3 November, 2006

Politics:
Uzbek leader receives German Foreign Minister to discuss ties
President attends celebration of 1,000th anniversary of Mamun Academy
German Scholars On The Mamun Academy
Economics:
Uzbekistan Investment Opportunities Catalogue presented in Tashkent
Uzbekistan to start exporting uranium to Japan in 2007
Baltic Beverages to invest about 50 mln Euros in new Uzbek brewery
Society:
UNESCO message on occasion of celebration of 2700th anniversary of Qarshi
UNICEF delegation visits Uzbek ministries to discuss cooperation
Fund for supporting Uzbekistan's NGO declares small grants competition
Uzbek books are available to the world
Uzbek delegation visit us to acquaint with addiction treatment programmes
Egyptian channel broadcast report on Uzbekistan

POLITICS

UZBEK LEADER RECEIVES GERMAN FOREIGN MINISTER TO DISCUSS TIES

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier on 1 November at presidential residence Oqsaroy.

Uzbek President Islam Karimov said welcoming the guest that this visit is a good opportunity for an exchange of views concerning perspectives of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Germany. "We highly appreciate the developing bilateral relations with Germany, in particular, economic relations. Especially it is necessary to note the increasing volume of mutual trade," President Karimov added.

Germany initiates development of new concept of policy of the European Union toward the Central Asia, which is directed on further development of mutually advantageous relations.

German Foreign Minister pointed out that existing threats to peace and stability in Central Asia, as well as problem of Afghanistan and issues concerning nuclear program of Iran, requires to hold coordinated policy of EU.

"We should make common cause on the way of achievement of this overall aim," Frank-Walter Steinmeier said.

During the meeting in Oqsaroy residence the sides considered the issues on further development of wide spectrum of bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and Germany. The officials also exchanged views on actual regional and international issues. Germany is one of the largest trade partners of Uzbekistan in Europe. Trade and economic and humanitarian and cultural relations between the countries are consequently developing. Trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Germany comprised US$326 million.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier accompanied by representatives of leading business circles of Germany, heads of such companies, as Fresenius medical care, Siemens, MAN Ferrostaal. The German delegation will participate in the Business-forum in Bukhara region.

PRESIDENT ATTENDS CELEBRATION OF 1,000TH ANNIVERSARY OF MAMUN ACADEMY

The President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov attended the celebration held on the occasion of the 1,000th anniversary of the Academy of Mamun in the city of Khiva.

The idea of restoration of the Mamum's Academy in Khorezm was proposed by President Karimov during the celebration of the 2,500th anniversary of the city of Khiva. According the Decree "On restoration of the Academy of Mamun in Khorezm region" was issued on 11 November 1997.

The history of the Academy dates back to the late 10th – early 11th century, when the region observed political stability, economic and social development. During the reign of Abul Abbos Mamun ibn-Mamun, special attention was given to scientific progress. The ancient sources tell that a large group of scientists was gathered in Mamun's palace. Their main areas of work were astronomy, mathematics, medicine, chemistry, geography, mineralogy, history, philosophy, languages, literature, etc.

President Karimov arrived in Khorezm for the special celebration on 2 November. He started his visit in the region from the new Urgench branch of the Republican Specialised Urological Centre. It was noted that the deep reforms in the system of healthcare being implemented in the country were starting to produce positive results.

The President also familiarized himself with the project on reconstruction of the Urgench City Centre.

"I am glad to see that, like in all other parts of the country, large-scale construction and development works are taking place in Urgench," the President said. "Memorial complex of Jaloliddin Manguberdi, and Avesta Complex have made the city even more beautiful. Urgench is becoming more and more attractive. However, the centre of the city and the main square need to be reconstructed."

President Karimov provided his recommendations on the construction of the new square in the city.

A special ceremony was organised in celebration of the 1,000th anniversary of the Academy in front of its main building.

President Karimov delivered a speech congratulating the participants of the event, the citizens of Khorezm, and all people of Uzbekistan on the 1,000th anniversary of the Academy of Mamun.

UNESCO Resident Representative for Uzbekistan and Regional Cultural Advisor Michael Barry Lane, speaking on behalf of the organisation's Director-General Koichiro Matsuura, congratulated the people of Uzbekistan and gave a very high importance to the ancient cradle of learning – the Academy of Mamun, for the world civilization.

Participants of the ceremony spoke about the large research works into the priceless heritage of the great ancestors of Uzbekistan, and the importance of bringing up the young generation with the sense of responsibility and willingness to carry on their business, recover national values, study rich history and develop science, and expressed their appreciation for the care shown to them by the Uzbek administration.

The day before the celebration, the Academy received modern equipment, and several scientific laboratories were equipped. In particular, a chromatograph was installed at the laboratory of physics and chemistry. The machine allows to study physical and chemical properties of soil, water and plants, and identify their micro- and macro-elements, such as pesticides, herbicides, etc.

Unique appliances were also installed at the new DNA-laboratory. The equipment allows to determine genetic and physical qualities of the physiological materials, including the diagnostics of diseases in plants, animals and people, analysis, and provision of recommendations on the agricultural development.

The solution of tasks set for the Academy is substantially aided by the establishment of close relations with different scientific-research centres of the world. Thus, scientific relations have been established with Sorbonne University (France) and Kyonhi University (South Korea) in the fields of history, archaeology, ethnography, and bio-technology. Cooperation is developed with the French National Library in the studies of ancient and rare manuscripts.

The anniversaries of many great figures in the history of Uzbekistan and ancient cities are conducted in cooperation with UNESCO. The 1,000th anniversary of the Academy of Mamun is also conducted under the aegis of this organization. Thanks to the common efforts to preserve the material and cultural values – the pearls of human thoughts, to study ancient resources and to preserve them for future generations, new and new horizons in the history of the Uzbek land are discovered.

GERMAN SCHOLARS ON THE MAMUN ACADEMY

Conference, dedicated to the 1000th anniversary of Khorezm Mamun Academy, which was organized alongside the support of the Uzbekistan Embassy in the Federative Republic of Germany, took place at the Max-Planck-Institute for the History of Science in Berlin.

Leading scholars of Oriental studies, historians, representatives of science, political and public groups of Germany, as well as diplomatic corps, accredited in the country, participated at the conference.

Studies of history of Uzbekistan occupy no less important place in the activities of the Max-Planck-Institute, which is o¬ne of the leading scientific and research centers in Germany.

Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Germany Bakhtiyor Gulyamov told participants of the conference about the measures now undertaken by the Government of Uzbekistan o¬n restoring historical, cultural and scientific heritage of the Uzbek people.

“Uzbekistan, which is situated at the heart of Central Asia, for over the span of millennia, has served as a bridge, which connected the East and West, as well as various nationalities and cultures,” – Hans Huzung, the State Secretary o¬n Science at the Berlin Senate said in his welcoming address to the participants of the forum.

He has also highly assessed the measures by Uzbek Government o¬n reconstructing, preserving and developing the scientific and cultural values. Mr. Huzung has further underscored that the rebirth of Khorezm Mamun Academy is o¬ne of the brightest examples, which witnesses about the enormous attention, now attached by the leadership of the country to scientific and cultural heritage of Uzbek people.

According to director of the institute, Professor Jurgen Renn, Uzbekistan as being o¬ne of the hubs of ancient culture gave great scholars to the world, who have enormously contributed to the development of world science.

“The Great Silk Road, which passed through the territory of the country, served not o¬nly for expanding the trade and economic ties, but also played a significant role in transformation of science between West and East, formations of such scientific communities as Khorezm Mamun Academy”, - the scholar has also said.

Mr. Renn also noted that the conference o¬n the 1000th anniversary of the Mamun Academy would promote an ever more popularization of history, culture, and traditions of Uzbek people among German community and would render a new impetus to the cooperation of the two research institutions.

“Khorezm Mamun Academy, while being as o¬ne of the ancient scientific centers of world civilization, for over the long time had played an important role along the process of social, political, spiritual, enlightening and cultural development of the region,” - Professor at the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Science and Berlin Free University Gothard Strohmaier, o¬ne of the leading German researchers of the lives and activities of Beruni and Ibn Sino, has said, while taking the floor at the conference.

The scholar paid attention in the outstanding services to the development of science by both Ibn Sino and Beruni, who have researched then at the Khorezm Mamun Academy.

“Correspondence between Beruni and Ibn Sino o¬n philosophical topics and concerning the works of Aristotle is an important and interesting source for the studies”, - the German scholar said.

Within the framework of the conference the Uzbekistan Embassy held the presentation of the book, namely “The Mamun Academy of Khorezm – an old and new home to science”. The embassy along with publishing house «Peter Stein Verlag» published the book in the German and English languages.

The book tells about the history of foundation of academy, successes, achieved by its scientists in the sphere of natural and social sciences, as well as scientific and practical work at the academy, now restored o¬n the initiative of President Islam Karimov.

Demonstration of the documentary o¬n the Khorezm Mamun Academy in Deutsch, prepared by the embassy jointly with local science and research centers, roused a live interest among those gathered at the event.

ECONOMICS

UZBEKISTAN INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES CATALOGUE PRESENTED IN TASHKENT

Presentation of Uzbekistan Investment Opportunities Catalogue concept took place on October 31st, in Tashkent as a part of "round table" discussion about questions regarding information provision to attract foreign investment to Uzbekistan. Representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade (MFERIT), Ministry of Economy, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, American Chamber of Commerce in Uzbekistan, representatives from international organizations, investors and other interested organizations participated in this event.

Anvar Irchaev, East Capital Invest research group director, said during the presentation: "Major factors influencing the Uzbek industry assets appeal for investors are: the beginning of active privatization of the largest Uzbek industry objects, relative underestimation of Uzbek issuers' shares, growing liquidity and increasing volume of transactions on securities market." He also mentioned stable macroeconomic situation present for the past several years, entry of Uzbekistan into the Eurasian Economic Community (EurAsEC), improvement of corporate management standards, and introduction of the international standards of financial accounting in a lot of businesses and financial organizations.

According to Mr Irchaev, the agreements signed this year on assets purchase by foreign investors in Uzbekistan demonstrate increasing investors' interest in Uzbekistan. Since 2006 investors from CIS countries have invested more than US$600 millions into Uzbekistan economy.

The major deals with participation of investors from CIS countries in 2006:

• Purchase of mobile operator Unitel for US$200 million and mobile company Buztel for US$60 million by Russian company VimpelKom;

• Purchase of Ahangarancement plant by Russian company Eurocement Group (the sum of purchase is not disclosed, according to various estimations the sum varies from US$40 million to US$70 million);

• Purchase of Kuvasaycement and Bekabadcement - cement producing companies by Caspian Resources, Kazakhstan (the sum of purchase is not disclosed);

• Purchase of Uzbekkabel plant by group of investors (the sum of purchase is not disclosed, according to various estimations the sum varies from US$15 million to US$20 million);

• Purchase of Ferghana and Bukhara electricity supply networks' shares for the amount of more than US$7 million;

• Purchase of Tashkent varnish-and-paint plant by group of Kazakh investors (the sum is not disclosed);

• Purchase of the largest Uzbek juice beverages producer Marvel Juice by Chimkent Pivo (Kazakhstan).

East Capital director also stressed that for further cooperation between Uzbekistan and investors there is a need to provide quality and structured information about enterprises to foreign investors. According to his words investment inflow to Uzbekistan depends on availability of information about advantages of investment into Uzbekistan, investment climate, and existing investment objects.

In order to assist state structures, public establishments and private sector in provision of systemized information about investment opportunities in Uzbekistan to investors, a team of international and national consultants develop Uzbekistan Investment Opportunities Catalogue. Development of this catalogue is part of a component of the project "Development of potential and reinforcement of institutes to assist in foreign commerce and investment attraction". This project is carried out by MFERIT together with UNDP (United Nations Development Programme).

The aim of the catalogue is to systemize a part of the existing information about available shares and available investment projects for realization and present structured catalogue of investment opportunities for interested investors. This catalogue includes information on shares for sale on the primary market as a part of a programme of privatization, also includes information on shares for sale on the secondary market, information on investment projects available for cooperative realization.

Moreover the catalogue is supposed to give local businesses, especially small and medium size, an opportunity to present their development plans, investment projects to be realized and attract financial resources, as well as give practical recommendations on most attractive sectors of economy for potential investors and tell about possible problems for entry to Uzbekistan market.

UZBEKISTAN TO START EXPORTING URANIUM TO JAPAN IN 2007

Uzbekistan will start direct supplies of uranium to Japan in 2007 for the needs of power engineering and is planning to attract Japanese companies to uranium deposits exploration, a head of Uzbek company told journalists on 1 November.

Nikolay Kucherskiy, head of the state-run Navoi Mining and Smelting Combine, said the country would export 300 tonnes of low enriched uranium to Japan next year, while the size of shipments would be decided each year.

Mr Kucherskiy said Uzbekistan tries to limit the privileged position of Nukem Inc (USA) which is selling as a mediator the major volume of Uzbek uranium in the world market. The agreement between Uzbekistan and Itochu Corporation (Japan), which was signed last month, envisages shipments of uranium produced at the Navoi combine during 2007-2012.

Navoi Mining and Smelting Combine is the largest producer of gold and the only producer of low enriched uranium in Uzbekistan.

The government of Uzbekistan has also signed a protocol with Japanese firms on cooperation in the field of geological prospecting of perspective uranium deposits.

"We should study opportunities within six months and decide whether to continue the work or stop it," said Igor Gorlov, acting chairman of State Geology and Mineral Resources Committee of Uzbekistan.

Japan and Uzbekistan agreed to expand their peaceful nuclear cooperation during a visit by then-Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to the Central Asian country in August. Uzbekistan will start shipping uranium to Japan and Korea directly without Nukem Inc company's mediation, Mr Kucherskiy noted.

BALTIC BEVERAGES TO INVEST ABOUT 50 MLN EUROS IN NEW UZBEK BREWERY

The Scandinavian beer company, Baltic Beverages Holding, is planning to invest about 50 million euros in the construction of a brewery in Uzbekistan, the Regnum news agency of Russia reported on 30 October.

The owner of the Russian beer company Baltika, the Scandinavian company Baltic Beverages Holding (BBH), will build a brewery in the outskirts of Tashkent city, the report said.

The brewery's annual capacity will be 10 million decalitres of beer. The partner of the Scandinavian company in this large project will be the Uzbek company Sarbast Plus. The Scandinavian holding will get 75.1% of the brewery shares, and Sarbast Plus -24.9%. The overall investment in this project will make up not less than 50 million euros, the report said.

"The plant will almost be built from scratch" the report added.

SOCIETY

UNESCO MESSAGE ON OCCASION OF CELEBRATION OF 2700TH ANNIVERSARY OF QARSHI

Your Excellency Mr. President Islam Karimov,

Our organization would like to congratulate you on the happy occasion of the celebration of the 2700th anniversary of Qarshi, which is being observed today both by UNESCO and throughout the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Commemorating such anniversaries as that of the foundation of the ancient city of Qarshi is vital to the mutual enrichment of cultures, to the promotion of international dialogue and understanding and, above all, to the achievement of peace.

An architectural pearl of Uzbekistan, Qarshi is one of the world's most ancient cities, and occupies an important place in the history of Central Asian civilizations and cultures. The ancient city boasts wonderful architectural monuments such as the Odina and Kok Gumbaz mosques and the Hadji-Abdulaziz madrasa, as well as the seven-arched bridge over the Kashkadarya River.

Also known as Nakhshab by the Sogdians, and as Nasaf by the Arabs and Persians, Qarshi gained considerable importance during the reign of Amir Temur and later during the Bukhara Emirate, and was widely renowned for its wheat, cotton and silk production Strategically situated along the legendary Silk Road between Balkh and Bukhara, a major junction on the caravan route, this intercultural and multiethnic city was also a busy hub of cultural, commercial and scientific exchange and a place for peaceful dialogue among cultures and peoples. Qarshi. which has preserved its historical and cultural traditions, continues to attract many scientists and scholars today.

The celebration of the 2700th anniversary of Qarshi, with which UNESCO is associated, underlines the importance of preserving this historical and cultural centre for future generations as an example of dialogue between religions, cultures and civilizations. Today, Qarshi testifies to the success of the Government of Uzbekistan's policy aimed at safeguarding the cultural and historical heritage of the Uzbek people.

In September and October of this year, UNESCO was honoured to host an International conference and an exhibition on "Masterpieces of World Science and Culture: the 1000th Anniversary of the Academy of Ma'mun in Khorezm and the 2700th anniversary of Qarshi", events of significant importance in terms of disseminating the Organization's work in strengthening international dialogue.

It is UNESCO's sincere wish that the revival of those ancient highways of cultural and commerce – the Silk Roads – will allow the ancient city of Qarshi to play again a central role in fostering the fundamental objectives of UNESCO, namely the promotion of Intercultural dialogue and cultural diversity in the cause of world peace, transcending linguistic, cultural and religious barriers and building creative and dynamic communities that embrace diversity, tolerance and mutual understanding - all of which are high-priority issues for the Organization.

Mr. President, you have compared the spiritual and material aspects of development to the two wings both of which are needed for a bird to be able to fly. I would like to thank you for your government's recognition of the role of culture in development, and for its continued strong support to the preservation and revival of this country's outstanding cultural and spiritual heritage, which is truly a part of the heritage of all mankind.

Koichiro Matsuura

Director-General of UNESCO

UNICEF DELEGATION VISITS UZBEK MINISTRIES TO DISCUSS COOPERATION

A delegation headed by the UNICEF Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe and CIS Ms. Maria Calivis visited a number of ministries and agencies on 1 November. During the talk with the Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, Chairman of the Women's Committee S. Inamova they discussed the development of cooperation between UNICEF and Uzbekistan.

It was particularly emphasized that social protection of family, maternity and childhood, and and support of their health were among the priorities of Islam Karimov's state policy. A clear illustration to this fact is consistent implementation of the State Programme on Reformation of the Healthcare System, National Programme on the Preparation of Specialists, and Programmes such as "Mother and Child" and "Healthy Generation". Ms. Calivis expressed her satisfaction about Uzbekistan's achievements in protecting maternity and childhood and bringing up intellectual new generation, as well as in the spheres of healthcare and education. The representative of UNICEF also noted that, with regard to this aspect, many countries could use Uzbekistan as an example in their initiatives.

UNICEF delegation held talks with at several ministries and agencies of Uzbekistan, and familiarized itself with the activity of educational and healthcare facilities.

FUND FOR SUPPORTING UZBEKISTAN'S NGO DECLARES SMALL GRANTS COMPETITION

The Fund for supporting Uzbekistan's non-governmental noncommercial organizations (NGO) has declared small grants' competition.

Within the framework of the competition, it supports non-governmental noncommercial organizations, which carry out the activity, aimed at enhancing the social and political activity of citizens to resolve most important humanitarian, social and economic and other publicly significant tasks and developing institutes of civic community. The competition examines the activity to support NGO's joint initiatives with public bodies, wards, public organizations on resolving social issues; job placement and the creation of work sites, professional training; to develop market skills and to improve legal literacy of farmers and entrepreneurs in rural areas, and their legal protection.

NGOs, registered by the Ministry of Justice, which are also members of the National Association of Non-governmental Noncommercial Organizations of Uzbekistan (NANNOUz) can take part in the competition. The maximum amount of a grant is five million soums. The deadline for receiving documents is until 30 November, 2006.

UZBEK BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE TO THE WORLD

Now the book production of Uzbekistan can claim recognition in the world market. Uzbekistan has become a member of the international organization ISBN (International standard book number) and received book number 9943. Now Uzbekistan can enter the international book market and demonstrate wide variety of domestic publications, Halq Sozi newspaper says.

Before this samples of various literatures only participated in the international exhibitions without rights for sale, because the books did not have a standard number ISBN. Germany is ISBN motherland, and it started to implement the system of allocation of an ordinal number to each book in 1969. This method helps to calculate exact number of published books in the country, identify the demand, and also control book market. At the present time almost all countries of the world are members of this international book organization.

First number of ISBN means the name of the country and can have 5 digits. Countries that produced huge amount of literature, so called "book empires" have one digit. For example, Russia produces 90 thousand different books, which includes textbooks and scientific works, fiction and children literature, therefore the number of this country is 5. Our resources allow us to publish up to 5 thousand books annually; therefore Uzbekistan falls into category, where the first ISBN number has 4 digits (9943). Next number of ISBN, which from January 2007 changes from ten digits to thirteen, contains information about region, name of the publisher, circulation volume and other. This original barcode of the book can tell where and by whom the book was published, and even let you order the book. And most importantly as a result of this numeration book is allowed to be sold on the international book market, where one can purchase it without any problems.

Zuhriddin Isamiddinov, Director of National book chamber says: "As Uzbekistan now a member of ISBN, it will be more accessible to the world, because the world society will be able to learn about literature published in Uzbekistan as well as learn more about culture and the country. For example, recently our five-volume book of Alisher Navoi published using Roman letters received a first prize on the Moscow book exhibition. We have every right to be proud of this of this wonderful edition." But this series of books does not have ISBN yet, and therefore cannot be sold outside of the republic. And know imagine that the next edition will be published with the standard international book number and these books will be accessible all around the world. I am sure that there are admirers of great Uzbek poet in Germany, Russia, Turkey, USA and they will be happy to obtain his works. And ISBN is needed exactly for this purpose. Recently we held a conference on "International Standard book number (ISBN)" at the Uzbek publishing and information agency in order introduce advantages of international book number and its functions on the world market. Gete Institute in Tashkent invited chief executive of international agency ISBN Hartmut Walravens to tell about importance and effectiveness of book number on this conference.

The next step would be to become a member of International journal organization ISSN (International standard serial number). There are more then 1 thousand newspapers and magazines in Uzbekistan, and I think, it's time to become a member of this organization, too. And after that we plan to obtain ISMN (International standard music number), because music is also published in our country (Uzbekistan)."

UZBEK DELEGATION VISIT US TO ACQUAINT WITH ADDICTION TREATMENT PROGRAMMES

A group of ten young leaders from Uzbekistan visited Gatehouse Academy (USA) to acquire knowledge about young adult addiction treatment programmes.

They were eager to learn how the programmes provide drug treatment for young adults using a twelve step approach to recovery. Accompanied by two Russian interpreters, the group spent the day observing and participating to understand how Gatehouse Academy assists residents in overcoming addiction and its associated behaviors. The purpose of their visit was to become educated in the field of drug addiction and prevention. These leaders spent a total of 21 days meeting with organizations and visiting a variety of integrated chemical dependency treatment centers. Their efforts were focused on gaining greater insight to substance abuse treatment programs and successful modalities of addiction care.

Uzbekistan borders Afghanistan, which is one of the largest producers of heroin in the world. Heroin use represents over 64% of drug users and injecting drug users currently represent 75% of the HIV cases in Uzbekistan. These young leaders have identified heroin as a critical problem in their country and are looking to the United States for guidance on addiction treatment for young adults.

The group was impressed with Gatehouse Academy. Compared to the wide range of drug treatment centers they visited, it was Gatehouse's comprehensive approach that appealed to them. "We are very envious of how you can offer so much," said Ilhom Ilkramov, Drug Demand Reduction Programme Coordinator in Samarkand. "I would like to open a facility of the same magnitude that uses the 12-step philosophy. Our goal while we are here is to learn more about how the United States approaches drug treatment and prevention and be able to bring this information back and apply it in Uzbekistan. Currently we have some upcoming projects & will be considering the Gatehouse Academy model."

The group's visit to the campus provided them with a wealth of knowledge about the inner workings of the program. It allowed them a first hand experience of the various elements that create Gatehouse Academy's highly successful drug treatment programs. The Uzbek counselors had a tour of the campus followed by the "Morning Circle." The "Morning Circle" is a forum for residents to address issues within the community and work on developing life skills in a recovery setting. When finished, the group had a "round table" discussion with two Gatehouse Academy residents facilitated by the Russian interpreters. The residents were able to share their life history and successful experiences at the facility.

The remainder of the day was spent interviewing staff from the Clinical, Residential, and Educational departments to understand how these components of the program integrate to provide a high level of care. Gatehouse Academy CEO, Kent Sherman said, "This experience was an opportunity to share our model, which is the leader of drug addiction treatment centers for young adults; It was incredible for our residents and staff to share their experience, strength and hope, to make a difference in the world."

EGYPTIAN CHANNEL BROADCAST REPORT ON UZBEKISTAN

Nile-TV of Egypt broadcasted a report dedicated to celebration of Eid al-Fitr in Uzbekistan.

The report presented information on role of Islam in Uzbek society, life style, values, customs and culture of Uzbek people.

The report paid attention to cultural monuments of Islam in Uzbekistan. The Egyptian channel also reported on measures of the Uzbek government on reconstruction and preservation of monuments of Samarkand.