22 June, 2006

Politics
Uzbek leader sends his compliments to Slovenian president, nation
Tomsk governor decides to visit Uzbekistan in 1 half 2007
Uzbek spiritual and enlightenment official: Drug production in Afghanistan must be stopped with world community efforts

Economics
Gazprom, Uzbekneftegaz to start geological survey of deposits in north-west Uzbekistan
ADB official visits Uzbekistan to acquaint economy, projects
ADB executive director meets head of top Uzbek bank in Tashkent
Uzbekistan is to consider an offer by France's Cogema to buy the country’s uranium

Society
ADB issues two grants to improve public education in Uzbekistan
Tel-Avis hosts festival "Beautiful Bukhara"
Members of Japanese International Friendship Cente visited Uzbek diplomatic mission in Tokyo Japan
"The Myth of Alexander the Great" exhibition opens in Tashkent
Treasures of Savitsky Art Museum
Amanmuradova wins first match in Wimbledon qualification

More information about the Republic of Uzbekistan you could find from the Internet site: www.uzbekistan.be

POLITICS

UZBEK LEADER SENDS HIS COMPLIMENTS TO SLOVENIAN PRESIDENT, NATION

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov on 20 June sent his compliments to the President of the Republic of Slovenia Yanez Drnovshek on the occasion of the Day of Slovenian sovereignty.

In his message, the Uzbek leader on behalf of the people of Uzbekistan and personally himself congratulated the President of Slovenia on the national holiday – the Day of Slovenian sovereignty – and whished him and the national of Slovenia peace and prosperity. (UzReport.com)

TOMSK GOVERNOR DECIDES TO VISIT UZBEKISTAN IN 1H 2007

Governor of Tomsk region (Russia) Victor Kress decided to pay official visits to Uzbekistan in the first half of 2007, Deputy Governor of Tomsk region Oxana Kozlova said.

Kozlova said these two Central Asian nations represent more interest to the Russian region than markets of China. She added in its turn Uzbekistan is interested in establishment of cooperation with Tomsk in education, tourism and other sectors.

Tomsk senior official said Tomsk Polytechnic University will be the second Russian university after Moscow State University named after Lomonosov, which opened its branch in Uzbekistan. She said the university would train engineers for the country. Kozlova said Tomsk businesses signed agreements for 370 million Russian rubles during their recent visit to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan for 2006-2007. (UzReport.com)

UZBEK SPIRITUAL AND ENLIGHTENMENT OFFICIAL: DRUG PRODUCTION IN AFGHANISTAN MUST BE STOPPED WITH WORLD COMMUNITY EFFORTS

It is impossible to eliminate drug production in Afghanistan with weapons, an Uzbek spiritual and enlightenment official said in the Voqiflik (Awareness) programme broadcast by the Uzbek Radio on 20 June. The head of the Uzbek Spirituality and Enlightenment Centre, Qudduz Azamov, noted that drug production in Afghanistan must be stopped with world community efforts and not with the use of weapons.

"The armed forces have been brought in there. The country has been taken under control. But drug production is not decreasing. As it turns out, it is impossible to solve the problem this way. In my opinion, the main goal is to set up geopolitical governance in this region because everything cannot be resolved by means of weapons, as our president has repeatedly emphasized. This problem should be defeated jointly with all the neighbouring countries, in agreement and by attracting the world community and with initiatives," Azamov said.

He also emphasized that in Uzbekistan, government efforts are not enough and parents should be actively involved in fighting the drug problem.

"This programme is called "Awareness". Today, one of the main goals and tasks of the Uzbek Spirituality and Enlightenment Centre is to make people aware of this plague of our century, which some people call white death. It is not enough that only the government, responsible people, and specialist centres fight this malady. This is because this trouble is secretly present among the people especially among the young people. Therefore the main reason for our gathering today is to constantly keep on reminding people to be aware," he said. (BBC Monitoring Central Asia)

ECONOMICS

GAZPROM, UZBEKNEFTEGAZ TO START GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF DEPOSITS IN NORTH-WEST UZBEKISTAN

Gazprom, Russian gas giant and Uzbekneftegaz, Uzbek oil and gas monopoly, have finalized an agreement to start geological survey in Uzbekistan, the Russian company's press service said on Wednesday, 21 June.

The press service said Managing Committee within agreement on basic principles on conducting of geological survey in investment blocks of Ustyur region of Uzbekistan met in headquarters of Gazprom in Moscow. First Deputy Chairman of Uzbekneftegaz Shavkat Majitov and expert of Bureau on expertise of large investment projects under Cabinet of ministers of Uzbekistan Mualib Nurmatov attended the session.

The sides considered feasibility study of investment blocks of Ustyur region and for geological survey of the Ustyurt oil and gas deposits for 2006-2011.

The two companies were expected to approve a programme for geological survey of the Ustyurt oil and gas deposits for 2006-2011, with investment to hit US$260 million in the next three years. The Russian company said the geological survey would start in June 2006.

Gazprom Deputy CEO Alexander Ryazanov said the agreement was an important step towards "signing a production sharing agreement between Gazprom and the Uzbek government."

He also said Gazprom's investments would boost the economic development of the Ustyurt region, and strengthen Uzbekistan's export potential.

Implementation of the agreement would increase Uzbekistan's exports by 8-9 billion cubic metres of natural gas a year, Gazprom's press service said.

Gazprom and the government of Uzbekistan signed agreement on basic principles on conducting of geological survey in investment blocks of Ustyur region of Uzbekistan in Saint Petersburg, Russia, on 25 June 2006.

The sides also inked agreement on main principles and provisions of PSA on Urga, Kuanish and Akchalak deposits of Ustyurt region. Both agreements lay ground for signing of product-sharing agreement on Ustyurt region, north-west Uzbekistan. (UzReport.com)

ADB OFFICIAL VISITS UZBEKISTAN TO ACQUAINT ECONOMY, PROJECTS

An Executive Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Directors, Chol-Hwi Lee, said in interview that the aim of his visit to Uzbekistan is to acquaint with economic situation in the country and several projects, which are realized in Uzbekistan with the ADB assistance.

Mr. Lee represents the Republic of Korea; Papua New Guinea; Sri Lanka; Taipei,China; Vanuatu; and Viet Nam, as well as Uzbekistan at ADB. This is Mr. Lee's first visit to Uzbekistan since joining ADB's Board in August 2004. Previously, Mr. Lee was Director General of the Treasury Bureau of the Republic of Korea's Ministry of Finance and Economy.

Speaking on the aim of the visit, Chol-Hwi Lee said he represents Uzbekistan at ADB and it is great honour for him. He said the ADB and the Uzbek government have good relations and his first visit aimed to acquaint with economic situation in the country and several projects, which are realized in Uzbekistan with the ADB assistance.

ADB official said it was pleasant to see cities of Uzbekistan, which are developed, great and clean. He said: "Today, for example, I had opportunity personally make sure that the government of Uzbekistan pays great attention to development of education."

On his trip, he met with senior government officials, including ADB Governor Saidahmad Rakhimov and Deputy Prime Minister Rustam Azimov, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation.

He is also undertaking field visits to ADB-supported projects on small and medium enterprise development in Tashkent, on professional education in Samarkand, as well as on agricultural development in Ak-Altin district of Syrdarya Province of Uzbekistan.

Chol-Hwi Lee said Uzbekistan plays important role in Central Asian region and important member of the ADB. "We are planning to continue beneficial cooperation with Uzbekistan and I hope the ADB assistance will be useful to Uzbekistan to solve many important tasks in all spheres of public life."

Uzbekistan joined ADB in 1995. Cumulative lending to the country now stands at US$914.7 million for 19 loans. ADB has also approved grants to the country totaling US$32 million.

ADB is dedicated to reducing poverty in the Asia and Pacific region through pro-poor sustainable economic growth, social development, and good governance. Established in 1966, it is owned by 65 members – 47 from the region. In 2005, it approved loans and grants for projects totaling US$6.95 billion, and technical assistance amounting to US$198.8 million. (UzReport.com)

ADB EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MEETS HEAD OF TOP UZBEK BANK IN TASHKENT

Executive Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Board of Directors, Chol-Hwi Lee, met heads of several ministries and departments of Uzbekistan on 21 June.

As earlier reported, the ADB official is paying three-day visit to Uzbekistan to familiarize with economic development of the country and ADB supported projects, realized in the country.

The ADB executive director met chairman of National Bank of Uzbekistan for Foreign Economic Activities and the ADB Governor Saidahmad Rakhimov. The sides noted that relations between Uzbekistan and the ADB, which is reliable partner of Uzbekistan in realization of economic infrastructure, small business and private entrepreneurship, are developing intensively.

Chol-Hwi Lee said at the meeting that the country developed all necessary legal bases for reformation and liberalization of banking system and praised investment climate in the country.

The sides considered issues on current state of relations and exchanged opinion on perspective of expansion of partnership.

On the same day, ADB official participated in signing ceremony of two grant projects worth US$1.9 million at Public Education Ministry. The projects directed to improve education system in Uzbekistan, including primary education of disabled.

Chol-Hwi Lee also visited Sharq publishing-polygraph concern and acquainted with production. The ADB is participation in the project on equipment of Sharq. (UzReport.com)

UZBEKISTAN IS TO CONSIDER AN OFFER BY FRANCE'S COGEMA TO BUY THE COUNTRY’S URANIUM

Uzbekistan is to consider an offer by France's Cogema to buy the country’s uranium, a source in Uzbek government circles told Interfax.

The source said the government had asked the Navoi Mining and Metals Plant, which is Uzbekistan's biggest uranium producer, and the State Geology and Mineral Resources Committee and Foreign Economic Relations, Investment and Trade Ministry to consider the offer by the end of June.

"The final decision will be based on the opinions of the relevant agencies," the source said.

Nukem has held the exclusive rights on the international market the uranium Navoi mines since 1992. The contract was last year extended until 2013.

Navoi is the monopoly operator that mines, enriches and exports Uzbek uranium. It has three enterprises that mine uranium by the in situ leach (ISL) method. The uranium is milled at the No. 1 Hydrometallurgical Plant in the city of Navoi.

Navoi produced 2,301 tonnes of uranium in 2005, compared with 2,016 tonnes in 2004.

The geology committee has said 27 uranium fields in the Kyzyl Kum region form the core of the country's uranium resource base. The country's total uranium reserves are estimated at 55,000 tonnes. (Interfax)

SOCIETY

ADB ISSUES TWO GRANTS TO IMPROVE PUBLIC EDUCATION IN UZBEKISTAN

The foundation stone for the implementation of the two grant projects of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) was laid today, 21 June, at the Ministry of Public Education of Uzbekistan (MPE).

The first project worth US$1.5 million envisages improvement of the primary education of children with disabilities. The second one is aimed at supporting the reforms in the sphere of education. Its budget totals US$400,000.

The official grant signing ceremony was held at the MPE. Deputy Minister of Public Education of Uzbekistan Mr. U. Musaev, Executive Director of the ADB Board of Directors Mr. Chol-Hwi Lee, as well as the specialist for the projects in the field of education Ms. Manuela Prina participated in the ceremony. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Uzbekistan Mr. Yuichi Kusumoto, representatives of the World Bank, UNICEF, Japanese Agency for International Cooperation, and other international organizations, as well as media also attended the event.

The first grant financed by the Japan Fund for Poverty Reduction, funded by the Japanese Government, was approved by the ADB in March of this year. This pilot project on the use of exclusive and integrated approaches in improving the education and integration into the society of the children with disabilities in Uzbekistan.

The education of children with disabilities in Uzbekistan is incorporated in the system of public education, which currently requires close attention. Meanwhile, university students with disabilities represent the most vulnerable group of the population with disabilities. Many of them are from needy families.

The majority of children with disabilities study at home or in specialized educational facilities and board schools, which do not always have good study facilities, textbooks, etc. There is also an urgent problem of limited social life. Children with disabilities do not usually socialize with other students and the society as a whole, largely because the educational facilities the latter attend are most commonly far from their homes.

The results of numerous studies prove that such system of separate education, though aimed at meeting the special needs of students in each of the specialized schools, nevertheless create a huge gap between children with disabilities and the rest of the society, separates them and deprives of the ability to integrate in the social life, find employment and raise their living standards.

Inclusive education is the process whereby children with disabilities are included in the educational process organized for the other children. This provides them the opportunity to take part in public life.

During the meeting it was noted that the total of 18 schools, 6 specialised facilities and 12 public schools of the city of Tashkent, Kashkadarya and Surkhandarya regions would participate in the project. These schools will work together and develop a model of social integration among the children of public and specialized schools. The teachers will be specifically trained to work in classes with children with different needs using various study and teaching methods.

The funds of the grant will also be used to modernize schools, including their equipment with information and communication technology. Specialised schools will be provided equipment specifically designed for children with disabilities, including hearing-aid and wheelchairs. Public schools, in turn, will be adapted to suite the needs of children of disabilities. For instance, special pathways will be built to allow the movement of wheelchairs, guiding handrails will be installed for blind children, and barriers (plinths and doorsteps) will be removed from restrooms.

The second grant named "Effective management of investments and reforms in general education" is targeted at support of reforms in the sphere of education, including the issue of creation of a Centre for Coordination of Donors' Activity.

In order to implement the National School Education Development Programme (NSEDP) for 2004/09 the government of Uzbekistan will have to attract funds worth US$1.2 billion, and it is expected that nearly US$240 million of this sum will be attracted from international and bilateral development organizations.

The centre will play a key role in coordination of investment projects and attraction of new investments to raise the quality of education in Uzbekistan. It is a kind of an effective institutional mechanism ensuring that financing bodies will supplement each other and helping avoid doubling of donor activity. The participants noted that this would help improve the efficiency of assistance rendered in the spirit of Paris declaration. The funds for the technical assistance (TA) in the form of grant worth US$400,000 were approved by the ADB in December 2005 and are provided by the Japanese government through a special Japanese fund. The TA within two years will help create a working coordination centre, as well as assist the Uzbek Public Education Ministry in more effective management, realization, monitoring and evaluation of investments, in policy, in general secondary education, and in strengthening of coordination of the assistance of the international community.

ADB is one of the leaders on financing in the Uzbek education sector and has under its belt two successfully implemented investment projects, one programme project and three project loans at the stage of realization, as well as a new project on introduction of information and communication technologies in the general education of Uzbekistan which was approved in 2005. (UzReport.com)

TEL-AVIS HOSTS FESTIVAL "BEAUTIFUL BUKHARA"

The second festival of Bukharian Jews community "Beautiful Bukhara" was held at Ha-Yarkon central park of Tel-Aviv.

The report said in the framework of the event, organized by the World Congress of Bukharian Jews, the replicas of the ancient buildings of Samarkand and Bukhara have been erected across the park.

The agency said about150,000 visitors enjoyed, though the copies, but charming view of the ancient buildings of Bukhara and Samarkand, which also served as the pavilions for presenting samples of Uzbek applied arts, ceramics, pottery, and gold embroidery garments.

Pavilions exhibiting national clothes, paintings, books and photographs, CDs, audio and videocassettes with the prominent Uzbek singers' songs were also scattered across the park. Family ensembles presented their shows made up of national Uzbek songs and dances, according to the report.

Deputy Prime Minister of Israel Mr. Shimon Peres spoke at the opening ceremony of the festival and noted that the event has o¬nce again gathered more than hundred thousand of members of not o¬nly Bukharian Jews community, but also native Israelis, guests of the country willing to learn the culture of Bukharian Jews, who originated from the beautiful Bukhara.

"Still keeping the warm feelings to Uzbekistan the Bukhara Jews pass o¬n their culture and traditions from generation to generation. They successfully integrated into our society and at the same time brought the traditions and culture of the people of Uzbekistan into the social life of Israel," the deputy prime minister said.

Festival concluded with the gala show of Israeli music bands. (“Jahon” Information Agency)

MEMBERS OF JAPANESE INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP CENTER VISITED UZBEK DIPLOMATIC MISSION IN TOKYO JAPAN

Members of Japanese International Friendship Center visited Uzbek diplomatic mission in Tokyo Japan.

The visit was another step in broadening friendly ties with Japan. Founded in 1987, the International Friendship Center promotes cultural exchange with various countries around the world, assists the strengthening of mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation between nations.

It also plays a pivotal role in introducing the history, culture and traditions of Uzbek people to Japanese society. Recently the presentation of tourist potential of Uzbekistan was held in cooperation with the center, the report said.

The documentary about culture, traditions, wonderful nature and architectural masterpieces of Uzbekistan was presented at the meeting.

"Uzbekistan being located at the center of Great Silk Road played a significant role in development of several civilizations. History, arts and culture of Uzbek people embody the whole range of intensive cultural exchange between West and East. And this is the very reason that attracts Japanese people to your country," Mr. Masashi Watabe, the director at the International Friendship Center, said. (“Jahon” Information Agency)

"THE MYTH OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT" EXHIBITION OPENS IN TASHKENT

The second scientific conference organized by Italian Embassy and the Arts Academy of Uzbekistan in the framework of the Myth of Alexander Exhibition was held on 20 June at the Gallery of Fine Art of the National Bank of Uzbekistan. The Department of Ancient Art under the General Directorate for Promotion of Culture and Cooperation of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs came up with the idea of organizing the exhibition after noticing that the image of Alexander the Great served as an inspiration model for a large number of art works.

The exhibition entitled The Myth of Alexander reflects the idealized image of the great commander, and gives the visitors the opportunity not only to see great artworks from the museum collections of Italy, but also to familiarize with the story of his campaign from the borders of famous Orient to Rome.

The exposition includes over 200 works: the elements of architectural decor and murals, sculptures, small plastic figures, articles of numismatics. These are the artifacts found in the south of Uzbekistan, on the territory of ancient Baktria and Sogda – on the sites of ancient settlement of Dalverzintepa, Kampyrtepa, Halchayana, Hatyn Rabata, Fayaztepa, Ayrtama.

The first conference was dedicated to the 45th anniversary of the Uzbek art-related archaeological expedition, and the second one – to the fifth anniversary of the Uzbek-Italian archaeological mission operated in cooperation with the Institute of Archaeology in Samarkand. All the findings of the past five years were announced at the conference for the first time in such a complex way in the presence of museum workers and archaeologists.

Senior Scientist Secretary of the Arts Academy of Uzbekistan Doctor K. Akilova, Director of the Scientific-Research Institute of Art Studies M. Yusupova, and world famous scientists, member of the Science and Art Academies of Uzbekistan, Doctor E. Rtveladze opened the conference. After the introductory, official part, participants read their reports. They discussed the work done, discoveries made and the uniqueness of the material collected.

M. Izameddinov made a report about the historical and cultural explorations conducted in the middle valley of Zarafshan. S. Mantelini and B. Rondeli made an interesting report entitled "Archaeological map of the middle valley of Zarafshan". T. Uno made a report entitled "Territorial studies in Kala-i-Dabusia".

Other reports included "Necropolis of Sazagan" (F. Francheskini, S. Raimkulov), "Sogdian fortress of Kafir-Kala" (A. Berdimuradov, D. Gorgetti, S. Mantelini, B. Matbabaev) "Preliminary Studies in Jama" (S. Rahmanov), "Preliminary research and prospective studies in Tajikistan" (D. Giorgetti).

Questions arose and discussions started as the reports were read. Archaeologists of Samarkand shared their findings with other participants. Some articles could be studied through direct contact.

Lyudmila Kodzaeva, specialist in art of the Art Academy of Uzbekistan added that the exhibition and the conference were related to the cultures close to the people of Central Asia. "The antique heritage stored in Uzbekistan is extremely interesting. This land hides the richest and most unique materials. Many and many research studies are to follow, because right now were are at the initial stage, at the stage of presentation of the findings, many of which have not been officially announced. These are materials which need to be studied carefully. We are thus at the first stage of great discoveries. We are writing the history of art," she said.

While the scientists are writing the history, the residents and guests of Uzbekistan have the unique opportunity to visit the exhibition at the Gallery of Fine Art. (UzReport.com)

TREASURES OF SAVITSKY ART MUSEUM

One of the finest museums in Asia is an undiscovered gem. City of Nukus, capital of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, is a home to the Savitsky Art Museum, the greatest collection of Soviet-era art outside of the Hermitage. The museum possesses 80,000 examples of Fauvist, Cubist, Uzbek school, and Russian avant garde pieces from the “Lost Period” of Soviet art.

Displayed with a degree of professionalism unusual in Asia and unthinkable in this poisoned corner of the former Soviet Union, these works would have been lost to the dustbin of history had it not been for the efforts of Igor Savitsky, an archaeologist who lived in Nukus from the 1950s until his death in 1984. For decades, Savitsky roamed the Soviet Union, looking in basements, under beds, and in attics for these “worthless” pieces and hiding them in Nukus. Savitsky took advantage of Nukus’s remoteness, hoping that no one would notice what he was doing and send him to Siberia. He succeeded, and his namesake museum is totally worth the trip. (Gridskipper The Urban travel guide, 19 June)

AMANMURADOVA WINS FIRST MATCH IN WIMBLEDON QUALIFICATION

Akgul Amanmuradova of Uzbekistan is participation at the qualifying round of Wimbledon, one of four grand slam tournaments.

Uzbek tennis player defeated Natalia Gussoni of Argentina in the first round with the score 6/4 and 7/5.

In the next round, she will play against No. 8 seeded Vassilissa Bardina of Russia.