14 July, 2006

Politics
Uzbek head signs decree to establish new order
French officials comment on death penalty abolishment in Uzbekistan
Afghan Paper Praises Uzbekistan’s Decision on Capital Punishment
Jewish Day Camp in Samarkand

Economics
British centre host conference on Central Asia's economic development
BeautyExpo Uzbekistan 2006 demonstrates latest perfumery and cosmetics

Society
Uzbek schools receive international awards
New ambassador of Slovakia to Uzbekistan appointed

POLITICS

UZBEK HEAD SIGNS DECREE TO ESTABLISH NEW ORDER

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed a decree "On establishment of the Order of "15 years of Independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan" on 19 June, which was published on Friday, 14 July.

The decree establishes the Order of "15 years of Independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan" in commemoration of the 15th anniversary of the independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and for the purpose of rewarding our compatriots who have enclosed their contributions in strengthening independence, economic, political, scientific, educational, cultural and spiritual potential and defence power of the state, ensuring the security and territorial integrity, the democratic renewal and modernization of the country, the education of a decent young generation:

The Order of "O'zbekiston Respublikasi Mustaqilligiga 15 Yil" shall be awarded to the representatives of intelligentsia, workers of science and art, officers and workers, entrepreneurs, farmers, labour veterans, military men, officers of the law enforcement bodies and other individuals setting the example of altruism in strengthening independence, economic, political, scientific-educational, cultural, spiritual potential, defence power, maintenance of security and territorial integrity of the state, democratic renewal and modernization of the country, upbringing of a decent young generation.

The order may be awarded to non-residents of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the service stated above.

The Order of "O'zbekiston Respublikasi Mustaqilligiga 15 Yil" is made from copper alloy, covered by the coating of gold up to 0.25 micron thick, constituting a circle with the diameter of 34 millimeters.

The face side of the Order has the illustration of the Monument of Independence and Humanism (monuments of Independence and Happy Mother). A fragment of the Arch located on the Mustakillik Square is illustrated in the background of the monument. In the lower part of the Order, between the fragment of the Arch and the monument, there is an inscription "15 YIL" (15 Years), standing fro the jubilee of the Independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Along the periphery of the circle, there is an inscription "O'ZBEKISTON RESPUBLIKASI MUSTAQILLIGIGA".

The backside of the Order has the illustration of the State Emblem of the Republic of Uzbekistan; in the lower part in the center there is an inscription "2006".

The images and the inscriptions are embossed. The edges of the Order are skirting banded. The Order is attached to a rectangular ribbon using an eye and a ring. The ribbon is covered by silk sky-blue band 20 millimeters wide.

The Order of "O'zbekiston Respublikasi Mustaqilligiga 15 Yil" is worn on the left side of the chest after the state awards.

FRENCH OFFICIALS COMMENT ON DEATH PENALTY ABOLISHMENT IN UZBEKISTAN

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed Decree "On abolishment of death penalty in the Republic of Uzbekistan" in August 2005. The document envisages abolishment of death penalty in the country from 1 January 2008 and instead of it introduction of a punishment in the form of life imprisonment or long-term deprivation.

Publication in the press of an order by the Uzbek President "On additional measures to prepare legislative and normative-legal acts that are subject to adoption in virtue of abolishment of death penalty in the Republic of Uzbekistan" has once again confirmed that Uzbekistan is moving gradually on the path of legislation humanization, protection of human rights and freedoms, ensuring supremacy of the law.

The measures taken by the Uzbek government to liberalize judicial and legal system have found response of known specialists in the field of law of France, Jahon information agency reported.

The renunciation of death penalty is not only in the legislative-legal, but also in political field of society's activity, and is the most important decision of the government of Uzbekistan, said J-L. Erin, Director of the Department of Legislative Process Scientific Analysis of the French Senate. "Our parliaments should use jointly opportunities for cooperation in this vital issue," he noted.

K.Kuskier, Chief of International Cooperation Department of the French Justice Ministry, welcomes the adoption of this document testifying the reforms pursued in judicial and legal sphere. "This decision is a proof of respect and observance of international norms in the field of human rights. The abolishment of death penalty is important for spiritual life of the society, it vision, and will have an influence on strengthening of the highest value of human life, priority of mercy and tolerance".

"All of us realize that any crime against a person and whole society should be punished," shares his opinion Allen Buana, a member of French Lawyers Community. "It is important to observe the main principle of punishment – reeducation of people who committed crime, helping them in social rehabilitation and adaptation. The abolishment of death penalty is the basic indicator of the country's democracy for most of international organizations, such as UN, OSCE, and EU".

Taking into account that the Decree of the Uzbek President will enter into force in 2008, Buana expressed hope that the country's parliament would announce moratorium for execution of sentences until it comes into effect.

AFGHAN PAPER PRAISES UZBEKISTAN’S DECISION ON CAPITAL PUNISHMENT

The English-language “Daily Outlook Afghanistan” newspaper commented o¬n the resolution by the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov o¬n additional measures to design legislation and other documents to be adopted in line with abolition of death penalty in Uzbekistan.

In its editorial the newspaper named the document “a substantial step forward in reforming the court-legal system, a model worth following for other Central Asian countries”.

“Analysts and experts o¬n Central Asia say that Uzbekistan, which declared independence o¬n August 31, 1991, has come through a long way of development and reforms and is among the developed countries, which have managed to provide favorable conditions for its citizens now. Yet o¬nly for over the fifteen years Uzbekistan has achieved notable success in development of healthcare, public services, energy system, roads and industry. Results are not o¬nly impressive, but also comparable to those of developed countries,” the story says.

Newspaper also underscores that abolition of capital punishment in Uzbekistan was highly assessed by independent political analysts. “Hundreds of people will get a guarantee for life within the framework of this reform,” according to the paper.

The article especially emphasizes that numbers of wide-range discussions and consultations with specialists, lawyers, economists, journalists, scientists, public and representatives of mahalla (neighborhood) preceded the decision to abolish the death penalty.

NEW AMBASSADOR OF SLOVAKIA TO UZBEKISTAN APPOINTED

Slovakia's President Ivan Gasparovic on Wednesday handed over credentials to new Slovakia's ambassador to Uzbekistan Jozef Macisak.

President Gasparovic said he hoped the new ambassador will contribute to improving relations with Uzbekistan, which is interesting from a global political perspective, as well as the European economy.

Slovak head said you are leaving for this country in order to be able to advise Slovakia and navigate our relations with this state.

Jozef Macisak is Slovakia's first Ambassador based in the Uzbek capital, Tashkent. He is also accredited for neighbouring Tadjikistan and Turkmenistan. "Co-operation in the field of trade and commerce will dominate our bilateral relations," said Macisak.

ECONOMICS

BRITISH CENTRE HOST CONFERENCE ON CENTRAL ASIA'S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Centre for Euro-Asian Studies of Reading University hosted a conference "Beyond Transition: Emerging Economies in the Global World", which discussed development of Central Asia, Caucasus and Eastern Europe.

Delegates and participants included researchers (Centre for Global Energy Studies, Climate Change and Energy Group), academics (University of Leeds, Lancaster University, Liverpool Hope University, Adelaide University, University of Ulster, Huddersfield University, Southampton University, Istanbul Bilgi University), students (Herriot Watt University, Oxford University), diplomats (Britain, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Turkmenistan) as well as senior managers for the private (Burren, BP, Shell, Foster and Wheeler) and the public sector (EBRD, World Bank, European Commission, Foreign and Commonwealth Office).

The four panels covered a range of areas including emerging economies beyond transition; banking and financial instruments for managing emerging economies; emerging business, operating companies, global world; and sustainable development in emerging economies, the web site of the centre said.

The reports were dedicated to economic reforms in post-Soviet states, mainly Central Asian countries.

Professor of Adelaide University (Australia) Richard Pomfret compared economic development models of Central Asian states and noted successful socially directed course of Uzbekistan, which stabilized economic situation and continued development of economy in mid 1990s.

He said Uzbekistan developed the best strategy of economic development in transition period. The scientist said he treats guardedly economic growth in Kazakhstan as "oil boom can effect negative economy in long-term period".

Commenting high economic growth in Tajikistan, Pomfret underlined that it is not correct to consider post-conflict rehabilitation as development index. He also noted full and long-term dependency of Kyrgyz Republic from external aid.

The conference noted that reforms in Uzbekistan are carried out gradually and without social shocks, the report said.

Christoph Bluth, professor of Leeds University and editor of Eurasian Research magazine, said in his report "Geopolitics and Central Asia" that after USSR collapse security vacuum appeared in its territory: there was no guarantor in face of USSR army, majority of republics, including Russia, were busy with their internal problems and lived with illusions on new world. He said Uzbekistan was only exception and after independence the country paid great attention to strengthening of its defensive capacity.

Tashkent independently determined advantages in geopolitical balance of forces in the region against its strategic relations with global players, he said. British scientists said Russia considered as main threat and possible guarantor of security by Central Asian states, but now it is clear that terrorism and energy interests consolidated their political positions.

He drew attention to specific of development of interstate relations of the countries in the region and significant attention of Uzbekistan to strengthen regional cooperation and he also noted fast growing Uzbek-Russian relations in various spheres.

International experts noted at the conference geo-strategic significance of Uzbekistan, which becomes centre of influence to transport corridors of energy supply due to its geographic location, the report said.

According to senior analyst of Centre for Global Energy Studies Julian Lee and director of Centre for Euro-Asian Studies Yelena Kalyuzhnova, noted increasing role of state-run energy companies. Lee forecasted further energization of Russian companies in gas market of the region.

BEAUTYEXPO UZBEKISTAN 2006 DEMONSTRATES LATEST PERFUMERY AND COSMETICS

More than 30 companies from 13 countries have presented various products of beauty industry at the Second international specialized exhibition "BeautyExpo Uzbekistan 2006". Uzbek entrepreneurs have exposed their products as well with the purpose of finding potential partners to expand production and increase sale volumes.

Unlike the first exhibition that was held in autumn 2005, the second beauty expo has excelled in the number of participants which grew twice. This is the success of TNT Productions Inc. (USA) which holds the exhibition with assistance of the Association of Business Women of Uzbekistan.

The event is focused mainly on the demonstration of achievements of beauty world, experience exchange, assistance to the development of international cooperation and renewal of the Uzbek consumer market.

"This event is really social," said Zuhra Abdullaeva, Director of Esthetics Academy. "Organization of such events promotes increase of the population's culture level. Our Academy takes an active part in the similar exhibitions of other countries, and we see that expos in beauty industry really help keeping track of global trends and consumer demand".

Visitors of the exhibition could see the quality of products at the scene of the expo. The diverse range of perfumery and cosmetics was on the stands. Most of participants have come to Uzbekistan for the first time.

"Our company started producing decorative cosmetics 25 years ago, we are working in the markets of more than 20 countries, but unfortunately we have not been presented in Central Asia yet," said Anna Rejka, Export Manager of BIM production and trade company of Poland.

"Uzbekistan has rather large population, so the Uzbek consumer market is more interesting for us, than Polish one. We hope that the exhibition will help us find partners, and we will enter the local market soon. Our products are intended for mass market, as we offer cheap cosmetics with good "price-quality" ratio," she noted.

"Results of the exhibition will be seen after its end," said head of export department of Bioton (Ukraine), adding that "despite the company has turned 10, today its products are sold all over the CIS. These are cosmetics from natural components, and the average price is 20-25 cents and more. Of course, the prices can change due to payments for import to Uzbekistan."

A number of joint ventures are operating in Uzbekistan. They produce hygienic and cosmetic products. There are two producers of perfumery and cosmetics – Lola factory and Pallada Vostok which belongs to Russian Kalina concern. But the stands of these enterprises were not presented at the exhibition.

Scientific-production centre of Namangan – Medical Cosmetics – started producing this year cosmetic products using medical herbs. "These products are now sold only in drugstores of Namangan city and Ferghana region. The retail price of our products is lower than of those imported from abroad. We hope to find here partners which would help us increase sale volumes throughout the country," representatives of the centre said.

UzSetGlobal, an Uzbek-US joint venture, manufactures personal hygiene products for skin care. Notably, the raw materials used in the production are fruit of loofah growing in Uzbekistan. Abdurahim Rahmanov, Director General of UzSetGlobal, said the main goal of participation in the exhibition was increase of presence in the Uzbek market, and search for foreign partners.

Beauty industry is one of rapidly growing markets, living in line with "demand-supply" principle. In order to react to this demand, it is necessary to make new proposals to buyers. Uzbek entrepreneurs note that innovations and qualified staff are needed to develop beauty industry. (“Jahon” Information Agency)

SOCIETY

UZBEK SCHOOLS RECEIVE INTERNATIONAL AWARDS

This year five out of 13 schools that participated in the "New Technology at School" Programme were recognized at prestigious web-site contests such as CyberFair and Doors to Diplomacy. Thus, gymnasium No. 1 of the city of Nukus won the silver award. The efforts of the schools No. 1 of the city of Termez, No. 11 of the city of Nukus, No. 12 of the city of Karshi and No. 5 of the city of Namangan were highly appraised. The CyberFair and Doors to Diplomacy Contests attracted over 1 million participants from over 50 countries. Participants built web-sites in English in categories encouraging students to discover their communities.

The students and teachers of the New Technology at School Programme improved their skills through the courses and Interest during the computer classes funded by the Bureau for the Issues of Education and Culture. It is remarkable that Uzbek students are becoming strong competitors in the international online contests.

SUMMER SCHOOL TO PREPARE YOUNG LEADERS

The Youth-Women's division of the National Association of the NGOs of Uzbekistan (NANNOUz) is accepting applications from young people for participation in the Summer School aiming to prepare young leaders of Uzbekistan. The age of the participants should fall within the range of 18-24.

The organizers are planning a large programme: young leaders will learn about the institutes of civil society, develop their leadership skills, learn to work in teams, study information on the national legislation on NGOs and find many new friends.

To participate in the Summer School, interested young people should fill in the application form and submit it before 20 July to the Youth-Women's Division of NANNOUz.