7 June, 2006

Politics
Uzbek, Kazakh presidents discuss cooperation issues over phone
Uzbek head resolves to set quotes for universities acceptance
Uzbek president meets member of Chinese delegation
Chinese delegation visits Uzbekistan
Japan, Central Asia to cooperate on oil transport, antiterrorism
International conference on Uzbekistan held in Brussels

Economics
European experts confirm progress achieved by Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan hopes for Japanese investment in energy, other sectors
Uzbekistan, Japan sign cooperation deal
Finnish business delegation visits Uzbek capital
Uzbek exports reach US$1.38 bln in first quarter
UzDaewoo Auto produces 50,500 cars in January-May
Over 332,500 enterprises operate in Uzbekistan in 1 quarter 2006
Uzbekistan to discuss issues on development of internal tourism
Tea, coffee exhibition opens in Uzbek capital this week
Uzbek economy to be presented in Germany's Kiel
Uzbekistan exports US$ 210,000 fruit, vegetables to Kazakhstan
Uzdunrobita to invest US$35m in 2006-2007

Society
Uzbek police seize over 15 kg of drugs
Uzbek, British scientists cooperate to counteract animal and bird diseases
Uzbekistan celebrates Pushkin's Day
Uzbekistan develops "route map" of general access to HIV prophylactic and treatment

Politics

UZBEK, KAZAKH PRESIDENTS DISCUSS COOPERATION ISSUES OVER PHONE

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov held a telephone conversation with his Kazakh counterpart Nursultan Nazarbayev on Monday, 5 June.

The sides discussed wide range of Kazakh-Uzbek relations, forthcoming SCO Summit, issues of trade-economic and cultural-humanitarian cooperation.

President of Uzbekistan confirmed his intention to attend Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia CICMA Summit with the participation of leaders of Asian countries, which will be held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, on 17 June.

Leaders of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan touched upon implementation of agreements reached during state visit of the latter to Uzbekistan in March 2006, in particular, development and implementation of Programme of Economic Collaboration for the nearest future, investment projects in the sphere of industry, transport, oil and gas, and joint development of banking sector.

President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev invited Islam Karimov to visit Kazakhstan in autumn 2006. (UzReport.com)

UZBEK HEAD RESOLVES TO SET QUOTES FOR UNIVERSITIES ACCEPTANCE

President of Uzbekistan signed a resolution to set general quotas for acceptance of students to higher educational facilities.

The resolution said some 51,604 people would be accepted to bachelor's courses, including 19,945 of those sponsored by the state grants, and 31,659 on self-financed basis.

The document adopted to execute the National Specialist Preparation Programme, and to satisfy the growing demand for the specialists in computer, telecommunication and information technologies, services sphere, and farming, teachers with university degrees.

According to the resolution the total of 6,500 people will be accepted to study for the master's degree, including 1,500 sponsored by state grants and 5,000 on self-finance basis. The distribution of these seats across the areas of study is specified in annex 2 to the resolution.

For the bachelor's degree, young people will also be accepted to the special instruction by correspondence courses under the higher educational facilities preparing pedagogues from the people with secondary specialized degrees and the work experience in the corresponding field of study of at least three years, as well as children's sport trainers in the amount of 5,665 people, including 1,265 sponsored by the state, and 4,400 on self-finance basis. The distribution across the fields of study and higher educational facilities is specified in annex 3 to the resolution.

In addition, the resolution establishes that 60 people are accepted on self-finance basis to the specialized two-year courses of the higher educational courses in journalism under the National University of Uzbekistan during the 2006-2007 academic year.

The document approves the renewed membership of the State Commission for Enrolment in Educational Facilities of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the 2006-2007 academic year.

The Ministry of Finance is instructed to make provisions from the budget to cover all the costs associated with the changes introduced to the quotas of enrolment for bachelor's, master's and specialized instruction by correspondence courses on the state-sponsored basis. (UzReport.com)

UZBEK PRESIDENT MEETS MEMBER OF CHINESE DELEGATION

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, at presidential residence Oqsaroy on 6 June.

Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, is paying visit to Uzbekistan.

Welcoming the guest, Uzbek head said the visit is another evidence for gradual development of cooperation between Uzbekistan and China in all spheres, including culture and education. President Islam Karimov said Uzbekistan highly values current state of Uzbek-Chinese relations.

The sides exchanged opinions on perspectives of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Uzbekistan and China during the meeting. The sides made proposals for further development of cooperation between parliaments and political organizations of two states.

Uzbek head and Chinese official also considered issues of humanitarian-cultural relations and cooperation in information technologies.

Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and China made up US$485 million in 2005. Trade turnover between countries increased by 202% year-on-year to US$196.1 million, of which US$143.7 million fell to share of Uzbekistan's exports. (UzReport.com)

CHINESE DELEGATION VISITS UZBEKISTAN

Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, is paying visit to Uzbekistan.

On Tuesday, the delegation headed by Li Changchun met Speaker of Legislative chamber of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan Erkin Khalilov.

The sides discussed issues related to the current state and perspectives of inter-parliamentary relations.

Introduction of two-chamber parliament in Uzbekistan plays an important role in the process of democratization and social renewal, Li Changchun said at the meeting.

A delegation of China led by Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, visited University of World Economy and Diplomacy.

Meeting teachers and students, Li Changchun spoke about China and its relations with Uzbekistan.

It is expected that University of World Economy and Diplomacy will start courses on Chinese. Students will also have opportunity to acquaint with history, culture and literature of China.

Li Changchun presented books and educational equipment to university. He also familiarized with university. (UzReport.com)

JAPAN, CENTRAL ASIA TO COOPERATE ON OIL TRANSPORT, ANTITERRORISM

Japan and four Central Asian countries held a one-day foreign ministerial meeting on Monday in Tokyo, drawing up an action plan for regional cooperation on a range of issues, including terrorism, drugs, oil transportation, the environment and energy development.

The action plan calls for improving the capacity of border management to prevent the proliferation of terrorism and drugs and in making transportation more accessible in Central Asia, as part of concrete measures for regional cooperation, according to Japanese officials.

According to the plan, Japan is scheduled to help in the road infrastructure of Tajikistan as part of efforts to create a "southern route" which will link Central Asia to the south via Afghanistan and make it easier to transport resources such as oil and natural gas.

Apart from regional cooperation, the five-pillar action plan also includes concrete measures in which Japan and the Central Asian nations can promote political dialogue, business promotion, dialogue among experts and cultural exchanges.

The participants in the meeting, the second of its kind, included foreign ministers Taro Aso of Japan, Elyor Ganiyev of Uzbekistan, Alikbek Dzhekshenkulov of Kyrgyzstan and Talbak Nazarov of Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan's vice foreign minister and special government envoy Kairat Abdrakhmanov.

Afghanistan sent an observer, Foreign Minister Rangin Dadfar Spanta, to the forum for the first time.

Turkmenistan, which participated in the first meeting in August 2004 in Astana, Kazakhstan, did not send its foreign minister or a representative to the Tokyo meeting.

At the outset of the meeting at the ministry's Iikura guesthouse, Aso welcomed Afghanistan's participation as an observer, saying, "Stability and development of Afghanistan is closely linked to that of Central Asia."

Aso also stressed that the main players are the Central Asian nations and said that what Japan hopes to do in this region is to "act as a catalyst" for these former Soviet Union states to boost their regional cooperation and thus develop their economies.

Under the action plan, Japan and the four Central Asian nations also agreed to pursue the future possibility of holding top-level talks of the countries' heads.

Japanese Foreign Ministry officials said that ensuring stability and prosperity in Central Asia is vital to help prevent terrorism and drug proliferation in the region and the world.

Securing a stable energy supply in Central Asia will act as a buffer for the world's oil supply from the Middle East, they also said.

On multilateral issues, the participants agreed to cooperate in efforts to reform the United Nations, with the Central Asian nations confirming their support for Japan's bid to secure a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. (UzReport.com)

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON UZBEKISTAN HELD IN BRUSSELS

International Conference entitled "Uzbekistan: model of reforms and democratization", organized by the European Institute for International Relations with the assistance of the Uzbek Embassy in Belgium, was held in Brussels.

In the framework of the conference, the book of President Islam Karimov entitled "Uzbek nation will never depend on anyone" was presented. The representatives of the European Parliament, European Commission, missions of the EU member-states, NATO, experts of the analytical and scientific-research centers based in Brussels, as well as the experts of the Institute of Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan participated in the meeting.

Opening the conference, the President of the European Institute for International Relations Professor Irnerio Seminatore said that today one of the factors in ensuring global security is peaceful co-existence of different political cultures. In his opinion, not all western values are universal and therefore not all societies necessarily have to go through the process of westernization. At this time, the capabilities of the West and the East to develop together are being tried, though each of the two has their own way of development which is based on the historical experience and cultural values. The process of the modernization of the society, as well as western system of democracy cannot be automatically transferred from one country to another. The world experience shows that this often leads to the fact that on the wave of democratic processes, the power transfers to the hands of the forces of fundamentalism and extremism, which start to pursue policies that contradict the very principles of democracy. In view of this, when speaking of the fragile condition of security in Central Asia, Irnerio Seminatore emphasized that Uzbekistan remained to be the guarantor of stability in the region.

In his speech, the leading scientist of the European Institute for International Relations J. Lippert said, the organization of the conference illustrates the geo-political importance of Uzbekistan among the other countries of Central Asia. Meanwhile, the unique geographical location of Uzbekistan allow it to play a special role in the transportation-communicational, trade and other strategies of both neighbouring states, and external forces that have their interests focused on the region.

The Honoured Professor of the ULB Jean Blankoff, in his speech paid special attention to the book of the President "Uzbek nation will never depend on anyone", emphasizing that the model of the society's democratization selected by Uzbekistan, its wise and weighed position regarding international issues raised the country's role within and outside the region.

The Director of the Institute of Strategic and Interregional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan B.Khudayberdiev and the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Belgium V.Norov, in their speeches provided details about the conceptual aspects of Uzbekistan's position in the fight against terrorism, regional extremism, and illegal transportation and trading of drugs, provided the examples of specific measures implemented by the state to counteract these threats and challenges in the framework of the bilateral and multilateral cooperation with different states and international structures. In view of this, in their speeches the officials stressed the role of the country in implementation of reforms in Uzbekistan, building of high society, democratic states with the developed civil society and socially oriented market economy. In this, they said, attention should be given to the problems which the country has been facing since the early days of independence and which determined the selection of the model for construction and development of the new society. The book of the President of Uzbekistan evoked the interest of the conference participants. The member of the European diplomatic academy Professor A. Behishti said the book outlines the course of the democratic reforms in Uzbekistan, and allows to familiarize oneself with the vision of the country's government of the development of independent state.

According to the analyst in the issues of defense R. Herner, European political circles should listen to the opinion of the Uzbek colleagues, exchange information and experience, and together find ways to support long-term security and stability in Central Asia, and Afghanistan.

Independent political consultant from UK B.Gil, speaking of the process of democratic and socio-economic reforms in Uzbekistan, said it was important for the reforms to be implemented evolutionally, and for the changes to be made step-wise. The British specialist in political science said the results of the conference convinced him in the need to strengthen relations between the European Union and Uzbekistan, as the Uzbek state had the potential to become the gate to Central Asian region. (UzReport.com)

ECONOMICS

EUROPEAN EXPERTS CONFIRM PROGRESS ACHIEVED BY UZBEKISTAN

The Belgian magazine Diplomatic News circulated across the European Union has published an article entitled "Model in Central Asia" dedicated to the speech of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov delivered at the session of the Cabinet of Ministers dedicated to the results of the socio-economic development of the country in 2005, and priority economic reforms for the present year.

The author of the article is Jeffrey Morski, an expert of the European Institute of International Relations, specialized in the relations of the European Union with the countries of CIS and Baltic, Jahon news agency reported.

The progress achieved by the Government of Uzbekistan during the past year includes high indicators of economic growth and economic liaberalisation, industrial diversification and expansion, administrative and market reforms. This provided a stimulus for the development of private sector, attraction of foreign investments, and created a precedent for further modernization, liberalization, and development of the transition communities in Central Asia and abroad, the article said.

n view of this Secretary-General of the Institute of Asia and Mediterranean countries under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Italy Antonio Locke said, "It appears that in the Asian train headed by China and India, one of the fastest and most reliable leading cars is Uzbekistan."

The structural reforms in the Uzbek economy, expansion and intensification of the process of economic liberalization, further motivation of the private sector, elimination of administrative and bureaucratic barriers are the results of political and institutional reforms initiated by President Islam Karimov, the report said.

London based Global Insight Research Center, specialized in the analysis of the economic processes of the world, as stated in the speech of the President Karimov, reflects real facts, i.e. "7% GDP growth, 11.5% growth in the production of export-oriented goods and services, 7.3% growth in the industrial production, 17.7% growth in the production of consumer goods are the impressive achievements of the past year. The results of the market reforms, modernization of the society correspond to the macroeconomic indicators planned by the government of Uzbekistan."

The programme of economic reforms, rich demographic and natural resources, significant industrial potential, developed infrastructure accompanied by rational economic policy created important prerequisites for the socio-economic development of the country. All these factors allow Uzbekistan, a country that has recently joined by the Eurasian Economic Community, not only to take up the leading position in the Central Asian region, but also in the organization, as well as to play an important role in the support of stability in Central Asia. (UzReport.com)

UZBEKISTAN HOPES FOR JAPANESE INVESTMENT IN ENERGY, OTHER SECTORS

Uzbek Foreign Minister Elyor Ganiyev on Monday expressed hope for Japanese investment in energy resources and other fields in Uzbekistan.

Meeting with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso, Ganiyev showed gratitude for Japan's official development assistance.

Uzbek Foreign Minister Elyor Ganiev visited Tokyo to attend a meeting of foreign ministers from Japan and Central Asia held on Monday.

Uzbek official also offered continued support for Japan's bid to obtain a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso said that Japan places importance on its relations with Uzbekistan as a major country in Central Asia. But he voiced concern over the internal situation in the country, calling for democratization and economic reforms. (UzReport.com)

UZBEKISTAN, JAPAN SIGN COOPERATION DEAL

On 5 June, Monday, Uzbekistan and Japan signed a technical cooperation agreement in Tokyo.

The document was signed by Uzbek Foreign Minister Elyor Ganiyev and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Aso.

The agreement envisages that as part of technical cooperation Uzbekistan will provide tax incentives and ease customs regulations for equipment imported from Japan.

Uzbekistan became the 63rd country with whom Japan has signed a technical cooperation agreement.

Uzbek Foreign Minister Elyor Ganiyev visited the Japanese capital, Tokyo, to attend the second meeting of foreign ministers of the countries participating in the "Central Asia plus Japan" Dialogue. (UzReport.com)

FINNISH BUSINESS DELEGATION VISITS UZBEK CAPITAL

A delegation of Finnish businesses led by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Finland to Uzbekistan Marya Liysa Kilyunen is paying visit to Uzbekistan to develop trade-economic cooperation between two states.

Finnish delegation participated in business forum in Tashkent on 6 June with participation of entrepreneurs of Uzbekistan.

Marya Liysa Kilyunen said the sides have spheres to cooperate and should enable idle directions. The Finnish side is ready to become reliable and beneficial partner for Uzbekistan, she said. Finnish diplomat said the countries should create favourable conditions for business contacts.

Finland is one of the first countries, which signed agreement "On mutual protection and encouragement of investment" (1992) and first county of European Union, which ratified Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Uzbekistan and European Community (1997).

Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Finland made up US$26.4 million in 2005 against US$18.2 million in 2004. The Uzbek exports increased from US$0.3 million in 2004 to US$1.96 million in 2005. Marya Liysa Kilyunen noted that Finland mainly exports to Uzbekistan machinery, paper products and information technologies.

Uzbek and Finnish businesses held a cooperation exchange. The businesses held individual negotiations and discussed perspective business cooperation, as well as attraction of foreign investments.

The Uzbek entrepreneurs had a good opportunity to establish cooperation with Finnish counterparts, operating in petrochemical, oil and gas, cellulose, mining and other sectors.

It is expected that the Finnish delegation will hold talks with representatives of Uzbek Ministry for Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade, Uzbek Foreign Ministry, Chamber of Commerce and industry of Uzbekistan, Uzbekneftegaz (Uzbek Oil and Gas) and other organizations and enterprises.

The sides will discuss investment and export opportunities of Uzbekistan and consider current state and perspectives of further development of trade-economic collaboration between two states. (UzReport.com)

UZBEK EXPORTS REACH US$1.38 BLN IN FIRST QUARTER

The value of Uzbek exports increased from US$1.32 billion in the first quarter of 2005 to US$1.38 billion in the same period of 2006, according to a government report.

The share of cotton fibre in Uzbek exports decreased from 27.3 per cent in January-March 2005 to 26.7 per cent in the same period of 2006. At the same time, the volume of cotton-fibre exports increased by 2.1 per cent year-on-year.

Energy resources and services also had the largest share in Uzbek exports at 11.8 per cent and 11.7 per cent, respectively. The share of energy resources increased from 11.2 per cent in January-March 2005 to 11.8 per cent in three months of 2006, while services rose from 7.2 per cent to 11.7 per cent.

The share of non-ferrous and ferrous metals in Uzbek exports grew from 9.7 per cent in the first quarter of 2005 to 10.1 per cent in the same period of this year. The share of machinery and equipment remained at 7.7 per cent.

The exports of consumer goods also increased, according to Uzbek State Statistics Committee's quarterly report, with the share of consumer goods rising from 2.9 per cent to 3.8 per cent in the reporting period.

Uzbekistan's foreign trade turnover reached US$2.38 billion in January-March, 2006, up 4.1 per cent year-on-year.

Over 2,655 enterprises with foreign investments are working in Uzbekistan. Total volume of foreign investments to economy made up US$15 billion. The country attracted 560 billion soums of investments in 2005. (UzReport.com)

UZDAEWOO AUTO PRODUCES 50,500 CARS IN JANUARY-MAY

UzDaewoo Auto, Uzbek carmaker, produced over 50,500 cars in January-May 2006 against 42,680 cars in the same period of 2005.

The company realized over 23,700 cars in internal market in January-May 2006 compared to 18,200 cars in January-May 2005. The growth rate made u 30.4%.

Uzbek carmaker exported over 25,000 cars in the reporting period against 24,044 in the same period of previous year. Over 90% of exported cars fell to share of Russia. UzDaewoo Auto said its exports to Ukraine increased fivefold.

It is expected that UzDaewoo Auto will produce 135,000 cars in 2006, of which 63,000 will be realized in Uzbekistan and 71,000 will be exported. (UzReport.com)

OVER 332,500 ENTERPRISES OPERATE IN UZBEKISTAN IN 1 QUARTER

Number of registered legal entities in Uzbekistan made up 371,600 units as of 1 April 2006, of which 332,500 or 89.5% were operating.

Largest number of enterprises was registered in agriculture (56.1%), trade and catering (16.4%), industry (7.6%) and construction (4.7%).

The share of non-governmental enterprises made up 93.5% in total number of enterprises, of which 51.2% are farm and dehkan entities, 24.7% are private enterprises, 0.6% are public companies and 1% are enterprises with foreign investments.

Over 29,500 new enterprises were registered in the country in January-March 2006. Largest number of newly created firms fell to share of Kashkadarya regin (15%), Ferghana region (14.1%), Khorezm region (9.9%) and Bukhara region (10%).

Some 92.9% of acting enterprises and organizations operated in non-governmental sector as of 1 April 2006.

Uzbek State Statistics Committee said in its quarterly report said the share of non-governmental sector in gross domestic product (GDP) of Uzbekistan made up 70.4% in the first quarter of 2006.

Over 7.6% of industrial output were produced by non-governmental sector and 99.9% of agriculture output was manufactured by non-governmental sector.

The committee said 99.4% of retail trade fell to share of non-governmental sector in the reporting period.

Non-governmental sector's share in foreign trade turnover of the country comprised 82.1% in January-March 2006. (UzReport.com)

UZBEKISTAN TO DISCUSS ISSUES ON DEVELOPMENT OF INTERNAL TOURISM

First national scientific-practical conference "Internal tourism as perspective direction of social-economic and cultural development in Uzbekistan" will be held in Tashkent on 27 June.

Uzbektourism national company's press service told UzReport.com that the conference was initiated by Uzbektourism, Federation of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan, Kamolot Youth Movement at support of Tashkent State University of Economy and Association of Private Tourism Agencies of Uzbekistan.

Uzbek tourism specialists, representatives of state bodies and public organization, educational establishments will discuss strategy and legal base for development and accounting internal tourism in Uzbekistan. The participants will also determine role of private tourism businesses in social tourism and discuss issues on training of staff.

It is expected that the conference becomes serious stimulus to realization of potential of internal tourism to develop industry and make popular tourism life-style in Uzbekistan. (UzReport.com)

TEA, COFFEE EXHIBITION OPENS IN UZBEK CAPITAL THIS WEEK

First International Specialized Uzbekistan Exhibition "Tea and Coffee" will open at UzExpoCenter in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on 9 June.

International Exhibition Group (IEG) and its representative office in Uzbekistan – IEG Uzbekistan are organizers of three-day event.

"Tea & Coffee 2006" Exhibition is a unique event, which will be undertaken for the first time in Central Asia. It is aimed at demonstration of centuries-old tea and coffee traditions of various countries, achievements of leading companies in tea and coffee producing and processing.

The exhibition is also focused on shaping the development prospects of tea industry in Uzbekistan. "Tea & Coffee 2006" is intended for wide range specialists, experts and businessmen operating in tea & coffee producing, processing, distribution and confectionary industry.

Within the framework of "Tea & Coffee 2006" event exhibitors will have opportunity to present their countries by special stands. Consequently the National Stands of Turkey, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Russia, India, Indonesia, Sri-Lanka, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Vietnam and others would be organized.

The exhibition is officially supported by the Ministry for Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of Uzbekistan, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, Uzbek Food Processing Association, and embassies of the foreign countries in Uzbekistan ( India, China, Japan, Indonesia, Russia, Bangladesh, and Vietnam, etc). (UzReport.com)

UZBEK ECONOMY TO BE PRESENTED IN GERMANY'S KIEL

Days of Uzbek economy will be held in Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, on 27 June.

According to Uzbek Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the event will allow Uzbek businesses to present their companies and attract investments to Uzbek economy.

It is expected that business forum with participation of entrepreneurs of two countries will be held. The Uzbek businesses will also held individual negotiations with Kiel businesses. (UzReport.com)

UZBEKISTAN EXPORTS US$ 210,000 FRUIT, VEGETABLES TO KAZAKHSTAN

Uzbekistan has exported 1,405 tonnes of fruit and vegetables worth US$210,000 to Kazakhstan since the beginning of the year, up from the 238 tonnes valued at US$38,000 exported during the same period last year. The Uzbek Customs Committee said the country exported 192 tonnes of fruit and vegetables worth US$43,000 in the second half of May.

It said 1,319 tonnes of fruit and vegetables for US$111,800 were exported to Kazakhstan in 2005. (UzReport.com)

UZDUNROBITA TO INVEST US$35M IN 2006-2007

Uzdunrobita, Uzbek largest mobile phone operator, plans to invest US$35 million in the development of its GSM network in 2006-2007. In 2005, Uzdunrobita invested $50 million in the development of its network.

The company expects to use its own and shareholder's funds to make the investments, the source in Uzbek company said, adding that the funds would be used to expand its network coverage and increase the capacity of its network.

Russia's largest mobile phone operator Mobile TeleSystems, or MTS, bought a 74% stake in Uzdunrobita for US$121 million in July 2004. MTS has also signed a three-year option deal to acquire the remaining 26% for US$37.7 million.

Uzdunrobita, founded in 1991, has licenses to provide mobile services in GSM and AMPS/DAMPS standards in Uzbekistan. Both licenses are valid until 2016. Currently, there are eight mobile operators in Uzbekistan, including five GSM standard operators. Uzdunrobita had 670,000 users as of 1 April, up from 580,000 users as of 1 January. The total number of mobile services users in Uzbekistan rose to 1.3 million as of 1 April from 1.15 million as of 1 January.

The source in Uzbek mobile operator said the company started third stage on expanding its network. The source said Chinese Huawei will deliver equipment for 630,000 subscribers' ports worth US$35 million to install in Uzbekistan.

New stations will be launched till 2007. It is expected that Uzdunrobita will sign agreement on supply and installation of satiations with Ericsson. (UzReport.com)

SOCIETY

UZBEK POLICE SEIZE OVER 15 KG OF DRUGS

Uzbek police seized about 15 kg of drugs in Termez-Tashkent highway, a press-service of Uzbek Interior Ministry told www.press-uz.info on Tuesday.

The report said the police detained citizen of Surkhandarya region (Uzbek region bordering with Afghanistan and Tajikistan). Examining his car, the Uzbek law enforcement bodies revealed 11.7 kg of heroin in hiding-place.

On the same highway, passenger of liner bus was detained with 3.85 kg of marihuana, the press service said.

Uzbek law enforcement opened criminal case and investigation is underway. (UzReport.com)

UZBEK, BRITISH SCIENTISTS COOPERATE TO COUNTERACT ANIMAL AND BIRD DISEASES

The Uzbek delegation of the agricultural sector specialists headed by the First Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Water Management A. Juraev has recently returned from Great Britain. The aim of the visit was to learn from the British experience in the field of cattle breeding and veterinary medicine, identify the potential forms and areas of cooperation between the two countries in the sphere.

During their stay in Great Britain, the Uzbek delegation familiarized itself with the activity of the Royal Veterinary College, Institute for Animal Health, Veterinary Laboratories Agency, and visited several farms of the country.

At the end of the visit, a memorandum of mutual understanding in the field of animal health research was signed between the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Management of Uzbekistan and the Royal Veterinary College of GB.

The Royal Veterinary College, founded in 1791, is one of the largest and most highly reputable educational facility of the country in the field of veterinary. The signed document notes that parties to the agreement intend to exchange scientific-research information, including that on the incidents of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (or mad cow disease), tuberculosis, avian influenza (or bird flu), and other animal diseases, and implement joint projects in the area of veterinary science, organize the exchanges of students, expert delegations, scientific workers, conduct joint conferences, trainings, workshops and other scientific-technical events.

In the interview, the Principal of the Royal Veterinary College Prof. Quintin McKellar noted the importance of the development of direct contacts between the specialized facilities of the two countries, and particularly stressed that today Uzbekistan was the only CIS country, with which the college had signed the agreement of cooperation.

The same memorandum was signed with the Institute for Animal Health, Compton and Purbright Laboratories. The Institute for Animal Healthcare of GB is one of the leading research centers in the field of infectious diseases of domestic cattle in the world. Compton and Purbright laboratories, among the five best laboratories of the world working within the structure of the institute and conducting researches in the field of endemic and exotic diseases of domestic animals.

The Principal of the Institute for Animal Health Prof. Martin Shirley noted the high qualification of the Uzbek scientists in the field of veterinary science, pointed out the interest of the British party in establishing cooperation and fast exchange of information between the research centers of the two countries.

In the course of the visit of the Uzbek delegation to Great Britain, parties exchange opinions on the issue of detection and adoption of emergency measures in case of outbursts of different animal diseases. The British party highly appraised the organization of the veterinary service in Uzbekistan, thanks to which the country has not recorded the incidents of outbursts of exotic animal diseases, despite the complex epizootic situation in the region and neighbouring countries.

For the purpose of development of simple and reliable mechanism, which would correspond to the mutually beneficial cooperation in the agricultural sphere, an agreement was reached on creation of the Uzbek-British agricultural society, which would unite a number of concerned organizations, specialists, farmers and businessmen of both countries.

In the course of the visit, the parties also discussed other practical issues of bilateral cooperation in the field of cattle-breeding and veterinary, including the supply of seed materials and pedigree cattle stock to Uzbekistan, as well as joint projects on creation of pilot farms on the territory of Uzbekistan.

The administration of the British veterinary institutes and managers of farms accepted with appreciation the invitation of the Uzbek colleagues to visit the international scientific conference "Monitoring of spread and prevention of particularly dangerous animal and bird diseases" to be held in September in the city of Samarkand. (UzReport.com)

UZBEKISTAN DEVELOPS "ROUTE MAP" OF GENERAL ACCESS TO HIV PROPHYLACTIC AND TREATMENT

In the course of several years, Uzbekistan supported epidemiological stability on several infectious diseases, but during the past few years an alarming situation has formed with regards to the spread of HIV/AIDS.

This was acknowledged by the Deputy Minister of Healthcare of the Republic of Uzbekistan Bahtiyar Niyazmatov at the special session of the UN General Assembly. The three-day event was held pm 31 May – 2 June in New York in the framework of the UN General Assembly. The Minister reported that over 49% of all HIV positive people in the country were aged 25-34.

The representative of Uzbekistan said the government was putting great effort to prevent further distribution of the virus. The country has created a coordination council for the fight against HIV. It is also implementing several large programmes and projects in the field. Thanks to the close cooperation with the public organizations, Uzbekistan has developed a "route map" of general access to the prophylactic and treatment of infected people.

Today the government is developing a package of social services and support of HIV/AIDS positive. In 2006, the government is planning to treat 700 HIV positive people using anti-retrovirus medications.

Niyazmatov said with the support of the government and donor organizations, 206 help rooms were opened for the consumers of infectious drugs, which were the source of HIV spreading at the initial stage. (UzReport.com)

UZBEKISTAN CELEBRATES PUSHKIN'S DAY

Today Pushkin's Day is celebrated in many countries. On 6 June, 207 years ago, Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin, a famous Russian poet, was born. The day used to be called the Day of Pushkin's Poetry.

To mark the event, a celebrative event was organized by the Russian Cultural Center in Uzbekistan at the monument of Alexander PUshkin in Tashkent.

The lovers of Pushkin's poetry – representatives of the Writers' Union of Uzbekistan, Istoki (Origins) Literary Association, Russian Foreign Center, students of schools and universities gathered on this day to celebrate the special date.

The event was led by the Chairman of the Writers' Union of Uzbekistan, national poet Abdulla Aripov.

Professor, legendary actor of the Soviet cinematography Vasiliy Lanovoy participated in the flowers laying ceremony.

Participants of the event laid flowers to the monument of the famous poet. On the same day, according to the old tradition, the soirees dedicated to Pushkin's poetry were held in different parts of Tashkent. (UzReport.com)