July 12, 2006

POLITICS
Uzbek leader appoints former ambassador in Brussels as new foreign minister
Defense ministry announces enrolment in military colleges

ECONOMICS
New task group to prepare proposals on fruit processing equipment procurement
Uzbekistan produces over 26bn cubic metres of natural gas in Jan-May
Uzbekneftegaz, Gazprom to sign PSA on Ustyurt in 2H 2006
Three Uzbek refineries produce 545,400 tonnes of petroleum in 1H
Uzbek delegation visits Russian region to find partners
MTS has over 820,000 subscribers in Uzbekistan

SOCIETY
World Population Day marked in Uzbekistan
Public schools of Navoi region repaired
New hospital opens in Arnasay district, Jizzakh
Student conference held at Westminster International University in Tashkent
International youth programmes of Russian Cultural Center
Books exhibition in Nukus
Crater left by huge meteorite 11 million years ago found in Uzbekistan

POLITICS

Uzbek leader appoints former ambassador in Brussels as new foreign minister

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov appointed new Uzbek Foreign Minister on Wednesday, 12 July.

The Uzbek head appointed Vladimir Norov as Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan.

Prior to appointment V.Norov worked as Uzbek Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium and Head of Missions of Uzbekistan the European Union and NATO.

With another decree, President Islam Karimov appointed Elyor Ganiev as Foreign Economic Relations, Investment and Trade Minister.

Defense Ministry announces enrolment in military colleges

In Uzbekistan the number of young people wishing to enrol in military higher educational facilities is on the rise.

"The total of 5,547 candidates have been selected for enrolment in military colleges. Thus 6.5 people will be competing for each seat. Compared to 2005 figures, the number of young men wishing to enroll in higher military educational facilities has risen by 35%," press service of the Ministry of Defense said.

"The competition will be the toughest for those wishing to enter Jizzakh Higher School of Military Aviation. 8.4 people will be competing for each seat," said a source in the press service.

The national defense agency explained that such a sharp rise in the number of young men wishing to enroll in military colleges was stimulated by the growing prestige of military service. Thanks to the reforms in the sphere, all the necessary conditions have been created in the military units for fixed period soldiers wishing to enter higher educational facilities of the country.

Five military educational facilities function on the territory of Uzbekistan. Their graduates are officers of different fields: Tashkent Higher Troop Command College, Chirchik Higher Military Tank Command-Engineering College, Samarkand Higher Military Automobile Command-Engineering College, Jizzakh Higher Military Aviation College and Special faculty of Tashkent University of Information Technologies.

New task group to prepare proposals on fruit processing equipment procurement

On 7 July, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed an order "On formation of Task group on preparation of proposals to supply farms with modern equipment and mini-technologies for processing fruit and vegetable products".

The document was approved with the purpose of effective use and non-admission of losses of grown fruit and vegetables, providing their complex processing and production of export oriented products due to supply of farms and agrofirms with modern equipment and technologies, creation of flexible manufactures.

The task group with involvement of specialists has two months to thoroughly study modern equipment and mini-technologies on processing of fruit and vegetable products, produced and supplied by the leading foreign companies (Germany, Hungary, Italy, etc.).

Moreover, the group shall cooperate with domestic and foreign commercial banks and leasing companies to draw up procurement forms and mechanisms of delivery to Uzbekistan of modern technological equipment, compact, rapidly resetting manufactures on processing of fruit and vegetable products to supply farms and agrofirms.

The document entrusted the workgroup to study foreign experience with the aim of preparing proposals on creation of a network of points servicing the purchased foreign equipment and mini-technologies, as well as staff training on exploitation and servicing of these facilities.

Taking into account that this task should be implemented by the beginning of new season of growing fresh fruit, vegetables and grapes, the group shall introduce to the Cabinet of Ministers concrete offers on supply of farms with modern processing equipment until 1 September 2006.

The task group has got the right to involve in this work specialists of ministries, departments and research centres, request necessary materials for quality preparation of proposals.

Uzbekistan produces over 26bn cubic metres of natural gas in Jan-May

Uzbekistan produced 26.321 billion cubic metres of natural gas in January-May 2006, according to the official report of the Uzbek State Statistics Committee.

Structures of Uzbekneftegaz (Uzbek oil and gas company) national holding company produced 25.357 billion cubic metres of gas in five months of 2006 or 3.8% less year-on-year.

Uzgeoburneftegasdobicha, subsidiary of Uzbekneftegaz, said Uzbekneftegaz is plans to produce 62.574 billion cubic metres of gas and 5.9 million tonnes of liquid hydrocarbons.

Uzbekistan produced 59.67 billion cubic metres of gas and 5.45 million tonnes of oil and gas condensate in 2005. Uzbekneftegaz plans to export products for US$873.2 million, including 12.6 billion cubic metres of gas for US$605 million.

Uzbekneftegaz, Gazprom to sign PSA on Ustyurt in 2H 2006

Uzbekneftegaz (Uzbek oil and gas) natonal holding company and Gazprom open joint stock company will sign product-sharing agreement (PSA) on Ustyurt region in the second half of 2006.

The feasibility project, developed by Gazprom, was handed over to Uzbekneftegaz and the special state commission will consider it. The source added that the commission may introduce changes or amendments to feasibility study and some time will be required.

As earlier reported, the sides were planning to sign PSA on Usyutr region in the first half, but due to technical reasons the terms were revised. The source did not say exact date of signing of agreement, but he added it can be signed not earlier September.

Gazprom and Uzbekneftegaz signed agreement on strategic cooperation in gas sector in December 2002. The agreement envisages long-term purchase of Uzbek gas within 2003-2012 and participation of the Russian company in production of natural gas in Uzbekistan on PSA terms, as well as cooperation in development of gas transport infrastructure in Uzbekistan and transportation of Central Asian gas through Uzbekistan.

The pilot project on gas production is cooperation on rehabilitation of gas production at Shakhpakhty deposit on PSA terms, which came into force on 14 April 2004. In May 2006, Gazprom completed gas-field construction at Shakhpakhty deposit and invested US$21 million. Annually, some 0.5 billion cubic metres of gas will be produced at this deposit.

Gazprom and Uzbekneftegaz are planning to sign the second PSA on development of gas condensate at Ustyurt region for 25 years. The sides signed agreement on main principles and conditions on product sharing at Urga, Kuanish and Akchala groups on Ustyurt region in Uzbekistan and agreement on main principles on exploration of entrails of investment blocks in Ustyurt region in Uzbekistan with further development of discovered deposits on PSA terms.

Gazprom plans to invest US$260 million in exploration and utilization of these territories in 2006-2008. Total investments on Usyurt project forecasted at US$1.5 billion.

Uzbekneftegaz is monopoly operator of oil and gas complex in Uzbekistan and it was founded in 1998. The company unites four joint stock companies. Uzbekistan is the second largest gas producer in CIS and the tenth in the world.

According to Uzbek State Statistics Committee, Uzbekneftegaz decreased production of oil and gas resources by 17.2% to 5.449 million tonnes. The country produced 59.686 billion cubic metres of natural gas or 0.3% less year-on-year.

Uzbekneftegaz exported products for US$770 million in 2005, of which US$477.15 million of natural gas and US$95 million of oil products.

Three Uzbek refineries produce 545,400 tonnes of petroleum in 1H

Bukhara, Ferghana and Altyarik refineries produced 545,400 tonnes of petroleum in the first half of 2006.

These three plants decreased production of petroleum by 5.5% year-on-year. The production of diesel oil fell by 7.1% year-on-year to 569,500 tonnes in the reporting period.

Uzbek delegation visits Russian region to find partners

A delegation of Uzbekistan arrived in Perm region of Russian Federation to familiarize with potential of the region.

The visit aimed at familiarization with potential of Perm region and selection of partner on construction of Dekhanabad potash fertilizers plant in Uzbekistan on the basis of Tobegat potassium salt deposit.

Michael Antonov, vice-governor of Perm region, informed the guests on Perm plants on production of potash fertilizers. The head of Uzbek delegation, deputy chairman of State Committee on Geology and Mineral Resources, Igor Gorlov noted that potash fertilizers needed to development of agriculture in Uzbekistan. He said Perm specialists can assist in development of potassium salt deposits in Uzbekistan.

The report said Antonov also proposed cooperation in construction and exploitation of gold ores and coal mines, supply of timber products to Uzbekistan, render of services in oil sector and supply of machinery products to Uzbekistan.

The Uzbek delegation will stay two more days in Perm region and it will visit potassium enterprises in the region, the report added.

MTS has over 820,000 subscribers in Uzbekistan

Mobile TeleSystem (MTS), the largest mobile phone operator in Russia and the CIS, registered 50,000 new subscribers in June.

Russia-based MTS said in its statement that the number of subscribers increased by 7.5% to 820,000.

During June 2006, MTS' consolidated subscriber base increased by 1.21 million subscribers, of which 0.88 million were added in Russia. Consolidated number of MTS' subscribers reached 64.1 million.

The regions of Russia, as well as Belarus, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan, in which MTS and its associates and subsidiaries are licensed to provide GSM services, have a total population of approximately 233.1 million.

MTS owns 74% stake in its subsidiary in Uzbekistan. The Russian company purchased 74% shares in Uzdunrobita, which starts to render services under MTS brand on 15 June 2006, for US$121 million and has option to buy remaining 26% shares for US$37.7 million.

According to official data, over 1.75 million people used services of mobile phone operators as of 1 July 2006.

SOCIETY

World Population Day marked in Uzbekistan

World Population Day marked on 11 July worldwide. On this day, Park named after Mirzo Ulugbek in Tashkent hosted an event on support of health life-style among young people.

World Population Day set on 1989 in memory of reaching of population number to 5 billion in 1987. After 12 years, on 12 October, the number of world population reached to 6 billion.

Maxim Fazlitdinov, National Consultant on Advocacy/Communication of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Uzbekistan, said the organisers of the event tried to attract public and people to discuss various problems. He said this event dedicated to young people and their problems.

The event directed to inform young people on reproductive health, education, HIV/AIDS and other issues, Fazlitdinov said. He added that the problems of youth cannot be solved alone and it can be solved in support of each other.

Currently, over half of world population or over 3 billion people comprise of young people at age below 25.

"This year on World Population Day, the focus is on young people. From a 10-year-old girl to a young man of 24, their needs are different, their cultures diverse. Yet, all over the world, young people want to be heard and involved," said by Thoraya Ahmed Obaid, Executive Director, UNFPA, in her statement dedicated to the World Population Day.

They possess the ideas, determination and energy to accelerate effective action to reduce poverty and inequality. In every region, young people are taking action on HIV/AIDS and other issues that threaten their health, education and future opportunities, she saud.

Young people want to stay safe and healthy. They want a chance at a better future. About HIV prevention, they tell us: "Adults say we are too young to know; we say we are too young to die." About family planning, young people tell us: "Men should share responsibility with women." About sexual and reproductive health, they say: "Young people need this information. It shapes our lives and affects our future."

"Yet today, millions of young people are threatened by poverty, illiteracy, risks of pregnancy and childbirth, and HIV/AIDS. Today, more than 500 million people aged 15 to 24 live on less than US$2 per day; 96 million young women in developing countries do not know how to read or write; and 14 million adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 become mothers every year. Every day, 6,000 young people are newly infected with HIV," she added. "These challenges lie at the heart of goals set by world leaders to reduce poverty and improve health and well-being. It is clear that the Millennium Development Goals will not be met unless young people are actively involved in policymaking and programming, their voices are heard, their needs are met and their human rights are respected," Thoraya Ahmed Obaid said.

"UNFPA champions young people's rights to education, health and employment. We recognize that investments in young people promote social and economic growth. Key to these efforts are keeping girls in school, building life skills, delaying marriage and pregnancy until adulthood, and preventing HIV infection. Young people have the power to drive development forward."

On World Population Day, let us focus on young people and seek new ways to work side-by-side as partners in development. Although it is often said that young people are the future, it is also true that young people are the present and their leadership should be supported today. As a young peer educator said, "We are creating the future and it is great."

Public schools of Navoi region repaired

Reconstruction of 21 schools and major and minor repairs of another 14 schools has been completed in Navoi region during the first half of the current year, in line with the State National Programme of School Education Development for 2004-2009.

On the threshold of the 15th anniversary of the country's independence, regional administration envisions to open a number of new objects, including educational facilities. Thus, the construction of a new specialized boarding school is nearly complete in the mahalla (local community) of K. Rahmanov, Hatichi district of the region. The 360-seat educational facility will have all the necessary conditions for studying and going in for sports: roomy classrooms, teachers' offices, library, a dining hall, and a modern gym. Special attention is given to equipping new schools with modern study materials and sporting gear. Sponsor organizations and farmers of the region provide substantial support in implementation of the projects.

New hospital opens in Arnasay district, Jizzakh

In line with the "Year of Charity and Medical Workers" Programme, Jizzakh regional administration is paying special importance to raising the quality of medical services available to the population, and raising the number of rural doctor's offices.

As a part of such measures, a new doctor's office was opened at the office of rural council of citizens "Khorazm" in Arnasay district, which became a good present to the local community on the threshold of the 15th anniversary of Uzbekistan's independence.

Thanks to the efforts of entrepreneurs and farmers, the abandoned building was turned into a nice office within a very short period.

Regional healthcare department provided the new medical facility with all the necessary equipment and medicaments. Today, all conditions have been created for the proper medical checking, diagnosing and provision of medical assistance to the patients. (UzA)

Student conference held at Westminster International University in Tashkent

A student conference entitled "Leadership through knowledge" was held at Westminster International University in Tashkent (WIUT). The graduates of the university, the teaching staff, as well as students from other universities and institutes of Uzbekistan participated in the event.

Opening the conference that sums up the results of the past academic year the rector of the university Abdujabbar Abduvahidov noted that WIUT's success depended directly on the successes and achievements of its graduates in realization of their potential in the society.

"We want our graduates to find their ways and apply their knowledge in practice," he said.

The graduates presented their research papers on the subjects, such as "Development of an interactive dictionary for PDAs", "Software development for combined encryption method", "Online marketing", etc. Conference participants shared their impressions with the students of other universities and institutes.

The representatives of several companies prepared to offer jobs to the graduates of WIUT participated in the conference.

120 specialists in four major areas, including business administration, economics, business computing and law graduated from the university this year.

"This is an important event for us," said Business Computing Course Leader Anna Kozlova. "This is our first full graduating class in all four fields of study."

The university is currently enrolling new students.

Westminster International University in Tashkent is the only university in Central Asia to award UK qualifications recognized internationally.

International youth programmes of Russian Cultural Center

Youth Association of the Russian Cultural Center (RCC) of Uzbekistan will participate in the international programmes of compatriots in Moscow, the Chairman of the RCC Svetlana Gerasimova told.

"Youth association has been functioning in our center for several years now. Its objectives include educational, cultural and charity programmes for the youth of the diaspora. Our active members participate in different international projects," emphasized the head of the RCC Uzbekistan.

In particular, according to Gerasimova, the leader of this youth organization Maria Repina will participate in the international forum of young Russian compatriots to start on 13 July in Moscow.

"In the framework of the forum to be held in Russia capita, youth sport competitions will be organized among Russian compatriots, including young people from Uzbekistan. In the next few days, a team of our sportsmen consisting of 26 people will leave for Moscow to defend the honour of our country at volleyball, mini-football, tennis and track and field competitions," said Gerasimova.

"Also I have to add that the Russian Cultural Center of Uzbekistan never participated in and has never heard the new youth movement "OURS: Russia-Uzbekistan", as it was reported by certain Internet web-sites yesterday," concluded the leader of RCC Uzbekistan.

Books exhibition in Nukus

In spite of summer vacations, republican children's library, one of the largest ones in the area of Aral Sea with over 120,000 books, is not resting. Over 8,500 students come to the library on regular basis. In response to young people's enthusiasm, the library has organized a series of events.

The library operates societies and clubs such as "Young artist", "Skillful hands", puppets theatre, and Buratino club for pre-school children. With the assistance of Karakalpak branch of Kamolot youth movement, the library opened Kamalak Club and a Japanese Language Society.

The library has recently held an exhibition of books entitled "Homeland – the most beautiful place" dedicated to 15th anniversary of Uzbekistan's independence. For five days, the visitors had the opportunity to familiarize with over 1,000 books published during the years of independence. In the framework of the exhibition, a literary soiree "The most beautiful land" was held. Children's Naushe ensemble of the city of Nukus performed songs and dances for the audience.

Crater left by huge meteorite 11 million years ago found in Uzbekistan

Uzbek geologists found a large object clearly illustrating the collision of a large meteorite with the Earth, press-uz.info reported. The meteorite crater is located in an unpopulated deserted plateau Ust-Yurt, located in the north-western part of the country.

State Committee for Geology and Mineral Resources of Uzbekistan said the collision was so powerful it created an elliptical cavity. The depth of the crater totals some 40 meters. The hole is 7 km wide and 10 km long. Moreover, as a result of the collision a swell 60 meters high and 1 km long formed in the south-eastern end of the plateau.

According to preliminary information, the fall of such a large meteorite happened approximately 11 million years ago.