23 August, 2006

Politics
Uzbek leader acquaints with new objects in Tashkent
Uzbek president receives outgoing German envoy
As Independence Day celebrations near Public Center polls citizens
Moroccan minister impressed by the achievements of Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan - country of enormous possibilities, Egyptian politician

Economics
Uzbek president signs resolution to reorganize Uzbekneftegaz
Share of small business in Uzbek GDP makes up over 34%
Agricultural output in Uzbekistan grows by 7.2% year-on-year in 1H
Uzbekistan - third largest buyer of Russian agricultural machinery
Uzbek-Ukraine turnover make up US$276.8m in 1H
AGMK production grows by 74.7% in 1 half 2006
Uzbekistan is on seventh place on mobile users' number in CIS
Spentex completes acquisition of Uzbek spinning firms
Afghanistan for closer trade ties with Uzbekistan - report

Society
312,800 new jobs created in Uzbekistan in Jan-Jun 2006
Ecosan health train with medical aid starts to Khorezm region
Uzbek Health Ministry, UNICEF carry out Vitamin A supplementation national campaign
Bulgarian television team arrives in Uzbekistan
Museum of national applied art to open in Baysun
Belgium Royal Museum Head: "Talented Youth Grown in Uzbekistan"

POLITICS

UZBEK LEADER ACQUAINTS WITH NEW OBJECTS IN TASHKENT

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov familiarized with newly constructed objects in Tashkent on 22 August 2006.

The leader of the country familiarized with the work accomplished on last sector of big ring road in Tashkent. 49-meter overpass constructed on a large crossroads of Usman Nasir street and leading to Sergeli dictrict, Kuylyuk and Hippodrome and new six-kilometer road running on the territory of Erkin settlement, have connected big ring road of Tashkent.

Islam Karimov familiarized with big transport unit constructed in the place of crossing the streets of Drujba Narodov and parts of small ring road, which running on territory of Chilanzar district. This unit is constructed by workers of Uzavtoyol joint-stock company.

Within the last ten years the number of vehicles has three times increased. It testifies the growth of standard of living of people, and prosperity of country and people from year to year.

On the eve of Independence Day a family polyclinic No. 8, modern sports complex were launched in Sakkokiy street of Uchtepa district.

"We build family clinics," - said President I.Karimov, - "such light, well arranged, medical establishments to promote the achievement of noble purpose - education of harmoniously developed generation. However before the construction of such objects it is necessary to study the population of corresponding territory, to consider their needs. In particular, it is necessary to study carefully, how many older people, women and children line in particular place, and what medical aid they need. All should be carefully studied. It is expedient, that the activity of family clinics, their equipment by necessary equipment, attraction of doctors of the certain specialty – the whole process is based on exact data."

Islam Karimov familiarized with the conditions created in the clinic, and spoke to doctors. The head of the country has assessed performances of children, engaged in single combat Turon.

UZBEK PRESIDENT RECEIVES OUTGOING GERMAN ENVOY

Uzbek President Islam Karimov received the German ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary to Uzbekistan, Hans Joachim Kiderlen, at the presidential residence Oqsaroy on 22 August. The meeting was organized in request of German envoy in connection with end of his diplomatic mission in Uzbekistan.

During the meeting, President Islam Karimov stressed that during his work in Uzbekistan the German ambassador effectively worked for the sake of cooperation between the two countries, and greatly contributed to the development of relations between the two countries.

At the same time, the Uzbek leader expressed the hope that Hans Joachim Kiderlen, no matter where he works in the future, would do his utmost to contribute to the development of partnership, which is equally necessary for both sides. In his turn, Hans Joachim Kiderlen, who worked in Uzbekistan from 2004, expressed gratitude for warm receipt and said he is satisfied with his contribution to development of the Uzbek-German ties.

AS INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS NEAR PUBLIC CENTER POLLS CITIZENS

At the threshold of forthcoming national holiday "Ijtimoiy Fikr" Public Poll Center has conducted a survey among the local population. The purpose was to reveal how Uzbek citizens assess the path traversed for over the fifteen years of independence, their attitude to key political, legal and social institutions of the state.

Comparison with the previous year results showed that the positive assessment of the historically important period for Uzbekistan and its successes reflected by the majority of population differs with vividly expressed positive dynamics.

As o¬ne of the main achievements of independence the citizens of Uzbekistan highlight the preservation of peace and stability in the country. No less important they consider the international acknowledgement of the country, peace among various nationalities and confessions, creation of basics of democratic legal state, conducting of strong socially oriented policies, and establishing market relations.

According to the public poll opinion, the government of Uzbekistan applies sufficient efforts for increasing life standards of population, the development of economy and social sphere, which bear considerable results. 86% of respondents are confident that Uzbekistan for over the years of independence has strengthened economically, financially, politically and spiritually, capable of addressing its internal problems independently.

More than half of the questioned (55.4%) believe that the economic reforms now carried out in the country are implemented at normal pace. Stable demand in accelerated reforming of economy prevails among those, who are employed in non-governmental organizations, entrepreneurs and farmers. The research has revealed that the majority of Uzbek population is convinced that all social, political, and economic transformations are conducted for the sake of people, and promote the resolution of social problems.

The poll confirms the growth of population support of democratic ideals and values, which is the evidence of the support of the country’s leader Islam Karimov’s course along the path to build the democratic legal state.

Main reasons threatening the security of the country, its independence, according to the absolute majority, are terrorism and religious extremism. 90% of the respondents are sure that the existing level of defense capability in the country now undoubtedly allows reliably ensure the security and territorial wholeness of our independent republic.

Public poll approves the foreign policy course of Uzbekistan. The population supports the development of mutually beneficial relations with Russia, China, countries of European Union, Central Asian region and other countries in economic, humanitarian spheres, as well as in the struggle against religious extremism and international terrorism.

Analysis of the poll results shows that the idea of independence of country is strongly positioned in consciousness of population and is becoming predominant. The state of public poll is full of social optimism and faith in future.

Stability, peace and emotional growth are dominating in people's mood. 89,7% of citizens more or less are satisfied with their lives.

Sociological research has proved again that citizens of Uzbekistan highly appreciate the work of Islam Karimov as a head of the state, which is the evidence of support of President's course of political and economic reforms by absolute majority in the country. Most of the people of Uzbekistan see in the President the main guarantor of preservation of peace and stability in the country, as well as strengthening its independence.

MOROCCAN MINISTER IMPRESSED BY THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF UZBEKISTAN

The visit of the delegation of the Kingdom of Morocco led by its Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries, Muhammad Lanser, to Uzbekistan came to the end on 22 August.

"First of all, let me congratulate heartily and warmly the Uzbek people on behalf of His Excellency King of Morocco Muhammad VI on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of independence of Uzbekistan", said Lanser in interview with Jahon news agency before departure to Morocco.

"We sincerely wish to give impulse to the development of bilateral cooperation with Uzbekistan. I was afforded the honour of being received by the Uzbek President Islam Karimov. During the talks we exchanged opinions on various issues. I'm impressed by his foresight, clear understanding of the essence of regional and international problems", the Moroccan minister noted.

Lanser emphasized the confidence of the President Islam Karimov in the correctness of the path chosen by Uzbekistan, which is directed on building strong democratic state. "We discussed in detail the opportunities of collaboration in deed of fight against terrorism and religious extremism. I support the Uzbek leader's determination to put an end to this modern evil", he said.

Moroccan official noted that "positions and views of the leaders of the two countries on many aspects of international policy are very close, and this is a good basis for the enhancement of our cooperation".

"In some western countries Islam is associated with ignorance, extremism, terrorism, and these countries are making big mistake. Both Uzbekistan and Morocco historically cultivate an enlightened and tolerant Islam that unites people, makes society richer spiritually", Lanser noted.

"15 years is historically a very short period for the nation and the country. The large-scale reforms pursued in Uzbekistan, and achievements in spiritual, intellectual, economic spheres sincerely impress us. The results of state strategy aimed at revival of spiritual and cultural values of the Uzbek people enrapture as well", he emphasized.

"The business part of my visit was successful. The negotiations in ministries of foreign affairs, agriculture and water management were fruitful. We set main directions of future partnership, determined documents to be signed for creation of a solid legal base of the cooperation. I hope that it will be realized soon," Muhammad Lanser concluded.

UZBEKISTAN - COUNTRY OF ENORMOUS POSSIBILITIES, EGYPTIAN POLITICIAN

It is a great pleasure for me to congratulate the president Islam Karimov and the entire people of friendly Uzbekistan with the forthcoming holiday - the 15th anniversary of the country's independence.

Old historical, scientific and cultural ties connect the peoples of Egypt and Uzbekistan. Both our peoples revered such distinguished scientists and thinkers as Imam al-Bukhari, Ibn Sina, Ahmad al-Farghoni.

As an observer I participated in the parliamentary elections, which was held in Uzbekistan in December, 2004 and I can confirm that they were held overtly and liberally, they completely corresponded to all democratic requirements.

Likewise, I had an opportunity again to be convinced of the fact that within 15 years your country achieved splendid results in the social and economic sphere.

Egyptians observe with great interest democratic changes and economic reforms being carried out in your country. We consider Uzbekistan as a country with enormous potential for cooperation. For this very reason I always call all my compatriots to develop friendly relations with Uzbekistani peoples.

Taking the opportunity, I want to congratulate again the Uzbek people with the forthcoming great holiday and to wish them peace, prosperity and new successes.

Ahmad Valiy,

a member of the Council for foreign policy of Egypt

ECONOMICS

UZBEK PRESIDENT SIGNS RESOLUTION TO REORGANIZE UZBEKNEFTEGAZ

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed a resolution to re-organize Uzbekneftegaz (Uzbek oil and gas) national holding company on 21 August.

The resolution "On measures on improvement of organizational activity of Uzbekneftegaz national holding company" aimed at formation of effective system on management of oil and gas complex, ensure coordinated work of enterprises in all levels of production and attraction of foreign investment.

The document approved reorganization o several companies of oil and gas sector. In particular, Uzgeoburneftegazdobicha will be re-organized into Uzgeoburneftegaz (Uzbek oil and gas drilling) and Uzneftegazdobicha (Uzbek oil and gas mining).

The resolution ordered to create Uzneftegazstroyinvest (Uzbek oil and gas contraction and investment). Shortan gas-chemical complex will be transferred to structure of Uzneftegazdobichas.

Ustyurt geophysical expedition, Amirabad geophysical expedition, Ferghana geophysical expedition, Bukhara geophysical expedition and Yakkabag geophysical expedition will join Uzbekgeofizika.

The document said Avtogaz will be reorganized into Avtogazsbit through merger to Uztransgaz.

The resolution approved decision on creation of Managers' Council of Uzbekneftegaz and change function of board of Uzbekneftegaz.

The Managers' Council will carry out general management of Uzbekneftegaz, determine strategy and perspective of development, develop tasks of the companies of the holding.

The board or executive office will be working body of the Managers' Council and ensure implementation of decisions of the council. Chairman of the board will also hold post of the deputy chairman of Managers' Council, the document said.

The resolution set that Uzgeoburneftegaz, Uzneftegazdobicha, Uznefteprodukt, Uztransgaz, Uzneftegazstroyinvest and Uzneftegazmash are subsidiaries of Uzbekneftegaz in form of legal entities and they have right to manage property and have own balance.

The presidential resolution exempted Uzbekneftegaz, Uzgeoburneftegaz, Uzneftegazdobicha, Uznefteprodukt, Uztransgaz and Uzneftegaztroyinvest, Uzbekgeofizika and Andijanneft from payment of fee for registration of prospectuses of emission.

SHARE OF SMALL BUSINESS IN UZBEK GDP MAKES UP OVER 34%

The number of registered entrepreneurs in Uzbekistan increased nearly 1.2 times year-on-year in January-June 2006, State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan reported.

This growth was achieved mainly thanks to the measures on sharp reduction of the number of inspections, introduction of judicial mechanism of sanctioning, decrease of financial and time costs of business for registration procedure, statistical and financial reporting, notary legalization of deals, registration of industrial samples, trade marks and selection sorts, etc.

The volumes of credits issued by commercial banks to small businesses due to all financing sources made up 240 billion soums, or 12% more than in the first half of 2005. The sum of credits given to small business entities for formation of starting capital rose by 20% as of 1 July 2006 and comprised 12.1 billion soums.

As a result, the share of working enterprises of small business increased from 85.6% to 90.1%, while the share of small business in the Uzbek gross domestic product made up 34.1% (3.2% up against January-June 2005). Some 196,000 new work places were created in the sphere of small business and private entrepreneurship.

AGRICULTURAL OUTPUT IN UZBEKISTAN GROWS BY 7.2% YEAR-ON-YEAR IN 1HALF 2006

The growth of the gross agricultural output made up 107.2% in the first half of 2006 against the same period of the previous year, State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan said.

Production volumes increased for wheat (125.5%), potatoes (107.4%), vegetables (114.2%), fruit and berries (135.2%), melons and gourds (141.7%), grapes (141.3%), milk (105.6%), meat (106.6%), and eggs (106.6%).

As a part of the measures to develop farm business, the total of 56,000 new farms were created on the base of the former 445 collective farms. The aggregate number of farms functioning on the territory of Uzbekistan totaled 181,700 as of 1 July 2006. On average, one farm owns 26.1 hectares of land.

During the reporting period, 219 specialised fruit, vegetable and wine growing agricultural cooperatives (collective farms) were fully reorganized into 39,000 farms. The land taken up by these farms makes up 319,200 hectares.

As a result of measures to create favourable conditions for the organization of the activity of agricultural enterprises specialized in the production and intensive processing of fruit, vegetables and grapes, collective farms were reorganized into 197 agricultural companies now owned by farms, processing companies and other business entities.

UZBEKISTAN - THIRD LARGEST BUYER OF RUSSIAN AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY

Uzbekistan, Ukraine and Kazakhstan are the main buyers of Russian agricultural machinery. Their shares in the total volume of Russian export are 37.3%, 31.3% and 18.9% correspondingly, press release of the Agricultural Technology and Equipment Producers' Union says.

Moreover, SoyuzAgroMash (Agricultural Machinery Producers Union) said that in January-June 2006, Russia produced 4,648 harvesters, which made up 92.9% of the January-June 2005 result (5,004 pieces).

Tractor production for the reporting period totaled 5,069 (down 0.5% from 5,096). The largest number of tractors was produced by Vladimir Motor-Tractor Plant (1,292 pieces).

During the first six months of the year, Russian producers of agricultural machinery produced: 481 ploughs (50.2% of the previous year results), 634 balers (132.4%), 3,629 tractor cultivators (77.8%), 2,899 seeders (76.1%), and 1,300 mowing machines (111.5%).

UZBEK-UKRAINE TURNOVER MAKE UP US$276.8M IN 1HALF 2006

Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Ukraine rose by 63.1% year-on-year in January-June 2006 to US$276.8 million, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to Uzbekistan Vycheslav Pohvalskiy said in press conference on 21 August.

Speaking at the press conference dedicated to Independence Day of Ukraine [24 August], Pohvalskiy said Uzbek exports to Ukraine increased five times in the first half of 2006. Overall, trade turnover between two states was US$330 million in 2005.

Ukrainian envoy said Ukraine is interested in Uzbek gas and hopes it will receive 3 billion cubic metres of gas from Uzbekistan this year. He said Ukraine is depended on energy and it uses six times more energy to produce one unit of product compared to Germany.

AGMK PRODUCTION GROWS BY 74.7% IN 1 HALF 2006

In January- June 2006, the opened joint stock company Almalyk Mining and Smelting integrated works' [AGMK] output volume grows by 74.7% in money terms in comparison with the first six months of last year and was 462.8 billions soums, the AMMIW's site reports referring to the first deputy chairman of the AMMIW's administration, Sergey Dabizh, which briefed the basic work indices of Uzbekistan's giant nonferrous metallurgy in the first six months of this year.

According to him, the AMMIW's export turnover grew by 63.8%, and last year, in comparison with 2004 it grew by 32.8 % and reached US$308.9 million, which, in turn was 44% more in comparison with the forecast indices.

The total volume of production in the AMMIW increased by a factor of 1.6 in 2005 in comparison with 2004 and was 581.6 billions soums. In particular, the AMMIW's copper production rate in kind was 110.9 %, silver – 103.6 %, gold – 103.9 %. in the first half-year of this year combine carried out plan with respect to the output of commodity product for 101,5%. Thus, the volume of output of copper was 100.7%, gold – 101.9%, silver – 104.8%, sulfuric acid – 116.4%, copper sulfate – 106.9%.

In January- June 2006m the AMMIW envisaged to channel investment into the construction of its facilities to the tune of 25.5 billion soums, actually it made investment in the amount of 25.7 billions soums, Dabizha noted.

On the results of 2005, AMMIW shareholders' simple shares were accrued dividends from calculation by 6.26% of annual from the nominal value, and of those privileged shares - 30%.

The AMMIW is a solitary copper producer in Uzbekistan with the right of developing the layers of copper-molybdenum and lead-zinc ores. About 90% production of silver and 20% of gold in the republic falls to the lot of the AMMIW.

UZBEKISTAN IS ON SEVENTH PLACE ON MOBILE USERS' NUMBER IN CIS

Uzbekistan is on the seventh place on number of mobile users among the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

According to CIS Statistic Committee, Russia leads on number of mobile subscribers' base in CIS with 140.3 million users and it is followed by Ukraine (35.9 million) and Kazakhstan (6.6 million).

Belarus has some five million users, while 2.9 million people use service of mobile companies in Azerbaijan. Georgia has 1.9 million mobile users and Uzbekistan has 1.7 million users. Moldavian companies serve 1.2 people in the country.

SPENTEX COMPLETES ACQUISITION OF UZBEK SPINNING FIRMS

Spentex Industries Ltd, Indian textile firm, said on Monday, 21 August, it has completed the acquisition of Uzbek spinning firm Tashkent To'ytepa Tekstil for nearly US$81 million, making the company India's largest spinning enterprise.

In a filing on the Bombay Stock Exchange the company said the buyout, which was completed on Sunday, would catapult the company as the country's biggest yarn manufacturer with an installed capacity of over 570,000 spindles.

Spentex said it was funding the acquisition through a combination of internal accruals, equity funding by CitiGroup in the special purpose vehicle set up in Netherlands and borrowings from ICICI Bank.

The transaction comprises acquisition of two manufacturing facilities in the cities of Tashkent and To'ytepa. These plants are the largest yarn manufacturing facilities in Central Asia with a combined installed capacity of 220,000 spindles and a weaving capacity of 236 air jet looms, Spentex said.

The purchase happened under the privatisation programme of the government of Uzbekistan and Spentex would get a number of incentives including 15% discount on raw cotton apart from exemption on corporate taxes, customs duty and value added tax.

AFGHANISTAN FOR CLOSER TRADE TIES WITH UZBEKISTAN - REPORT

Chairman of the Afghanistan International Chamber of Commerce (AICC) Azarakhsh Hafizi has stressed the need for boosting trade ties between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, Pajhwok Afghan News reported.

He was addressing a meeting comprising representatives of private sectors of the two countries. The meeting was also attended by officials of Uzbek embassy in Kabul.

Hafizi said although trade and business between the two countries was limited, there was great scope for enhancing the trade ties. In this connection, the AICC chief referred to the vast natural resources, advanced industry and quality production in Uzbekistan. Hafizi said Uzbekistan was one of the developed countries in term of industry and Afghanistan could use its experience in strengthening its own industrial sector.

Referring to the development of infrastructure in Afghanistan over the past four years, Hafizi promised his country would facilitate Uzbek businessmen to come and invest in various private sectors here.

On this occasion, officials of the Uzbek embassy presented a report about achievements of their country in the business sector. Uzbekistan has 137-kilometere border with Afghanistan.

SOCIETY

312,800 NEW JOBS CREATED IN UZBEKISTAN IN JAN-JUN 2006

The total of 312,800 new jobs were created as a result of the measures taken in the framework of the regional programmes on raising employment of the population and supporting and developing enterprise and competition.

Government's active efforts rose population's employment by 2.8%, State Statistics Committee of Uzbekistan said.

As a result of measures on the development of different forms of home-based labour, including the encouragement of cooperation between home-base workers and large industrial companies, 78,300 jobs were created in the sphere of home-based labour (118.6%). During the first half of this year, the real income per capita has grown by almost 17%.

As a result of the integration of the system of reward and financial stimulation of teachers and medical workers, the tariff rate for teachers has on average increased 1.3 times, for medical workers 1.4 times. The total of 33.7 billion soums was issued from the government budget for this purpose. Moreover, during the reporting period, government's social support was provided to 275,400 needy families with children and 48,700 indigent families. 71,800 women were issued allowances to care after children under the age of 2.

ECOSAN HEALTH TRAIN WITH MEDICAL AID STARTS TO KHOREZM REGION

In accordance with a decision by the president of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On the programme of "The year of Charity and Medical Workers", the programme aimed at expanding medical service and providing medical and preventive and humanitarian assistance to the population in distant and ecologically unfavourable regions envisages to send the Ecosan health trains and road trains. With a view to resolve these tasks, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan approved measures of the second stage of the Days of ecology and health.

As a part of the implementation of these measures, the sequential Ecosan health train was sent on 21 August to Khorezm Region with over 80 millions soums-worth humanitarian cargo. The organizers of the action – the Ecosan international organization and the State Joint-Stock Railway Company Uzbekiston Temir Yollari.

The train's humanitarian cargo comprises medical instruments and equipment, patients-care items, disinfecting and cleaning agents, health and hygiene equipment, clothing, foot-wear, complete sets of bed linen and other consumer goods. The cargo will be handed over to the Regional commission for the distribution of humanitarian assistance to medical, children's establishments, houses of charity and other social facilities of the Region, and as well as to lower-income families and the needy part of the population.

Since the beginning of the current year, 13 Ecosan health trains with over 800 millions soums-worth humanitarian cargo have been sent to different regions of the republic.

UZBEK HEALTH MINISTRY, UNICEF CARRY OUT VITAMIN A SUPPLEMENTATION NATIONAL CAMPAIGN

The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan jointly with the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) is carrying out the seventh round of the Vitamin A supplementation national campaign for the children at the age of six months - five years.

Between 21-27 August 2006 over 2800 institutions of the primary health care (SVP, out-patients departments, children's polyclinics) in all regions of the Republic, in Tashkent and in the Republic of Karakalpakstan will take part in the mass campaign for strengthening of health of more than 2,000,000 children at the age of six months - five years. The campaign under the "Healthy Child Week" motto is carried out two times a year in February and August and is the seventh one for the last four years. During this week the parents having children at the age of 6 months - 5 years will be invited by medical workers to SVPs and municipal polyclinics and will be provided with Vitamin A. Vitamin A deficiency weakens immunity resulting in stunting and development retardation, increase in risk of blindness and becoming infected particularly for early age children.

Along with the vitamin A supplementation, the "Healthy Child Week" will also be marked with massive awareness campaigns on exclusive breastfeeding and advantages of consumption of fortified flour and bread.

Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) is one of the most important problems of population health in many countries of the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) to date about 275 million people in the world are anemic, and 250,000 – 500,000 people fail eyesight due to VAD. Children in their first five years and childbearing age women are the most vulnerable to this disease.

Every year in the world 140 million of preschool age children and seven million pregnant women suffer from VAD, while 4.4 million children and 6.2 million women suffer from xerophthalmia and 1.2-3 million children die of VAD.

Population of more than 110 countries of the world suffers from Vitamin A deficiency. This problem is also urgent in Uzbekistan. Studies conducted in 1994 in the Republic of Karakalpakstan showed that 40-60% of children suffered from medium and severe VAD, while medical survey on Vitamin A (retinol) in children under five ears of age conducted in Ferghana region in 2002 showed that nine per cent of children of this region suffered from severe VAD, 45% of children had medium-severe VAD and 37% of children had mild VAD. Vitamin A deficiency was not detected only in nine per cent of children of this region.

Uzbekistan has been sequentially implementing the programs on prevention of micronutrient deficiency. The most optimal solution for this problem is comprehensive approach that includes short-term approach (supplementation of diet with microelements and vitamins (non-medication method), medium-term approach (fortification of flour, bread, salt, oil with iron, iodine, zinc, folic acid, Vitamins A and B) and long-term approach (change in dietary habits, balanced diet).

BULGARIAN TELEVISION TEAM ARRIVES IN UZBEKISTAN

Bulgarian television team arrived in Uzbekistan on 21 August. The group has already made several videos about the points of interest in Tashkent, such as the exhibition of the archaeological findings of Uzbekistan Art Expedition and Toharistan Expedition of the Institute of Art Studies of the Arts Academy of Uzbekistan dedicated to Alexander the Great.

The exhibition includes the coins of the great military leader borrowed from the collection of the Art Gallery of the National Bank of Uzbekistan for Foreign Economic Activity and some of the rarities of the State History Museum of Uzbekistan.

Along with this, the team of Bulgarian television has visited the madrasah of Kukeldash (16 century) and Tashkent Islamic University, walked along the narrow roads of the old city block (19th century) and been to the craftsmen's workshops in Tashkent. Today the group has left for Samarkand. It is also planning to take a trip to Bukhara and then upon return continue familisarizing with the capital of Uzbekistan.

The group includes famous Bulgarian travelers: Plamen Petkov, a journalist of the "Novini i aktualni predavanija" (News and Topical Broadcasts) bTV and Balkan News Corporation; Krasimir Mihailov, famous cameramen of the bTV "Novosti", who has shot videos in many countries of the world; and assistant cameramen Dimitor Kochunski. "We shoot videos for the films about the history of Bulgarians and other plots which may be of interest to tourists," said Plamen Petkov. "We have been traveling for two months now. We are traveling by car. First we crossed Rumania, Moldova, Ukraine, a part of Russia (through Moscow up to the river Volga), where the state of Volga Bulgaria existed in the medieval times. We then continued on our trip to Siberia and Altai Territory. Then to Kazakhstan – we have been to Pavlodar, Astana and Almaty. So now we have arrived in the sunny and hospitable Uzbekistan. We hope that here, at the heart of Central Asia and the Great Silk Road, we will find and capture a lot of interesting things for our audience," he said.

MUSEUM OF NATIONAL APPLIED ART TO OPEN IN BAYSUN

A unique Museum of national applied art will open in Baysun district of Surkhandarya region by 1 September, Culture and Sports Minister of Uzbekistan Rustam Kurbanov told a press conference in Tashkent on 18 August.

Baysun was included in the list of oral and non-material heritage of the humanity in 2002 due to efforts of the government, the National commission for UNESCO affairs and the UNESCO office in Uzbekistan.

One of the major projects in the framework of these activities was opening of the Center for revival of artistic craft in Baysun this May. Now, the Museum of national applied art will open in the same building, UzA reported.

The main idea of the museum is that many masterpieces of local craftsmen were until now unknown to general public. One of the reasons is that they are almost not represented in other museums of Uzbekistan.

Opening of the museum is of a great importance for preservation of the richest cultural heritage of the region, head of UNESCO office in Uzbekistan Michael Barry Lane said.

BELGIUM ROYAL MUSEUM HEAD: ‘TALENTED YOUTH GROWN IN UZBEKISTAN’

Recently the Director General of the Royal Museum of Arts and History of Belgium, honorary doctor of Science and Research Institute of Art Studies of Uzbekistan at the Uzbek Academy of Arts Ms. Anne Cahen-Delhaye visited Uzbekistan.

In an interview with Pravda Vostoka newspaper Ms. Anne Cahen-Delhaye said: “I visiting Uzbekistan for the first time. And have had an opportunity to personally get acquainted with a wonderful country and its hospitable people. Five days of my stay here have made o¬ne of the brightest and unforgettable impressions in my life.

I had a lot of interesting meetings, acquaintances and tours. Having been to opening of the festival “Navkiron O’zbekiston - 2006” (‘Young Uzbekistan’) and seen the works displayed at its exhibition, I have realized that the Uzbek art can go equal at various expos in Europe and throughout the world.

And you can be proud of not o¬nly your own history and richest cultural heritage, but also latest achievements in modern art. You grow the talented generation of young masters.

With all of my heart I congratulate the people of Uzbekistan o¬n the 15th anniversary of independence!

I want you know that most of the European figures of science, culture and art highly value your achievements for over the period of sovereign development.