6 September, 2006

Politics
Uzbek leader satisfies from his return visit to Kazakhstan
Uzbek president's book presented in Washington

Economics
Textile Expo Uzbekistan 2006 opens in Tashkent
UNDP, Chamber of Commerce enter new phase of cooperation
Moskovia Airline offers new route from Domodedovo Airport

Society
UNESCO chief to visit Uzbekistan
Tashkent round table to view media's role in raising public awareness
Asian Tennis Championship starts in Tashkent

POLITICS

UZBEK LEADER SATISFIES FROM HIS VISIT TO KAZAKHSTAN

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov within his state visit on 4 September met the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev. During the restricted and expanded-format talks an entire spectrum of issues dealing with bilateral cooperation was discussed.

“I hail your first state visit to our country at my invitation. Kazakhstan attaches great significance to the development of relations with Uzbekistan, and we are ready for wide cooperation in all branches of the economy and policy for the welfare of our states. A very active increase in the economies of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan makes it possible to say about the fact that in the near future we will be able to double the commodity turnover”, the President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev said, opening the expanded-format talks.

"Permit me sincerely thank our Kazakhstan friends, you personally, Nursultan Abishevich, for the exceptionally cordial and warm reception, given to us on the hospitable earth of Kazakhstan," the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov said. "We consider this visit as the logical continuation of that dialogue, which we began in March this year during the visit of the president of Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan highly evaluates those possibilities, which open the deepening of bilateral cooperation. Uzbekistan is completely opened to develop relations with Kazakhstan. Our each submit acquires sign nature and it is very warmly greeted on Uzbekistan earth. The people of Kazakhstan are meeting the delegation of Uzbekistan with great enthusiasm and open heart. I was so impressed by these facts that I am prepared for positively resolving any issue. During the restrict-attendance talks we discussed practically all issues. And we reached those results on those issues, which meet the interests of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. I am sincerely glad about your proposal to double the trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan within the next few years. But the most important thing is that we should determine the priorities of our relations, which would make it possible to concentrate of the possibility of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on these priorities. The people in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have thirst for one fact that there would be more opportunities for relations. It is necessary that formal limitations, preventing the people from intercommunicating would be as less as possible."

As a result of these talks, the leaders of the two states signed joint statement on further development of friendship, partnership and cooperation between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan and the Regulation on the Intergovernmental Coordination Council under the auspices of the Presidents of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Uzbekistan. In the presence of the heads of the two states, the Programme of economic cooperation between the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Republic of Uzbekistan for 2006-2010; the Programme of cooperation between the government of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the government of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the in the realm of culture and humanitarian sphere for 2006-2008; the Agreement between the government of the Republic Kazakhstan and the government of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the mutual protection of secret information; the Protocol to the Agreement between the government of the Republic Kazakhstan and the government of the Republic of Uzbekistan on border checkpoints through Kazakhstan - Uzbekistan state border of 16 November 2001; the Agreement between the Defence Ministry of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Defence Ministry of the Republic of Uzbekistan on cooperation in the realm of flight safety of state aircraft; the Agreement between the Ministry of Tourism and Sport of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the National Company Uzbektourism of the Republic of Uzbekistan on cooperation in the sphere of tourism; the Program of cooperation between the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan were signed.

On the completion of the ceremony of the signing of bilateral documents a joint news conference of the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbaev and the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov was held.

"I would like to note the fact with the satisfaction that the year 2006 became breaking-through in the development of Kazakhstan- Uzbekistan relations along the wide spectrum of trends. In short time after my state visit to Uzbekistan our peoples saw the results of work on specific issues. In this time the parties implemented a number of projects, including the opening of the representation of the Development Bank of Kazakhstan in Tashkent, the renewal of the railway communication along the route of Almaty-Tashkent-Nukus, an increase in the frequency of Almaty-Tashkent-Almaty air trips up to seven flights a week. It is planned that the railway communication Tashkent-Astana-Tashkent will be launched next year. Mutual trade turnover grew by 27% this year and exceeded US$700 million. We set the task to double our trade-economic relations within the next few years," Nursultan Nazarbaev noted at the news conference.

"I would like to express my deep satisfaction from the results of the talks, the exchange of opinions and the documents signed today. In the confidence, open atmosphere, inherent in Kazakhstan - Uzbek relations, we thoroughly discussed and analyzed the state and prospects for bilateral cooperation in the context of the understandings, which were achieved in the Tashkent summit in March the current year. We exchanged our opinions on the ensuring of security in Central Asia, fights against challenges, which threaten the interests of our countries. A number of important documents, signed today, open the new prospects for bilateral relations," Islam Karimov emphasized. (UzReport.com)

UZBEK PRESIDENT'S BOOK PRESENTED IN WASHINGTON

A briefing, dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the independence of our country, has taken place in the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Washington. As a part of the briefing, a book by President Islam Karimov "Uzbekistan will never be dependable and will not be dependant from anybody", published in English was presented.

The briefing was attended by the representatives of the State Department, Pentagon, the Congress, US leading research centres, information agencies and public organizations. The ambassador of Uzbekistan to the USA, Abdulaziz Kamilov, delivered an opening address before the audience. Presenting the book by President Islam Karimov "Uzbekistan will never be dependable and will not be dependant from anybody", he stated that despite the complicated secure environment, Uzbekistan had defended and henceforth will defend its independence, democratic and secular path of development. He described about the successes, achieved by Uzbekistan in the economic and political development, the democratic renovation of society.

Having addressed at the briefing, the leader of the Institute of Central Asia and Caucasus, Professor F. Starr emphasized that Uzbekistan always played a leading role in ensuring regional security and stability in Central Asia. From its first years of independence Uzbekistan bore responsibility for the entire region.

The country already then encountered the destructive influence of the kindled conflicts in Tajikistan and Afghanistan. On its frontiers Uzbekistan was forced to resist the scale flow of weapon and drugs, the expansion of the ideology of religious extremism, scientist emphasized.

The briefing noted that precisely the President of Uzbekistan took the initiative to implement the formula of constructive dialogue on Afghanistan within the framework of the group six plus two. This drew serious attention to the world community to the most dangerous centre of international terrorism. President Islam Karimov also submitted a proposal to the United Nations for its consideration on the creation of a zone, free from nuclear weapons, in Central Asia, which will be very soon implemented. The executive director of the American-Uzbek Chamber of Commerce, B. Pace noted that US business circles preserve great interest in the economic potential of the republic. Meanwhile, he particularly emphasized that the representatives of American business could not forget the meeting with President Islam Karimov, which was held in New York in 2000, during the work of the UN summit, dedicated to the new millennium. Then, even before the events of 11 September, 2001, the president of Uzbekistan warned American businessmen about the global nature of threats of international terrorism, about the destructive consequences of ignoring of the continuous crisis in Afghanistan by the international community. It is now important not to repeat the errors of the past, B. Pace emphasized, and to listen to Uzbekistan's opinion concerning the stepping-up of extremist groups in Central Asia.

An international correspondent of the agency UPI, a well-known expert on terrorism issues, J. Daily noted that Uzbekistan is a state, which restrains the expansion of extremist ideology and terrorism into the region. If the world community does not support Uzbekistan in its combating terrorism, he said, the entire Central Asia will prove to be under the threat of destabilization.

J. Daily criticized George Bush administration policy, which "could not understand that what actually had occurred in Andizhan". According to him, video materials, presented by the government of Uzbekistan about Andizhan events, clearly demonstrate that a well-planned act of terrorism occurred there, which was accompanied by the armed attack on the state authorities' bodies of the republic.

J. Daily also noted that the Muslim world actively supports the position of the president of Uzbekistan regarding the fight against religious extremism. According to him, only two weeks after the events in Andizhan, the chief imam of Egypt, Sheikh Al -Azar Muhammad Tantavi stated that "If the extremists' plans would have been implemented, then this would have thrown the Islamic world away to several ages-long back". The journalist emphasized that by the West's incomprehension on the true role of such extremist organizations as "Hizb-ut Tahrir" and "Akromiya" is unpardonable.

The international correspondent of UPI noted that in many respects the western press and the human rights organizations played a provocative role in distorting the nature and the performance of events in Andizhan, who had attempted "not to report the truth, but it was nothing more than earning political scores". He also called on the USA to renounce "the forceful implantation" of democracy. According to him, "the (US) administration, which has Abu Ghraib (prison in Iraq) behind itself, does not have the moral right to teach others universal values". He stated in conclusion that if "Washington actually attempts to put an end to international terrorism, and then the partnership with Uzbekistan must be restored".

The President of the American association for Central-Asian states, B. Pincus highly estimated President Islam Karimov's contribution to the ensuring of security and stability in Central Asia. Specifically, thanks to his efforts inter-religious and inter-ethnic agreement is prevailing in Uzbekistan.

“As any other state, surviving transition period, Uzbekistan is experiencing difficulties and problems. The resolving of the current issues does not always give expected result. However, we must not forget that in virtue of objective reasons Uzbekistan could not take for the armament "pattern" ways of development, it needed the model of reformation adapted to the local specific conditions”, he said.

B. Pincus stated that in favour of "democratic fundamentalism" the USA must not reject the cooperation with Uzbekistan in the sphere of safeguarding regional security.

“Democracy can be established only by evolutionary way. Revolutions in the region are unacceptable and it is very dangerous”, he emphasized.

Participants in the briefing conveyed warm words of congratulations and sincere wishes to President Islam Karimov and to the people of Uzbekistan in connection with the 15th anniversary of the proclamation of the independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

ECONOMICS

TEXTILE EXPO UZBEKISTAN 2006 OPENS IN TASHKENT

ITE Uzbekistan opened its autumn exhibition season with the largest textile exhibition in Central Asia – Textile Expo Uzbekistan 2006 on 5 September.

The four-day exhibition is taking place at Uzexpocentre. ITE (Great Britain) and ITE Uzbekistan organized the event at the support of Uzbekyengilsanoat (Uzbek Light Industry) state joint stock company, Uzbek State Committee on Demonopolisation and support of competition and businesses, Tashkent city administration, Uzbek Ipagi Association and Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan.

Light industry is one of the perspectives sectors of the Uzbek economy and it ensures large share of employment, industrial output and production of consumer goods. The number of foreign and local companies, wishing to participate at Textile Expo Uzbekistan, is increasing.

TextileExpo Uzbekistan 2006, organized this year for the third time, is taking place in Central Pavilion and 5th Pavilion of Uzexpocentre. Some 160 companies from 23 countries are participating in the event.

The Third Central Asian Exhibition "Textile, technologies and equipment for light industry - TextileExpo Uzbekistan 2006" increased by 100% on area and 40% on number of participating companies this year compared to previous year.

Gulnaza Shahmardanova, director of project TextileExpo Uzbekistan 2006, said some 94% are foreign companies and six percent of participants represent Uzbekistan. She added that the number of Uzbek companies increased by 2% compared to previous year. Textile Expo Uzbekistan 2006 would present latest achievement of textile machinery and assist to establish business contacts with equipment producers, producers of raw materials and technologies for light industry, as well as ready products of Uzbek companies.

UNDP, CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ENTER NEW PHASE OF COOPERATION

The ceremony of the "Business Forum of Uzbekistan" Project Document co-signature, which is a joint initiative of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan and United Nations Development Programme in Uzbekistan, has taken place on the 25 August, 2006 in the UNDP Country Office premises.

Accelerated private sector development can make substantial contribution to sustainable economic growth, employment generation, provision of sustainable income sources and goods and services at lower prices. Thus private sector (especially SME) can foster poverty reduction and improvement of population's living standards while forming the middle class - important factor of political stability and sustainable development. In order to achieve this effectively, private sector and business support institutions potential capacity building, and participation of private sector representatives in elaboration, implementation and monitoring of the development strategies and policies is needed. The designed Project will seeks to provide and maintain mechanisms for the private sector to actively participate in elaboration, implementation and monitoring of the national, regional, sector-specific development strategies and policies that should further strengthen sustainable development of the country. The partner of UNDP on the project realization is the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The Project will focus on achieving following results in two inter-related areas, including provision by the private sector of consolidated and well justified recommendations on national, regional, sector-specific development strategies and policies to the Government of Uzbekistan and other development stakeholders as well as participation in monitoring of their realization and strengthening the capacity of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to promote private sector development and its contribution to sustainable development of the country. The representatives of Chamber, UNDP and the UNDP projects and mass-media representatives have participated in the ceremony of the Project document co-signature.

MOSKOVIA AIRLINE OFFERS NEW ROUTE FROM DOMODEDOVO AIRPORT

Moskovia Airline has begun service to the Uzbek city of Termez, press release of Russian company said on 4 September 2006.

Domodedovo International Airport has always offered various routes to the cities in Uzbekistan and Termez is now the 10th destination to Uzbekistan in the Airport's route network. Some six daily flights on average depart from Domodedovo airport to Uzbekistan, the release said.

Moskovia, a brand of the Gromov Flight Research Institute Airline started its services to Domodedovo in May 2005. Termez is the seventh regular service in the airline's network of flights from Domodedovo airport and it operates on average two daily flights.

Termez is the fourth city of Uzbekistan linked by regular services with Domodedovo, along with Namangan, Andijan and Bukhara. Additionally, the airline operates flights in Russia and international charter flights to such destinations as Novyi Urengoy, Tivat, Istanbul, Genoa and Podgorica.

The airline's aircraft fleet includes upgraded Tu154Ms and Tu134s and the company plans to extend its Tu154M aircraft fleet in the future for scheduled operation and to extend its charter flight provision.

Flights will operate on Fridays using Tu154Ms effective 1 September 2006.

SOCIETY

UNESCO CHIEF TO VISIT UZBEKISTAN

Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Koichiro Matsuura will pay visit to Uzbekistan on 7-10 September. It is expected that UNESCO head will discuss issues on cooperation between Uzbekistan and the organization in education and culture with Uzbek officials.

Koichiro Matsuura said in interview to Jahon news agency of the Uzbek Foreign Ministry that he is happy with cooperation level between the UNESCO and Uzbekistan. He said that achievements of Uzbekistan for last six years impress. Koichiro Matsuura paid a visit to Uzbekistan six years ago.

UNESCO head said Uzbekistan achieved great success due to gradual reforms, including in education. He said the UNESCO is ready to cooperate further with the government of Uzbekistan to further reformation of national education system.

UNESCO is also ready to assist Uzbekistan to preserve rich cultural heritage and diversity of Uzbek people, he said.

Koichiro Matsuura said he hopes to visit Ichan-Kala and other monuments in Khiva, Khorezm region.

Uzbekistan has rich cultural traditions and two masterpieces of non-material heritage belong to the country, one of which is Shahmakom, complex of classical music and songs. The UNESCO will help the Uzbek government in its efforts to preserve rich cultural diversity.

UNESCO chief said that today Uzbekistan plays important role in all spheres of Central Asia.

TASHKENT ROUND TABLE TO VIEW MEDIA'S ROLE IN RAISING PUBLIC AWARENESS

The editorial staff of the journal "Economic review" will conduct a round table on the theme: "The media's role in raising public awareness and developing dialogue on development issues". The adviser of the Minister of Economy of Germany, adviser on social protection in the government of the Federal Republic of Germany, Heik Afheltd, will take part in the discussion of issues.

Heik Afheltd held post of the chief editor of the newspaper Der Tagesspigel. He worked as the consultant on the economic publication of the weekly periodical of Die Zeit and as an adviser on the economic journalism of the publishing group Georg von Holzbrink. A round table will be held in the building of the Centre for economic researches on 6 September, 2006.

ASIAN TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP STARTS IN TASHKENT

Asian Tennis Championship started in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Monday, 4 September.

Representatives of 14 Asian nations are taking part in the tournament, which is held in Uzbekistan for the fourth time.

During the week, Asian players will try to clinch trophies and wildcards to Australian Open. Some 10 players will represent Uzbekistan in women's single tournament, including last year winner Akgul Amanmuradova and once Uzbek tennis star Iroda Tulyaganova.

Six Uzbek youngsters will play in main draw of men's single tournament. Denis Istomin, winner of 2005 tournament, will try to repeat his success.