: The acting director of the Federal Drug Control Agency, Alexander Fedorov, said the border between Afghanistan and Tajikistan would remain stable after Russian border guards were withdrawn. `Given these developments,` he told the State Duma Wednesday, answering a question about drug trafficking once Russian boarder guards left, `I think the situation on the Tajikistani-Afghan border will remain stable.` He said that according to an agreement with Tajikistan, many Russian border guards would remain in Tajikistan to provide assistance. Nevertheless, `it is a sensitive issue,` which he described as `topical.` `Life will put things in their place,` he said. According to an agreement on cooperation between Russia and Tajikistan on border-related matters, interaction between the countries` authorities will include guarding Tajikistan`s border and assistance developing border structures like the provision of arms, military equipment and logistics. The Federal Security Service is setting up a boarder guard unit to coordinate and assist the Tajikistanis guarding the border.
Blair, Aliyev To Negotiate UK Servicemen Transit Via Azerbaijan
Itar-Tass
London, December 15: British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Azerbaijani President Ilkham Aliyev have agreed to start talks on future cooperation in British servicemen`s transit to Afghanistan via Azerbaijan and back. The leaders of the two countries also agreed to work out a programme of Azerbaijani Armed Forces` training in order to increase their possibilities of contributing to peacekeeping operations. Blair welcomed Azerbaijani Armed Forces` efforts to maintain peace and security in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo, the British prime minister`s secretariat told Itar-Tass on Wednesday in its comment on the results of Tuesday`s talks between Blair and Aliyev. Both sides adopted a joint communiqu· on the results of the talks. Blair and Aliyev agreed to continue and strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fight against terrorism and organised crime. They lauded the development of relations with NATO`s Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council (EAPC) and the Partnership for Peace Programme, according to a communiqu· signed on the results of Britain-Azerbaijan talks. T
NATO Delegation Inspecting Georgia
Interfax
Tbilisi, December 15: NATO inspectors are reviewing Georgia`s implementation of the plan for its individual partnership with the alliance. `About 50 NATO officials arrived in Georgia on Wednesday to see the progress of reforms in the Georgian army,` a high-ranking Georgian Defense Ministry official told Interfax-Military News Agency. `The plan for Georgia`s individual cooperation with NATO was endorsed at the alliance`s headquarters in Brussels in late October, and this is the first comprehensive inspection of its implementation by NATO specialists,` the source said. The NATO delegation will visit training centers and meet with Defense Ministry officials and the chief of staff of the Georgian armed forces, Brigadier General Vakhtang Kapanadze, he said.
Georgia May Become NATO Candidate In 2006 - Minister
Interfax
Tbilisi, December 15: Georgian Interior Minister Irakly Okruashvili has said that as soon as he is appointed defense minister, he will carry out all the necessary reforms to help his country become a candidate for NATO membership in 2006. `Integration with NATO is one of Georgia`s top priorities,` Okruashvili said in an interview with Georgia`s Rustavi 2 television late on Tuesday.
NATO Exercises To Be Held In Georgia In Sept 2005
Interfax
Tbilisi, December 14: Georgia will host the Rescuer/Medceur command post and medical exercises under the NATO Partnership for Peace (PfP) program from September 2 to 16, 2005. `The decision to this effect was made at the planning conference that has just ended in Tbilisi,` Omar Begoidze, chief of the PfP coordination headquarters in the Georgian General Staff, told Interfax-Military News Agency on Friday. The exercises will involve servicemen from Albania, Armenia, Bulgaria, Croatia, Georgia, Germany, Latvia, Macedonia, Moldova, Romania, Ukraine, and the U.S., the official said. `The U.S. will be represented by 350 servicemen and Georgia by 210, while a total of up to 700 servicemen will be involved,` Begoidze stressed. Vaziani, a Tbilisi suborb, will host the command post exercise, and the town of Kobuleti in the Ajarian autonomous republic will host the medical exercise.
Turkey To Train Georgian Servicemen
Interfax
Tbilisi, December 14: Turkey is launching a new program to assist the Georgian armed forces in 2005. Georgian Defense Minister Giorgi Baramidze told a news conference on Monday that he is going to Turkey on December 16 to discuss details of a new program under which Turkish instructors will train a 3,000 strong Georgian brigade. `Turkish instructors will train riflemen, artillerymen and reconnaissance personnel,` the Georgian minister said. In Ankara, Baramidze is expected to meet with the Turkish president and other officials. The visit will last until December 20.
550 Georgian Servicemen Being Trained For Mission In Iraq
Itar-Tass
Tbilisi, December 12: Five hundred and fifty Georgian servicemen are training for a mission in Iraq within the coalition forces, Chief of the Georgian General Staff Vakhtang Kapanadze said on Sunday. He said that in late January 550 Georgian peacekeepers would join 300 Georgian commandos, who had been on mission in Iraq since the middle of November. A concert and a reception of Georgian peacekeepers, who had ended their mission in Iraq, was held at the Tbilisi Philharmonic Society building on Sunday by the initiative of the U.S. embassy. Seventy Georgian servicemen were on mission in Iraq from August 2003 to February 2004, and 159 were there from April to November 2004. Both groups of Georgian peacekeepers returned home without losses.
US Embassy In Tashkent Warns Of Possible Attacks In Uzbekistan
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, December 16: US Embassy in Uzbekistan issued a public announcement to alert US citizens to the potential for terrorist actions in Uzbekistan. `The United States government has received information that terrorist groups may be planning attacks against US interests in Uzbekistan in the near future. We remind all Americans that terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. The Department of State urges Americans in Uzbekistan to exercise extreme caution, including avoiding large crowds, celebrations, and places where Westerners generally congregate,` the statement said. `These groups have expressed anti-US sentiments and may also attempt to target US government or private interests in Uzbekistan. Terrorist groups do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. As security is increased at official US facilities, terrorists and their sympathisers seek softer targets. These may include facilities where Americans and other foreigners congregate or visit, such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events, resorts, beaches, maritime facilities, and planes,` the announcement said.
Duma Ratifies CIS Anti-terror Treaty
Interfax
Moscow, December 15: The State Duma voted 421-0 with one abstention on Wednesday to ratify a CIS treaty on the suppression of terrorism. The treaty, which was signed at a session of the Council of CIS Prime Ministers in Minsk on June 4, 1999, is based on a number of international legal documents and provides a legal foundation for joint measures by CIS nations aimed at preventing, detecting, countering and investigating terrorist attacks.
Tajik Students Arrested For Hizbut Tahrir Leaflets
Radio Free Europe
Dushanbe, December 13: Tajik police have arrested two students at Khujand University for distributing propaganda materials on behalf of the banned extremist movement Hizb ut-Tahrir, RFE/RL`s Tajik Service reported on 13 December. The two are being charged with inciting ethnic and religious hatred and calling for the overthrow of the constitutional system. Police spokespeople in Khujand said that another four young people in Soghd Province are also facing charges for Hizb ut-Tahrir activities.
US Ambassador Calls To Joint Fight Against Extremism
Kazinform
Astana, December 13: US Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Kazakhstan John Ordway proposed today at the meeting with Majilisman Ural Mukhamedzhanov in the Residence of Parliament uniting legislative efforts in the fight against extremism. In this connection the diplomat showed great interest towards the bill on resistance to extremism which is being considered by the Kazakhstani Parliament. The Ambassador expressed intention to assist in forwarding the bill to world experts. Majilis speaker announced the firm position of Kazakhstan in the struggle against international terrorism and extremism.
Georgians Stop Construction Of Baku-Tbilis-Ceyhan Pipeline
RIA Novosti
Tbilisi, December 16: Protesting people stopped the construction of the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan on Georgian territory. On Thursday morning residents of the village of Krtsanisi of Georgia`s Gardabansky district blocked the road which the building company uses to bring the necessary equipment to the construction site. The residents of Krtsanisi are protesting against the actions of the British Petroleum company and the Petrofak contractor. During the construction of the pipeline the building company liquidated the irrigation system used by 44 families. BP representatives promised to build a new system but failed to fulfill this promise.
Higher Costs In The Pipeline For BP Project
Kazakhstan News
Baku, December 16: BP said the cost of a planned Azeri gas project is likely to be about 25 per cent higher than the GBP 1.6 billion originally indicated. `We expect to have a more detailed update on this in the next few weeks, but we are talking about a cost increase of about 25 per cent,` BP spokesman Toby Odone said. BP`s partners in the offshore Shakh-Deniz field include the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), Norway`s Statoil, French Total, Russia`s Lukoil and Italy`s Agip. BP said that the cost overruns to the first phase of the gas project came about because of dollar weakness, the increase in some commodity prices and factors related to the design of the project, which includes the development of the field and the building of a pipeline.
Kyrgyzstan Passes 2005 Budget With 0.7 per cent Deficit
Interfax
Bishkek, December 16: The Kyrgyz parliament`s upper house passed the country`s draft budget for 2005, which figures a deficit of 726 million som (or 0.7 per cent of GDP) in the second and final reading on Thursday, chair of the Assembly of Peoples Representatives budget committee Zhenishbek Eshenkulov told Interfax. Since the draft`s first reading, budget revenues had been increased by 416.9 million som to 16.087 billion som and spending by 640 million som to 16.813 billion som. Finance Minister Bolot Abildayev said the draft earmarks $86.5 million for foreign debt payments in 2005: $48.7 million for debt principle and $37.8 million for interest.
EBRD, SOCAR Sign $170 Mln Shah-Deniz Credit
Interfax
Baku, December 15: The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) signed a deal with the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR) in London on a $170-million credit to finance SOCAR`s share of the first phase of the Shah-Deniz offshore gas condensate project. The EBRD said in a press release that $110 million was intended to finance SOCAR`s contribution to the field`s development and $60 million to build the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas export pipeline.
World Bank Supports Three New Projects In The Kyrgyz Republic
Kabar Agency
Bishkek, December 15: The World Bank Board of Directors approved the allocation of US $38.1 million for three projects in the Kyrgyz Republic - Agribusiness & Marketing; Rural Education; and Small Towns Infrastructure & Capacity Building. `It was the `day of the Kyrgyz Republic` in the World Bank,` said Country Manager Chris Lovelace, `We are happy to support such important areas of development in this country. The grant component of the allocated funding is over 47 per cent and amounts to US $18 million.` The World Bank will support the Agribusiness & Marketing project with a US $8.1 million credit. The Government of Japan is providing co-financing through a US $4.75 million grant. The project aims to expand the level of activity of processing, marketing, and trade enterprises downstream of the farmgate, increase the number of producer organizations, and build trade linkages between producers, primary and secondary level trade organizations. There are two components to this project - a Market Development Component aimed to address constraints to improved functioning of supply chains from agriproduces to consumers, and an Access to Credit Component, under which a credit line will be extended and disbursed through participating financial institutions. The project will help the Government increase the amount of value added to Kyrgyz agro-food commodities to boost sales of those commodities both domestically and abroad, and to improve the performance of agricultural markets. A fully grant-funded US $15.5 million Rural Education project will assist the Government in preparing the country`s children and youth for the challenges of the future.
Tajik Parliament Confirms Budget For 2005
Interfax
Dushanbe, December 15: The Tajik parliament on Wednesday confirmed a draft budget for 2005 with a deficit of 35 million somoni, or 2.7 per cent of spending. Prime Minister Akil Akilov told the parliament that revenues are projected at 1.256 billion somoni and spending 1.291 billion somoni. Forty-six percent of the budget resources will go to social programs. Akilov said that from January to November, GDP grew by 10.5 per cent, year- on-year, and inflation stood at 5.3 per cent. Foreign trade turnover amounted to $2.114 billion, exports $840.6 million and imports $1.274 billion. The state budget for 2004 was confirmed with a deficit of 25.5 million somoni, or 0.5 per cent of GDP. Revenues are projected at 917.3 million somoni and spending 942.8 million somoni.
IMF Mission Head Lauds Tajik Debt Reduction
Radio Free Europe
Dushanbe, December 14: Peter Winglee, head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission in Tajikistan, told a press conference in Dushanbe on 14 December that Tajikistan has succeeded in reducing its external debt from $1.3 billion at the end of 2003 to $822 million at present, Avesta reported. Winglee noted that the current debt equals 41 percent of GDP, `a considerable decrease compared to the debt Tajikistan had at the end of last year, which was 66 percent of GDP.` The bulk of the debt reduction resulted from a 16 October agreement with Russia.
IMF Officials Discuss Economic Aid To Fight Poverty In Kyrgyzstan
Interfax
Bishkek, December 14: Representatives of the International Monetary Fund have arrived in Bishkek to discuss prospects for signing a new three-year memorandum with the Kyrgyz government as part of a program for reducing poverty and promoting economic growth. `The new memorandum will be signed of a corresponding wish is expressed on the part of the government,` IMF official Tapio Saavalainen said at a meeting with Kyrgyz Prime Minister Nikolai Tanayev on Thursday. At the same time he said that `in future attention must be focused on the problem of external debt payments.`
Uzbekistan To Cut Foreign Investment-raising 19 per cent In 2005
Interfax
Tashkent, December 14: Uzbekistan plans to raise $865.78 million in foreign investments for 115 projects in 2005, compared with its 2004 plan for raising $1.028 billion for the same number of projects-representing a 18.7 per cent decrease, a government source familiar with the country`s 2005 investment plan told Interfax. Uzbekistan`s plan for 2004 included $651.18 million in foreign investments under government guarantee and $377.45 million in direct investments. The plans for 2005 call for using $350.15 million in foreign credits under government guarantee and $515.63 million in direct foreign investments.
Third Credit Line For Tajik Small Business Finance
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, December 13: Just over a year after the launch of a US$7 million Tajik Micro and Small Enterprise (MSE) Finance Facility with international donors` help, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has granted its third credit line for US$2 million to a local bank. The facility has already financed more than 2,000 local entrepreneurs. The transaction with Tajprombank means over half the EBRD-approved funds have been committed to local commercial banks. Tajprombank, which has 11 branches and outlets around the country, was one of the original partners of the Tajik Micro and Small Enterprise Finance Facility. Until now, it has mobilised its own funds to provide US$500,000 in loans to more than 200 Tajik micro enterprises. The EBRD credit line will enable it to significantly expand lending to MSEs across more of Tajikistan. In all, the EBRD`s three local partners have lent US$5.4 million to 2,049 Tajik entrepreneurs under the facility. The EBRD`s first credit line, for US$1 million, was signed with Eskhata Bank in February. A second line, for US$2 million, was signed with Tajiksodirotbank in August. Almost all the clients benefiting from the EBRD programme have never had access to finance before. Micro loans are disbursed to commercially viable private enterprises in dollars and Tajik somoni.
IMF Mission Head Meets With Tajik President
Radio Free Europe
Dushanbe, December 13: Peter Winglee, head of the International Monetary Fund`s mission in Tajikistan, met with President Imomali Rakhmonov in Dushanbe on 13 December, Khovar reported. Their discussion focused on IMF assistance for the continuing implementation of economic reforms in Tajikistan. `We discussed issues related to the continuation of reforms, strengthening the banking system, and ways to reduce obstacles to the functioning of foreign banks [in Tajikistan],` Winglee told journalists after the meeting, according to RFE/RL`s Tajik Service.
Uzbekistan`s Angry Street Traders
BBC
Tashkent, December 13: Anti-government feeling is still running high in Uzbekistan`s markets and bazaars nearly two months after an unprecedented outbreak of violence in this tightly controlled Central Asia republic. Market traders say they are forced out of business by new rules In early November, merchants in the Fergana Valley, Uzbekistan`s most populous region, set fire to cars and chased customs police out of bazaars after officials tried to impose a series of new trading restrictions. Now some voices in the international diplomatic community warn that the anger in the markets could spread. Markets and bazaars are a key part of economic activity in Uzbekistan, and there is no doubting public anger among the merchants at one of the country`s biggest bazaars on the outskirts of Tashkent, Uzbekistan`s capital. `We are a nation of traders,` says one. `It`s our life, yet the officials are trying to stop what we have always done. For us, there is no other way to make a living.` `The state is trying to control everything we do,` says another. `New regulations make it almost impossible to trade and the customs police keep bothering us - making a living is becoming impossible.` Yet the government is not about to give in, insisting that the restrictions it is imposing on trading in the bazaars are part of an effort to eradicate the black economy.
Speaker Of Azeri Parliament Meets Outgoing Uzbek Ambassador
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, December 17: Speaker of the Milli Majlis (parliament) of Azerbaijan Murtuz Alasgarov received Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Azerbaijan Abdugafur Abdurahmanov in connection with completion of his diplomatic mission in Azerbaijan. The speaker noted that after gaining independence, relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan entered the new era, and that reciprocal visits of the heads of states had played an important role in deepening of bilateral cooperation. He also mentioned the successfully developing contacts of the two countries` parliaments, AzerTag reported. Mr Alasgarov also touched upon the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh expressing gratitude to the government and people of Uzbekistan for the support of the fair position of Azerbaijan in relation to this issue. The speaker finally thanked the Ambassador for his contribution to development of friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan and wished him every success in his future activities.
5 Thousand Tajik Refugees Will Get Kyrgyz Citizenship
Kabar Agency
Bishkek, December 17: 5 thousand Tajik refugees will get Kyrgyz citizenship till 2005, director of migration services department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Z. Hakimov told during the inter-department meeting in the Foreign Ministry. Only 409 Tajik refugees got the Kyrgyz citizenship in 2004, while in accordance with the inter-state Agreement 5 thousand refugees were to get the citizenship.
Iran, Uzbekistan To Develop Transit Transportation
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, December 17: Iranian free zone Chabahar and the Uzbek trade organisations agreed to develop transit transportation, a head of Chabahar zone told IRNA. Uzbek Agency of Foreign Economic Relations and the Commercial-Industrial Chamber of Uzbekistan signed the corresponding memorandum with the organisation Chabahar free zone, Mustafa Khanzadi, director of the organisation said. The document is directed to develop transport and transit corridors, as well as expand trade-economic cooperation between Iran and Uzbekistan.
Azeri Leader Appoints New Envoy To Uzbekistan
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, December 16: President of Azerbaijan appointed former Minister of National Security of this country as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Uzbekistan. The corresponding decree on appointment of Namik Abbasov as ambassador was signed by the President Ilkham Aliev on 16 December. Abbasov held the post of the National Security Minister of Azerbaijan between October 1004 and July 2004.
Azerbaijan Attaches Importance To Ties With Iran: Azeri President
IRNA
Baku, December 16: Azeri President Ilham Aliyev described the existing level of security cooperation between the two countries as both satisfactory and significant. Making the remark in a meeting with visiting Iranian Intelligence Minister Ali Yunesi in Baku Thursday, he stressed that his country attached great importance to ties with Iran and hoped the mutual ties would further expand. He believed Yunesi`s visit to Baku would help enhance the bilateral relations. Pointing to his next month`s visit to Tehran, Aliyev expressed his hope that the visit would open new horizons for cooperation between the two sides in all areas. Yunesi, too, conveyed the greetings of President Mohammad Khatami to his Azeri counterpart and said the coming visit of Aliyev to Iran would play a key role in promoting mutual ties.
Duma`s Committee Recommends Ratifying Uzbek-Russian Treaty
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, December 16: Committee of the Russian State Duma for CIS Affairs recommended the parliament to ratify the agreement on strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Russia. Head of the committee Andrey Kokoshin said the committee had made a decision to recommend the State Duma to ratify the agreement on strategic partnership between Russia and Uzbekistan after hearing reports of representatives of the Foreign Ministry, Defence Ministry and Economic Development Ministry of Russia. The MPs paid attention to such articles of the agreement as obligatory coordination of efforts of the two countries directed at creation of firm and effective regional security in Central Asia and creation of corresponding bilateral mechanisms through security councils, foreign ministries and other departments, he noted.
USA Ready To Continue Rendering Technical Assistance To Kyrgyz Ecology Ministry
Kabar Agency
Bishkek, December 16: USA is ready to continue rendering technical assistance to the Ministry of Ecology and Extreme Situations of Kyrgyzstan. Chief of Staff of US Central Command Steven Whitcomb told during the meeting with Deputy Minister of Ecology and Extreme Situations Almaz Kachybekov. In particular, he promised, leaning on financial resources, to consider the problem on rendering technical assistance for updating systems of notification and communications, setting up special training ground for rescuers of the central civil defense department, fire-prevention service. According to press service of the Ecology and Extreme Situations Ministry, during the talks, A. Kamchybekov informed on tasks of the ministry and central civil defense department.
Russian CEC Head Visits Tashkent State Law Institute
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, December 16: Chairman of the Central Election Commission of Russia visited the Tashkent State Law Institute to meet students and speak to them on elections system in the Russian Federation. Rector of the institute Mirzoyusuv Rustambekov informed the Russian official on the work of the institute and participation of students in election process. `Our students take an active part in raising the awareness of the population,` the rector said. Rustambekov said students explained the residents of Tashkent and other regions the essence of the bicameral parliament, for many people do not know well about the new system.
Regional Travel Documents Security Workshop Held In Tashkent
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, December 16: Experts from the Border Guard, Interior and Foreign Ministries of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan took part in a workshop on travel document security in the Uzbek capital on 15-16 December. The event, organised by the Government of Uzbekistan, the OSCE Action against Terrorism Unit and the OSCE Centre in Tashkent, focused on key issues of cross-border and regional Cooperation and addressed regional concerns on terrorism, organised crime and trafficking in drugs and human beings. Participants exchanged experience on detecting falsified, fraudulent or lost travel documents and security features built into travel documents and agreed on the need to enhance cooperation in areas such as training, sharing of information and technical needs. The workshop was also attended by experts from Interpol, the International Organisation for Migration, the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation`s Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure and the National Bureau of Documents of the Netherlands. Representatives from Afghanistan, an OSCE partner for Cooperation, also participated in the event.
Russia Deports Tajik Migrant Workers
Radio Free Europe
Dushanbe, December 16: Russia deported 83 Tajik migrant workers from Krasnodar Krai on 15 December for violating residency requirements and failing to have migration cards, RFE/RL`s Tajik Service reported on 16 December. Nigina Muhammadjonova, a representative of the International Organization for Migration, told RFE/RL that deportations often involve rights violations because migrant workers are unaware of their rights. Mahmudullo Qurbonov, deputy head of the migration department in Tajikistan`s Labor Ministry, said that Tajikistan has opened six centers in Russia to help Tajik migrant workers defend their rights. Qurbonov put the number of Tajik migrant workers in Russia at 420,000, but unofficial estimates suggest that the actual number could be more than 1 million.
President Of Azerbaijan Receives Ambassador Of Uzbekistan
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, December 15: President of the Azerbaijan Republic Ilham Aliyev received Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Uzbekistan to Azerbaijan Abdugafur Abdurahmanov on end of his diplomatic mission in Baku on 15 December. Aliev highly assessed contributions of the Uzbek ambassador to strengthening of the Azeri-Uzbek relations. Recalling his state visit to Uzbekistan, President of Azerbaijan said that the meetings, negotiations and signed documents in the course of the visit had given a strong impulse to development of bilateral ties. President Ilham Aliyev noted that after regaining state independence, the two countries had been successfully developing relations founded by national leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev. Head of Azerbaijan wished success to Abdugafur Abdurahmanov in his future diplomatic activity.
Azerbaijan Eager To Launch Joint Health Projects With Iran
IRNA
Baku, December 15: Azerbaijan Republic`s Prime Minister Arthur Rassizadeh said in a meeting with visiting Iranian Health, Treatment and Medical Education Minister Massoud Pezeshkian that his county welcomes launching joint health project with Iran. Rassizadeh emphasized, `Noteworthy progress achieved by Iran in health field has encouraged Azerbaijan Republic to seek sharing Iran`s worthy experience.` Appreciating the Islamic Republic of Iran for establishment of a kidney transplant center and medicine factory in Azerbaijan Republic, Rassizadeh announced his government`s readiness for all kinds of assistance that might be needed in those projects. Azerbaijan`s premier added, `If the medicine factory would be a joint project, we would exempt all its products form taxes.` He also appreciated the concerned Iranian organizations` decision to recognize the authenticity of academic licenses issued for Iranian graduates of Azerbaijan`s universities as praiseworthy and important in boosting the trend of student exchange program between the two countries.
Energy Supplies To PRC Dominate Russian - Chinese - Kazakh Oil Forum
Kazakhstan News
Moscow, December 15: The questions of establishing and broadening cooperation with China in the field of energy supplies will dominate the Sino-Russo-Kazakh Oil Trading Forum which is opening in Dubai (UAE) on Wednesday. As the forum`s organizing committee told RIA Novosti, the event is being held by the conferences and personnel training department of the international Petroleum Exchange of London with the support of the foremost oil companies of Kazakhstan, China and the CIS countries. In the opinion of the forum`s organizers, the question of determining the front of work with such a market as China is equally topical both for Russia and Kazakhstan. `Though, in expert opinion, the PRC is now a practically unlimited market with a growing level of consumption, quite a number of yet not studied factors, in particular, the exact geography of consumption and quality demands, the questions of knowledgeable selection of counteragents and removing the risks of non-fulfillment of orders, and the transport and legal questions remains on this market for foreign exporters,` the organizing committee officials noted.
Heads Of Uzbek, Russian Election Commission Meet
Radio Free Europe
Tashkent, December 15: Aleksandr Veshnyakov, head of Russia`s Central Election Commission, met with Uzbek Foreign Minister Sadyk Safaev and Uzbek Central Election Commission (CEC) head Buritosh Mustafoev in Tashkent on 15 December, ITAR-TASS reported. Veshnyakov told journalists that Uzbek legislators have placed their trust in the country`s CEC by granting it substantial powers. Veshnyakov also said that no elections are beyond reproach simply because multiple candidates compete for single seats.
Kazakhstan To Deepen Ties With China
People`s Daily
Beijing, December 15: Kazakh Foreign Minister Kasymzhomart Kemelevich Tokayev said Wednesday that the highest priority of his country`s foreign policy is to deepen good-neighborly relations with China. He said at a press conference in Astana, capital of Kazakhstan, that Kazakhstan cherishes the long-term stable and mutually beneficial relations with China. As China occupies a crucial position and plays an important role on the international arena, Tokayev said, it is of great significance to develop the Kazakh-Chinese ties.
Caspian Summit Put Off Because Of Differences - Kazakh Foreign Minister
Interfax
Astana, December 15: The Caspian countries still differ widely in their approaches to the legal status of the Caspian Sea, which is why their summit scheduled for January 2005 has been postponed, Kazakh Foreign Minister Kasymzhomart Tokayev said in an Interfax interview on Wednesday. `The Ashgabat summit [was postponed] because the different were so sharp that a final document could not be agreed on,` he said. Following that Iran called for holding another summit in Tehran in early 2005, Tokayev said. The preparations have made it apparent that the summit had to be put off if another failure was to be avoided, he said. Kazakhstan believes that experts should work out a definition of the Caspian Sea`s legal status before a summit is called, Tokayev said. Kazakhstan has also called for holding bilateral talks simultaneously, he said.
Pak, Kazak Ties To Continue Flourish: Musharraf
Pakistan News Service
Islamabad, December 15: President General Pervez Musharraf has expressed the confidence that the traditionally close friendly ties between Pakistan and Kazakhstan would continue to flourish in the years ahead. The President stated this in a message to his Kazak counterpart Nursultan Abishevich Nazarbayev to greet him on the country`s Independence Day falling on December 16. `It gives me immense pleasure to extend, on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan as well as on my own behalf, warmest felicitations to your excellency and the brotherly people of Kazakhstan,` he said. The President referred to the close ties between the two countries and said he was confident that these relations would continue to strengthen for the mutual benefit of the peoples of Pakistan and Kazakhstan. He also expressed his best wishes for the President`s health and happiness and for the continued progress and well-being of the brotherly people of Kazakhstan.
Kazakhstan`s New Ambassador To Enhance Cooperation
Bernama
Kuala Lumpur, December 15: Kazakhstan`s new ambassador to Malaysia, Mukhtar Tileuberdi, has singled out the promotion of cooperation between the innovation institutions of the two countries as his most important task here. He said Malaysia`s experience in creating the Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) and technology parks could be used to jointly develop similar innovation infrastructures in Kazakhstan. `The most ambitious idea that I have in mind is to create in Kazakhstan an ICT (information communication technology) hub connecting Asia and Europe, including the Malaysian MSC,` he told Bernama here Wednesday. He would also focus on enhancing economic cooperation between the two countries, he said, noting that their current high economic growth would make this possible. The 36-year-old Tileuberdi said one of the ways to enhance interaction among the businessmen and people-to-people relations between the two countries was to have direct flights from the Central Asian republic to Malaysia. `Now we are in an active stage of negotiation on launching regular flights between Almaty and Kuala Lumpur by one of Kazakhstan`s airlines, Kokshetau,` he said. He also plans to facilitate Malaysian business missions and forums in Kazakhtan`s major cities. An exhibition of Malaysian furniture products was expected to be held in Kazakhstan early next year, he said.
Trade Between Kazakhstan, China In 2004 To Grow 25 per cent - Ambassador
Interfax
Astana, December 15: Trade between Kazakhstan and China in 2004 may grow to USD 4 bln, up from USD 3.2 bln in 2003. `Early reports indicate that this year trade turnover may reach USD 4 bln. Last year we achieved trade turnover of USD 3.2 bln,` Chinese ambassador to Kazakhstan Zhou Xiaopei said at a Wednesday meeting with the parliamentary Agrarian Industrial Labor Union. In his opinion, the target figure of USD 5 bln will be reached earlier than 2010 named by the leaders of the two countries. The ambassador named three conditions which he found essential for boosting bilateral trade: the completion of the oil pipeline from West Kazakhstan to West China, the construction of a gas pipeline from Kazakhstan to China and the construction of a railway from the Dostyk- Alashankou terminal to the Caspian Sea and further to Turkmenistan, Iran and Turkey.
Iran, Kazakhstan Keen To Expand Cultural Cooperation
IRNA
Almaty, December 14: Iran`s cultural attache in Kazakhstan, Mohsen Heidarnia, on Tuesday referred to the current favorable grounds in Kazakhstan for cultural activities and the high interest of the Kazakh government and people in cooperation with Iran in the field. He told IRNA that positive collaboration is currently underway between Iran`s Cultural Attache Office in Kazakhstan and some Kazakh scientific and cultural centers as well as universities. `Kazakh educational elite and researchers expect closer cooperation with Iran in cultural fields, particularly in arranging Persian language courses and translation of the books of prominent Iranian writers and intellectuals into Kazakh language. `Iran`s Cultural Attache Office continuously participates in the scientific and cultural conferences held in the universities of the city of Almaty and even helps organize some of them,` he added. Heidarnia noted that the conference dubbed `Status of Islamic Philosophy in Today`s World` is scheduled to be held in Almaty in February 2005.
Russian Central Election Commission Chief To Visit Uzbekistan
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, December 14: Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Russia Alexander Veshnyakov will visit Uzbekistan to familiarise with the process of preparation to the upcoming parliamentary elections. During his trip, organised on the invitation of the Central Election Commission of Uzbekistan, Veshnyakov is scheduled to meet CEC chairman and members, parliament speaker and foreign minister, as well as visit several polling stations in the country`s capital. The negotiations will focus on issues of preparation to elections, the Russian Central Election Commission press service said. Veshnyakov also plans exchanging experience of holding various-level elections with his Uzbek colleagues. Russian CEC observers will participate in the elections to the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, scheduled for 26 December.
Askar Akaev Meets With Muzaffer Eroktem
Kabar Agency
Bishkek, December 14: Kyrgyz President Askar Akaev has met with Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkey to Kyrgyzstan Muzaffer Eroktem. During the talks, A. Akaev expressed thanks to M. Eroktem for contribution in developing Kyrgyz-Turkish relations. The head of state noted that fruitful cooperation between the both states stepped into new qualitative level today. A. Akaev and M. Eroktem also discussed issues of further cooperation in the field of economy and trade, education and culture. M. Eroktem is the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Turkey to Kyrgyzstan since 2001. According to data of the Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry, diplomatic relations between Kyrgyzstan and Turkey were established in 1991. In the field of bilateral cooperation, Kyrgyzstan and Turkey apply force on providing mutual support on solving foreign political tasks, facing the both states.
Kazakh President Urges Asian Approach To Reforms
Radio Free Europe
Astana, December 14: President Nursultan Nazarbaev addressed representatives of foreign diplomatic missions on 14 December in Astana, Interfax-Kazakhstan reported. The president praised Singapore`s achievements and said that Kazakhstan should follow an `Asian` path that stresses political stability. He touted his country`s economic achievements over the past year, citing 7 percent inflation and gross domestic product (GDP) of $37 billion. Nazarbaev added that Kazakhstan`s investment-grade credit rating puts it on a par with the Eastern European countries that have joined the European Union. He promised greater protections of investors` rights and called for investments into the non-raw-materials sector.
Iran Plans To Construct Sangtudinskie Hydropower Station In Tajikistan Together With Russia
RIA Novosti
Moscow, December 14: Iran confirmed its plans to construct and operate the Sangtudinskie hydropower stations in Tajikistan together with Russian RAO UES. According to RAO UES press release, the plans were confirmed by a protocol signed on Monday at the conclusion of the meeting between delegations of RAO UES and energy ministries of Iran and Tajikistan in Tehran. In accordance with the document, the sides agreed to conduct the next round of talks in January 2005 in Dushanbe. In accordance with an intergovernmental agreement between Russia and Tajikistan, the Russian side pledged to construct the Sangtudinskaya-1 hydropower station in four years, starting in 2005. Iran, which currently has a shortage of electricity, is also interested in the project because the above-mentioned station is supposed to supply electricity to that country as well. During a recent visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin to Dushanbe, the sides signed a number of important documents, which would attract $2 billion of Russian investments to Tajikistan during the next five years. These investments will be protected from international terrorists by the 201st mechanized infantry division, which has been recently assigned the status of a military base, and by the space-surveillance in Nurek whose ownership had been transferred to Russia in payment of $250 million from the $330 million Tajik debt. Another $50 million was written off as Russian investment in the construction of the Sangtudinskaya-1 hydropower station on the Vakhsh River. RAO UES received the status of the general contractor on engineering, equipment supply and assembly of the Sangtudinskaya-1 station. By converting $50 million of the Tajik debt into investments in the construction of the hydropower station, according to Russian Finance Minister Alexei Kudrin, Russia gained control over the project and apparently entrusted RAO UES with its management. At the same time, the Russian government must provide certain guarantees to attract additional $200 million of investments.
Kazakhstan Interested In Expanding Cooperation With Neighbours
Uzbek Report
Astana, December 14: Kazakhstan is interested in expanding cooperation with its neighbours as well as other states, the country`s president said on Tuesday. `Kazakhstan will … pay a great attention to development of relations with its neighbours in the region - Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan,` Nursultan Nazarbayev said at the meeting with foreign ambassadors, Kazinform reported. The country will continue the policy of strengthening ties and cooperation with all interested states, the head of the state said. Kazakhstan takes a principal position of openness and readiness to dialogue in implementing its international obligations in political and humanitarian spheres, the president noted.
France Raises Armenia Issue Ahead Of EU Decision On Turkey
Agence France-Presse
Paris, December 14: Days ahead of a crucial EU decision on Turkish accession talks, Paris has raised the highly sensitive issue of the Armenian `tragedy` -- an indication of the sharp divisions of opinion in France over Ankara`s membership bid. At a summit in Brussels this week heads of government from the 25 member states are to give a green light for the opening of membership negotiations, probably some time next year, while at the same time warning the process could take more than a decade. On Monday French Foreign Minister Michel Barnier risked angering Ankara when he unexpectedly announced France would ask it to `recognise the Armenian tragedy of the start of the (last) century ... Turkey must carry out this task as a memorial.` Asked Tuesday whether this amounted to a pre-condition for opening talks on EU membership, Barnier this was legally not possible, but he said it was `a question that we will raise in the course of negotiations, and we have around 10 years to raise it.` An estimated 1.5 million Armenians are believed to have died between 1915 and 1917 in the last years of the Ottoman empire, an episode referred to by Armenians as their `genocide`. But the government in Ankara disputes the scale and nature of the killing.
President Ilham Aliyev Met Members Of Committee On Foreign Relations And Defence Of British Parliament
AzerTAj
Baku, December 13: On 13 December, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has met members of the Committee on Foreign Relations and Defense of Parliament of the Great Britain. Heads of both Committees and about ten MPs attended the meeting. Opening the meeting, chairman of the Committee on Foreign Relations Donald Anderson welcomed the president of Azerbaijan and underlined that his visit to London has great importance. He asked head of the Azerbaijan State to inform the participants of meeting on the ongoing processes in Azerbaijan, regional cooperation and its prospects. President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the visitors on the socio-economic processes in the Country, on regional cooperation, on the Armenia-Azerbaijan, Nagorny Karabakh conflict and connected with it questions.
Kazakh Envoy Critcises Kyrgyz Treaty Ratification Delay
Radio Free Europe
Astana, December 13: Umarzak Uzbekov, Kazakhstan`s ambassador to Kyrgyzstan, told a press conference in Bishkek on 13 December that the recent decision by Kyrgyzstan`s Legislative Assembly to delay ratification of a December 2003 treaty with Kazakhstan is `on the conscience` of legislators, akipress.org reported. Uzbekov said that the treaty should serve as the basis for relations, with issues such as labor migration receiving separate treatment. He also objected to Kyrgyz deputies` characterization of the treaty as `toothless.` Kyrgyz lawmakers voted on 7 December to delay ratification because the treaty, they argued, failed to defend Kyrgyz interests on such issues as labor migration and the use of water resources (see `RFE/RL Newsline,` 8 December 2004).
Abykayev: Kazakhstan And Russia Still Remain The Engines Of Integration
Kazinform
Astana, December 13: All campaigns devoted to the Days of the Council of Federation of the Russian Federal Board in the Parliament of Kazakhstan were held in a constructive atmosphere of cooperation, friendship and mutual understanding, 13 December Senate Chairman Nurtai Abykayev said at the press conference. He says the parties concluded that today`s Kazakhstani-Russian relations were on the rise and their further development meets the interests of the two states. `The ideas and proposals which have been worked out during the Russian Federation Council Days are quite constructive and are called to unite the positions in consolidation of multilateral cooperation and harmonization of legislations`, said the Senator.
Azeri Leader Hails Pipeline Project As `successful` Example Of Cooperation
MPA News Agency
Baku, December 13: Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has described the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) project as an example of successful international cooperation, MPA quoted the Azerbaijani president as saying this at London`s Chatham House yesterday (13 December). President Aliyev said there are some delays in the pipeline construction, but by and large the work continues successfully. The construction of the Azerbaijani section of the pipeline has been completed, of the Georgian section is drawing to a close and work is under way on the Turkish section.
Kazakhstani Embassy To Participate In International Exhibition In Islamabad
Kazinform
Islamabad, December 13: Embassy of Kazakhstan in Pakistan took an official part in traditional international exhibition in center of Jinna, Pakistan`s capital Islamabad. The fact that out of 70 diplomatic corps, situated on the territory of Pakistan, invitation for participation in exhibition received only Kazakhstan, China and Iran may be considered as a distinct honor and attention of Pakistan towards our state. During the second day of this exposure the books of the Head of the State Nursultan Nazarbayev in state language, Urdu `Critical decade` and `World epicenter` were spread.
Iran, Russia, Tajikistan Sign Protocol On Power Plant Project
Radio Free Europe
Dushanbe, December 13: Russia`s Unified Energy System (EES) announced in a 13 December press release that EES Chairman Anatolii Chubais and delegations from Iran`s and Tajikistan`s energy ministries signed a protocol in Tehran confirming their intention to cooperate on the construction of Tajikistan`s Sangtuda hydropower plants. The sides` next meeting will take place in January in Dushanbe. For its part, Russia has agreed to begin work on the Sangtuda-1 plant in 2005, completing it within four years. The press release notes that the plant will provide energy for export to Iran.
Russian Delegation To Visit Ministries And Departments Of Kazakhstan
Kazinform
Astana, December 13: The delegation of the Federation Council of Federal assembly of the Russian Federation led by chairman Sergey Mironov is on a second day of its official visit to Kazakhstan, as earlier reported, yesterday in the Senate of Parliament of Kazakhstan have been opened the days of Federation Council.Today, in Astana the Russian parliamentarians are to visit a set of ministries and departments of the republic, Kazinform reports. In particular, the Russian delegation is going to meet executives of Ministry of transport and communication RK, JSC NC KazMunaiGas, Development bank of Kazakhstan, Defense Ministry of Kazakhstan. In the afternoon the delegation of the Federation Council of Federal assembly of the Russian Federation will depart from Astana.
Uzbek Foreign Minister, South Korean President Discuss Economy
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, December 13: President of South Korea Roh Moo-hyun received Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Sadyk Safayev on Monday. The sides discussed measures to expand bilateral trade and investments. Sadyk Safayev, who started official visit to South Korea on Sunday, also met Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ban Ki-moon to discuss various issues of mutual interest, including ways to promote cooperation. Minister Safayev is the first Uzbek foreign minister to pay an individual visit to South Korea since the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries in 1992.
Uzbek-Japanese Diplomatic Ties Grow Stronger Since 1992
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, December 13: Uzbekistan established diplomatic relations with Japan 13 years ago. During this time the two countries signed a joint declaration on Friendship, strategic partnership and cooperation, as well as more than 60 interdepartmental agreements in different spheres, Jahon reported. Japan is one of strategic partners of Uzbekistan. Contribution of Japan is obvious in strengthening Central Asian zone without nuclear weapon, fight against terrorism, religious extremism, international drug traffic, weapon smuggling and other forms of transnational organised crime. Japan provides essential financial, credit and humanitarian assistance to our country.
OSCE, Turkmenistan Fashion Building Block For Mutual Cooperation
Kabar Agency
Ashgabat, December 13: The visit of Rolf Ekeus, the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, to Turkmenistan has apparently activated a task-oriented process of manufacturing building blocks that may further expand and strengthen the cooperation between Turkmenistan and OSCE. After his meeting with President Niyazov, Commissioner Ekus spoke to journalists Monday evening. Outlining his approach, Ekus said, `My task is to be the part of the security dimension of the OSCE. Obviously, the approach for me is to focus on the relations between the majorities and the minorities and support efforts to take away risk for confrontation and tension which could develop into violence.` `So, we talk about conflict prevention, I can say, efforts. However, as you know, I have to work in confidence - that is our technique. It is a matter of, I would say, quiet diplomacy,` he added.
Iran-Azerbaijan To Jointly Build Bridge
Tehran Times
Tehran, December 12: Iran and Azerbaijan plan to start construction operation of a bridge between the two territories in northern part of Iran, Jolfa, as of February next year. The bridge which is named `Jolfa` is supposed to replace the old `wooden bridge` that has been decayed now. Azeri Ambassador to Iran, Abbasali Hasanov, said that Iran has built up one of the two terminals required at the two sides of the bridge but Azerbaijan will finish its part by year-end. Another bridge `Pol-Dasht` is to be constructed between the two countries that would facilitate trade exchange between Iran and Azerbaijan.
Ukraine, Russia Conduct Gas Talks In Turkmenistan
Radio Free Europe
Ashgabat, December 12: Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov met with Yuriy Boyko, head of the state-run Ukrainian oil and gas company Naftohaz Ukrayiny, and Aleksandr Ryazanov and Yuriy Komarov, deputy chairmen of state-run Russian gas company Gazprom, in Ashgabat on 12 December, Turkmen TV reported. The report indicated that price negotiations are continuing on 2005 purchases of Turkmen gas. Earlier reports suggested that Turkmenistan hopes to raise the purchase price from the current $44 per 1,000 cubic meters to $60 (see `RFE/RL Newsline,` 6 December 2004).
Russian Federation Council Chairman Leaves Tehran For Kazakhstan
IRNA
Tehran, December 12: Russian Federation Council Chairman Sergei Mironov left Tehran Sunday for Almaty at the conclusion of his visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Majlis Vice-Speaker Mohammad Reza Bahonar was present at the airport to see off the Russian official. Prior to leaving Tehran, he took part in a press conference where he expressed satisfaction with the results of his trip to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Russia and Iran are two strategic neighbors, he said adding that due to sensitivity of the Middle East region, Moscow is ready to broaden all-out cooperation with Tehran. On Bushehr nuclear power plant, he said there is no doubt that the project will be implemented since the major part of the project has already been completed and the project is expected to become fully operational by 2006. It is the experts who should specify the exact date for completion of the project, he underlined.
Iran-Tajikistan Trade To Hit $200m
IRNA
Dushanbe, December 12: Trade exchanges between Iran and Tajikistan is predicted to reach 200 million dollars in the upcoming year. Iran`s Trade Development Organization Deputy Director for Export and Marketing Affairs Hossein Soltani told IRNA here Sunday agreements reached between the two countries` businessmen and industrialists during the Iranian trade fair here had a positive effect in bilateral trade ties. He said the volume of bilateral trade stood at some 100 million dollars in the previous year with economic cooperation between the two countries continuously growing.
Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan Discuss Power Cooperation
Interfax
Moscow, December 11: CEO of the Unified Energy System of Russia (UES), Anatoly Chubais, discussed electric power cooperation with Iran at negotiations with Iranian Energy Minister Habibollah Bitaraf and the management of the Iranian power operator Tavanir in Tehran on Saturday. The negotiations resulted, in particular, in signing a protocol on synchronizing the operation of the Russian, Iranian, and Azerbaijani power grids, UES press secretary Margarita Nagoga told Interfax. The document, which obliges the three countries to synchronize the operation of their power grids in 2006, was signed by UES board member Andrei Rappoport, who arrived in Tehran as part of the Russian delegation, and the management of Tavanir and Azenergy companies.
Iran, Tajikistan Review Expansion Of Economic Cooperation
IRNA
Dushanbe, December 11: Iran and Tajikistan signed here Saturday a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on expansion of cooperation between the two sides` chambers of commerce, industries and mines. Iranian economic delegation was headed by deputy chief of Export Promotion Center of Iran in charge of export and marketing affairs Hossein Soltani. He said that according to the MoU, the two sides` chambers of commerce, industries and mines will open their branch offices in Tehran and Dushanbe. The MoU called for formation of a council for Iran-Tajik businessmen which will support the traders and investors from the private sectors, he said. Some 30 companies from the private sectors of Iran and Tajikistan will form the joint council to review the problems of investors, he pointed out. Head of Tajik Chamber of Industries and Mines, for his part, said implementation of the MoU can play a very important role in expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.
Azerbaijan, Armenia Planning More Talks On Nagorno-Karabakh
Interfax
Baku, December 11: The foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Armenia have decided to hold more talks to seek a settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said on Saturday. `The next meeting in Prague is planned for January next year,` Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Araz Azimov told a briefing in comments on recent meetings between the two countries` foreign ministers during a forum in Sofia of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and a session in Brussels of the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council. `It is too early to speak of any results, but it is gratifying that the process is continuing with attention from the international public,` Azimov said.
Kyrgyz Rights Defender Recounts Abduction
Radio Free Europe
Bishkek, December 15: At a press conference in Bishkek on 15 December, Kyrgyz human rights activist Tursunbek Akun gave details of his alleged abduction on 16 November and subsequent 15-day disappearance, RFE/RL`s Kyrgyz Service reported. He repeated his earlier claim that officers from Kyrgyzstan`s State Security Service (SNB) abducted him, saying that they promised him and his family a yearlong vacation in Turkey provided Akun drop his petition drive to impeach President Askar Akaev. SNB spokespeople have denied Akun`s allegations. Also on 15 December, Nurlan Mambetaliev, an investigator with the Bishkek police, said that Akun may have fallen victim to a blackmail attempt, staged his own disappearance, or vanished to evade a lawsuit filed in connection with unpaid debts, Kyrgyzinfo reported.
Central Asian Memorandum Approves Measures To Fight Afghan Drug Threat
RIA Novosti
Moscow, December 17: The 6th meeting of the member states of the Central Asian memorandum on Drugs, held in Moscow on December 14-15, approved measures to fight the drug threat coming from Afghanistan, RIA Novosti Novosti learned in the Foreign Ministry`s Department of Information and the Press on Thursday. The signatories to the Memorandum are Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, and the Aga Khan Development Network. `Russia`s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, who addressed the meeting participants, spotlighted the growing role of the Memorandum in the struggle against the drug threat and its influence on the drug situation in Central Asia, Russia, the Transcaucasus and Europe,` RIA Novosti was told in the department.
Over 1 Tonne Of Drugs Detained In CIS In Two Months
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, December 14: Over 1 tonne of drugs were seized within two months on the territory of the Commonwealth of Independent States, a senior Uzbek official said on Tuesday. The CIS countries launched operation Zaslon-2 (Barrier-2) on 1 October to prevent drug trafficking from Afghanistan. Law enforcement bodies of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldovia, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine and the US Drug Fighting Agency participated in the operation. Khikmat Ibragimov, Deputy Internal Affairs Minister of Uzbekistan, said about 63 kg of heroin were detained in Sverdlovsk region of Russia, 92 kg of heroin in Kyrgyzstan and 14 kg of heroin at the passenger train Hujand (Tajikistan) - Saratov (Russia). I
Regional Drug Trade Prevention On The Agenda Of Moscow Meeting
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, December 14: Members of the Central Asian memorandum of understanding on regional cooperation in drug control opened on Tuesday in Moscow, RIA Novosti reported. The two-day meeting aims at coordination and development of cooperation among its participants on the political and other levels to prevent illegal drug circulation in the Central Asian region. The members of the memorandum, signed in 1996, are Russia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, UNODC and Aga-Khan development organisation.
Russian-Uzbek Cooperation In Drug Fighting Strengthening
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, December 14: Interaction of Russia and Uzbekistan in fight against drug trafficking is strengthening, RIA Novosti reported quoting a Russian official on Tuesday. Oleg Harichkin, Deputy Director of the Federal Service for Drug Control, said at the international conference in Tashkent: `Cooperation between law enforcement bodies of Russia and Uzbekistan in fighting drug trafficking is developing dynamically, which is proved by several joint operation conducted with Uzbek colleagues.` As an example, he cited the joint operation with Internal Affairs Ministry of Uzbekistan, which resulted in seizure of over 10 kilograms of heroin and arresting drug traffickers in Uzbekistan and Russia.
Uzbekistan Announces One Ton Drug Haul In International Operation
Radio Free Europe
Tashkent, December 14: Uzbek Deputy Interior Minister Hikmat Ibrohimov announced at a 14 December news conference in Tashkent that the Barrier-2 antidrug operation, which began on 1 October, netted over 1 ton of illegal drugs, Uzbek TV reported. Ibrohimov said that participating states confiscated 509 kilograms of heroin and 548 kilograms of opium in the course of the operation. Participants in Barrier-2, which was initiated by Uzbekistan`s Interior Ministry and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, were Azerbaijan, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Ukraine, the United States, and Uzbekistan, ITAR-TASS reported.
Kazakhstan Provided Other Countries With Info About Narcotics In Afghanistan
Kazakhstan News
Astana, December 13: Kazakhstan provided other countries with information on the location of narcotics plantations and drug labs in Afghanistan, but they never acted on it. `We have our own sources that provide us with concrete information on the whereabouts of narcotics plantations and drug labs in Afghanistan,` announced Chairman of the Kazakh Committee on National Security (CNS) Nartay Dutbayev at the meeting of the `round table` Cooperation in the fight against international terrorism and illicit trade in narcotics as a factor of national stability of Russia and Kazakhstan. `We passed the information to our partners from various special services around the world who have capabilities to use military measures to destroy narcotics plantations and labs in Afghanistan,` head of CNS emphasized. `Unfortunately, this information has never been used,` he said.
New Agriculture Minister Appointed
Uzbek Report
Tashkent, December 15: President of Uzbekistan appointed new minister of agriculture and water management on 15 December. The President Islam Karimov signed a decree in accordance with it, Sayfiddin Ismailov will take over the post of minister of agriculture and water management.
Kazakh Deputy Premier Appointed Industry Minister
Interfax
Astana, December 14: In line with a decree by Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev, Sauat Mynbayev has been appointed deputy prime minister and industry and trade minister. At the same time, Mynbayev was relieved of his previous post of deputy prime minister, the head of state`s press service told Interfax-Kazakhstan today [Mynbayev will combine both posts; under the law, he should be technically relieved of his previous post]. Also today, Prime Minister Daniyal Akhmetov introduced the new head to the personnel of the Industry and Trade Ministry, the prime minister`s press service told Interfax-Kazakhstan. The former industry and trade minister, the 50-year-old Adilbek Dzhaksybekov, was appointed head of the presidential administration on 9 December.
Turkmen President Names New National Security, Interior Ministers
Interfax
Ashgabat, December 14: Turkmen President Saparmurat Niyazov on Thursday transferred Interior Minister Geldymukhammed Ashirmukhammedov to the post of national security minister. Former National Security Minister Annageldy Gummanov was transferred to the post of first deputy foreign minister. Deputy Interior Minister Akhmamed Rakhmanov was promoted to interior minister. Ashirmukhammedov was born in 1957 and graduated from the Turkmen State University in 1979, where he majored in physics. Between 1982 and 1992, Ashirmukhammedov worked for state security agencies and attended KGB courses in Minsk and Kyiv. He worked as interior minister since August 2004.
Kazakh President Appoints New Education Minister
Radio Free Europe
Astana, December 13: President Nazarbaev removed Education Minister Zhaksybek Kulekeev on 13 December and appointed Byrganym Aitmova, who was relieved of the post of deputy prime minister, to replace him, Kazakh TV reported. Although Kulekeev was relieved at his own request, he had incurred a presidential reprimand in early December for increasing student loan fees (see `RFE/RL Newsline,` 3 December 2004).
President Accepted The Resignation Of Education Minister
Kazinform
Astana, December 13: Today in the afternoon Minister of Education and Science of Kazakhstan Zhaksylyk Kulekeyev informed of his resignation at the meeting of heads of Education Ministry subdivisions. President accepted resignation of the Minister, said administrative manager of the Minister of Education and Science Serikzhan Kanayev. Zhaksylyk Kulekeyev thanked the Cabinet for joint work.
Special Focus
Trend Is Away From Capital Punishment In Central Asia
Tajikistan began observing a moratorium on the death penalty in April, part of a trend that has seen four out of the five countries in the region either stop the practice or abolish it outright.
To read more, click on the link: http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/civilsociety/articles/pp121204.shtml
Ukraine Vote Acceptance Highlights Russian Grip On Armenia
Armenian President Robert Kocharian has been embarrassed by his decision to recognize the `official` outcome of last month`s Ukraine`s presidential run-off, results that were subsequently discredited as fraudulent. Kocharian`s action on the Ukrainian vote underscores that Russia continues to exert heavy influence over Armenia`s diplomacy.
To read more, click on the link: http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav121305.shtml
As New Term Approaches, Bush Administration Confronts Old Problems In Southwest And Central Asia
The Bush administration, during its second term in office, faces the prospect of spreading unrest across Southwest and Central Asia unless it makes substantial changes in its foreign policy priorities. Pakistan, in particular, could develop into a major new headache for the Bush team.
To read more, click on the link: http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav121404.shtml
Kazakhstan: Wind Energy Project To Harness Steppes` Potential
About 90 percent of Kazakhstan`s electricity is generated from coal and gas. The remaining 10 percent comes from hydroelectric power. In an effort to increase the use of alternative energy sources, the UNDP and the Kazakh government last week launched a three-year program to develop the republic`s wind potential, which is estimated at 1.82 trillion kilowatts per hour.
To read more, click on the link: http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/business/articles/pp121504.shtml
Baku Balances The Ukranian Revolution
For the last month, the presidential elections in Ukraine captivated the attention of the world`s Mass Media. The stalemate in Kiev divided the CIS into two camps. While Russia and its satellites Armenia and Belarus acknowledged Viktor Yanukovich as president, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Moldova took a `wait-and-see` position. Azerbaijan in particular became a hostage of the differing stances of Western countries and Russia. Supporting either side in Ukraine would aggravate Azerbaijan`s foreign policy situation. Meanwhile, the Azerbaijani ruling elite fears a revival of a strong opposition within the country, which could result in increased pressure for democratization.
To read more, click on the link: http://www.cacianalyst.org/view_article.php?articleid=2911
Russia To Invest In Tajikistan
Russia moved into a new area of engagement in Tajikistan with the announcement in October that it would make significant investments there in hydroelectric energy and in aluminum production. In the past, Russia derived influence in Tajikistan from its military presence, but it begged off providing much money. The investments, if they materialize as promised, can create important possibilities for Tajikistan`s development and for Russian influence there. But the particular projects chosen will face both political and economic problems if they are to be productive.
To read more, click on the link: http://www.cacianalyst.org/view_article.php?articleid=2908
All Quiet On China`s Western Front? Xinjiang And Afghan Opiates
With the release of UNODC`s Afghanistan Opium Survey, most analysts of the drug trade are interested in the impact on Afghanistan`s northern and western trafficking routes. While these are the major outlets for Afghan opiates, the country`s harvest will also have significant implications in a largely unnoticed direction - east and into China`s Xinjiang province. Although China has given Afghan opiates little attention, its policies in Central Asia and Xinjiang are likely to widen the western front in its war on drugs.
To read more, click on the link: http://www.cacianalyst.org/view_article.php?articleid=2909
Turkmen Leader Emphasises Central Asian Unity In Gas Price Bid
Seeking to renegotiate the terms of the long-term gas export agreement with Russia, Turkmenistan`s political leadership has discovered new reasons for rapprochement with neighboring Central Asian countries. Because gas exports comprise Turkmenistan`s principal source of foreign exchange and the bulk of the country`s government revenue, access to foreign gas markets is critical for Turkmenistan. But Russian enterprises continue to maintain near monopoly control over the marketing of Turkmenistan`s gas exports. Circumventing Russia`s grip on the Central Asian energy sector is the underlying motivation in the recent commitment to `eternal friendship` between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
To read more, click on the link: http://www.cacianalyst.org/view_article.php?articleid=2910
Azerbaijani Opposition Boycotts City Elections
Azerbaijan`s opposition parties plan to boycott the country`s December 17 municipal elections, the first national poll since the contentious October 2003 presidential vote. Opposition members point to difficulties in registering their candidates as an explanation for the decision, but some analysts argue that city governments` lack of political independence may have been the deciding factor.
To read more, click on the link: http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav121604.shtml
With US Help, Georgia Gets Its Cake And Eats It Too
The expansion of a US military assistance program in Georgia, along with Washington`s promise to assist the Georgian government with the cost of closing down two Russian military bases in the country, could provide President Mikheil Saakashvili administration with a much-needed boost as it promotes the country`s integration into the Western security framework.
To read more, click on the link: http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav121704.shtml
Privatization, Kazakh-style
President Nursultan Nazarbayev of Kazakhstan has instructed the government to sell a part of shares of state companies, causing a ripple in the oil-rich country. Though a significant part of the largest Kazakh companies is controlled by foreign corporations, state companies until recently were holy cows controlled by several joint-stock companies, all state-owned.
To read more, click on the link: http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Central_Asia/FL18Ag01.html
Report dated 17 December 2004