19 December, 2006

Politics:
A trustworthy bridge between Uzbekistan and Tunis
Rountable Discusses Transfer to Courts of Right for Confinement
Parliament session considers implementation of Law "On civil protection" in Syrdarya
Resolution to strengthen nuclear non-proliferation
Economics:
IMF Reports: 2007 Challenging but Promising
Indian textile companies to invest US$300m in Uzbekistan
Uzbek-Belarusian JV UzBelDiesel launches diesel engine production
Society:
Israel's nurses share their experience with Uzbek colleagues
Town of medical personnel
Uzbekistan hands over Koran in Braille to British Library

POLITICS

A TRUSTWORTHY BRIDGE BETWEEN UZBEKISTAN AND TUNIS

Muhammed Bellaji, a special representative of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tunis paid a visit to Uzbekistan on the Constitution Day. During the visit he had talks in the ministries and departments of Uzbekistan and discussed perspectives of expanding bilateral cooperation between the two states.

Estimating the relations between Uzbekistan and Tunis, Muhammed Bellaji noted that during his visit, he held a number of consultations directed to strengthening and encouraging bilateral cooperation. According to him, the two states are united in cultural and spiritual values and having common views on various international problems, could form a trustworthy bridge satisfying interests of Uzbekistan and Tunis.

"Regular meetings and consultations among the representatives of the two countries allows for developing a single policy on international problems and modern threats, and strengthening the position of the two sides in their struggle against different attacks which Uzbekistan and Tunis face. The bridge will give an opportunity for both countries to set a scaled cooperation and draw the nations together", stated Muhammed Bellaji.

ROUNTABLE DISCUSSES TRANSFER TO COURTS OF RIGHT FOR CONFINEMENT

The Senate [upper house] of Oliy Majlis [parliament] of Uzbekistan has hosted a round table organized by the Committee for legislation and judicial-legal issues. It was devoted to discussion of the transfer to courts of the right to issue sanction to confine: international experience and national legislation.

The roundtable was attended by senators, deputies of the Legislative Chamber, representatives of the Supreme Court, General Prosecutor\'s office, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Internal Affairs, Institute of Strategic and Interregional Studies, Tashkent State Institute of Law, Association of Lawyers of Uzbekistan and representatives of other organizations concerned and the media.

The session noted that the main aim of the reform of judicial and legal system, being implemented in Uzbekistan, is to guarantee effective protection of human constitutional rights and fundamental freedoms. Meanwhile, special attention is paid first of all to the guarantee of the right to protection against unjustified criminal pursuit and rights to the valid judicial trial.

As a result of the pursued reforms the specialization of courts is fixed on criminal and civil issues, the appellate order of hearing of cases is introduced, the legal mechanisms ensuring the equality of rights of defence and indictment are created. Also, preliminary investigation terms and the terms of custody of prisoners are also reduced.

Measures to further reform judicial and legal system were determined by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan \"On the transfer to courts of the right to issue sanctions to confine\" dated 8 August 2005. The main purpose of the roundtable was to discuss the aforementioned issues.

During the meeting it was noted that the most important task of further liberalization of judicial and legal system is the need of expanding the authorities of the law court to implement effective protection of citizens\' rights at the stage of prejudicial inquiry, including the issue of sanction to take into custody.

While discussing this issue participants of the roundtable accentuated attention to the need for the sequential and deep study of issues, dealing with the transfer of the right for issuing sanctions to confinement from the prosecutor agencies to law courts.

In the course of the consideration, the participants exchanged opinions and expressed a number of proposals, dealing with the learning of foreign experience, working out of organizational-legal and procedural mechanisms of exercising the right to issue sanction on custody by legal courts, as well as the needs for the corresponding retraining of judges and law-enforcement agencies\' employees.

Summing up the meeting, its participants prepared corresponding recommendations.

PARLIAMENT SESSION CONSIDERS IMPLEMENTATION OF LAW "ON CIVIL PROTECTION" IN SYRDARYA

Committee for Defence and Security Issues of the Legislative Chamber [lower house] of Oliy Majlis [parliament] of the Republic of Uzbekistan has held a session devoted to the course of implementation in Syrdarya region of the Law "On civil protection".

It was noted that certain work on realization of this law is being carried out in the region. In particular, regional department for emergency situations has developed an action plan envisaging that all enterprises and organizations work systematically.

Special attention is paid to issues of prevention of emergency situations, organization of stable activity of national economy, control over organizational work on improvement of the level of technical durability and protection, further improvement of the population alarming system.

Measures have been taken this year on prevention of natural, man-caused and ecological catastrophes, ensuring constant readiness of civil protection forces and facilities.

At the same time, Syrdarya region has some lacks in maintenance of implementation of this law. Participants of the session prepared and submitted practical recommendations on the elimination of these privations.

RESOLUTION TO STRENGTHEN NUCLEAR NON-PROLIFERATION

The United Nations General Assembly approved the Resolution on "Establishing Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia". The UN General Assembly approved Resolution 61/88 on "Establishing Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia" presented by Uzbek delegation in the name of Central Asian countries.141 states voted for the document while that rate was 128 countries in voting taken in the General Assembly First Committee on October 30, 2006. The resolution was approved by such countries as Russia, China, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Austria, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Malta, Cyprus, Sweden and Switzerland and Latin American and Caribbean basin countries and the majority of Asian and African countries.

In the document the UN General Assembly accepted the signing of an Agreement on "Establishing Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia" in September, 2006 as an important step in strengthening the regional and international peace and security. This UN decision witnessed again the international recognition of Uzbek President Islam Karimov's initiatives to establish nuclear-weapon-free zone in Central Asia.

The Resolution states that establishing a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Central Asia based upon agreements voluntarily signed by Central Asian countries, means a significant step in strengthening the procedure of nuclear non-proliferation. It also encourages cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy and environmental rehabilitation of areas that have suffered from radioactive contamination, and strengthens regional and international cooperation and security. It is noted that to establish a nuclear-weapon-free zone in Central Asia is an effective contribution to combat against international terrorism and prevention from non-governmental entities, particularly, terrorists' having nuclear materials and technologies.

The General Assembly pointed out the constructive position of central Asian countries which stated their willingness to consult with the UN General Assembly permanent members possessing nuclear weapon. The General Assembly also made a decision on considering the Resolution on "Establishing Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Central Asia". It will be included as a separate item of agenda of UN Session 63 in 2008.

ECONOMICS

IMF REPORTS: 2007 CHALLENGING BUT PROMISING

The IMF (International Monetary Fund) mission visited Uzbekistan to consult with the Uzbek Government according to Article 4. The mission was headed by Sena Eken, Deputy Director of Department of Middle East and Central Asian countries.
The Government of Uzbekistan and IMF mission discussed the development of the Uzbek economy during 2005-2006, perspectives for 2007, and the economic reform program of the Government. The discussion was constructive and frank. The mission thanked Uzbekistan for its wonderful cooperation.

The IMF mission complimented Uzbekistan on the increase of economic rates for the recent two years, having a high GDP growth rate of seven percent according to official statistics. It was achieved by a considerable increase of trade balance, exports, rapid growth of gold and currency reserves which are equal to the amount of 12-month imports of the country:

In economic policy, the Uzbek administration has operated a strategic tax and budget policy to decrease tax rates. The stable balance of payment encouraged monetary and credit institutions and which causes challenges in the monetary and credit policy. Accordingly, in 2006 the Central Bank of Uzbekistan has toughened monetary management. The structural reforms were conducted along with progressive tax and budgetary ones.

The mission notes that the economic perspectives for 2007 are favorable due to the forecasted economic development and payment balance. It hopes that the Government of Uzbekistan will furthermore decrease inflation and with that purpose strengthen monetary and credit policy and strategic tax and budget policy.

According to the IMF mission, it is necessary to resolve the other problems in economic policy to ensure rapid economic increase and finance stability in mid-term perspective. These problems are to decrease inflation, remove obstacles in the development of the banking system and foreign trade. The mission made such recommendations for achieving these aims as: more flexible policy; conceal of functions unusual for banks and reduction of tax and administrative burden related to foreign trade. The Uzbek Government will take into consideration these recommendations for developing economic policy.

The IMF mission assured the Government of Uzbekistan that the IMF staff was ready to assist Uzbekistan in reformation including technical assistance.

INDIAN TEXTILE COMPANIES TO INVEST US$300M IN UZBEKISTAN

The buoyant Indian textile industry has encouraged Uzbekistan to attract substantial investments from India with liberal sops. The country is looking at attracting about US$300 million investments from Indian textile companies in three years.

Uzbekistan produces about 3.5 million tonnes of cotton annually and nearly 1.3 million tonnes of that was processed. "Approximately, 70% of the cotton is being exported and the spinning mills in the country use the rest.

Stating that the government of Uzbekistan gives a number of incentives to textile units such as cheap power, low labour cost compared to other European countries and better infrastructure, Deputy chairman of Uzbekyengilsanoat (Uzbek Light Industry) state joint stock company, Mr Kalandrov said that a 20% concession is available for integrated garment manufacturing units for procuring cotton.

UZBEK-BELARUSIAN JV UZBELDIESEL LAUNCHES DIESEL ENGINE PRODUCTION

Uzbek-Belarusian joint venture UzBelDiesel has launched production of diesel engines in Tashkent, said, CEO of the company Vladimir Adylov.

According to Adylov, the JV will assemble engines from parts imported from Russia and Belarus. In 2007 UzBelDiesel will launch a line to make basic parts, including engine boxes and crankshafts. In 2009 the company plans to produce 50% of parts.

UzBelDiesel was established by Belarus' Minsk Motor Plant (MMZ), Russia's Noginsk Fuel Equipment Plant and Uzbek TTZ and Motor Plant on a parity basis.

UzBelDiesel plans to produce about 6,000 engines annually and supply 3,000 engines to TTZ. The remaining 3,000 engines will be sold on the domestic market to maintenance department of Uzbekistan's agro-industry. In 2010 the company plans to increase its annual output to 20,000 engines.

SOCIETY

ISRAEL'S NURSES SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH UZBEK COLLEAGUES

December has been filled with events held by the Ministry of Healthcare of Uzbekistan and the Embassy of Israel in Uzbekistan. Some of the planned actions include a seminar on cytology, a presentation of a project on cataract removal and artificial lens implantation, and a forum on traumatic surgery. In Urgench, a two-week course in the practical application of skills acquired by Uzbek nurses in Israel is nearing its end.

The seminar lectures are being given by a number of nurses of "Calalit", a clinic in Israel. Within the framework of the program, Israeli nurses are visiting rural medical posts in Khorezm. Also, a seminar is to be held during which nurses from other regions of Uzbekistan, namely Tashkent and Fergana, who have had internships in Israel will talk about their experience. The event is being held within the Joint Program for the Enhancement of the Role of Nurses in Society, undertaken by the Ministry of Healthcare of Uzbekistan and the Israeli Center of international cooperation "Mashav".

TOWN OF MEDICAL PERSONNEL

A new residential area for medical workers is planned for construction in Gulistan, Syrdarya region. For this purpose, the Government has made available land for the construction of the area. Twenty-two families of the healthcare system workers have received land for individual construction.

Selection of the candidates to receive such land was based on the work experience and contribution to the improvement of people's health.

In his interview, Tajikul Buranov, Chief of the Regional Board of Healthcare of Syrdarya, said that this action of this kind aims to support and stimulate medics and to show them due care and attention.

UZBEKISTAN HANDS OVER KORAN IN BRAILLE TO BRITISH LIBRARY

Uzbek embassy in London hosted a ceremony on handing over to British Library of seven volumes of Koran, published in Braille alphabet in Uzbekistan.

The braille system, devised in 1821 by Louis Braille, is a method that is widely used by blind people to read and write.

Mr. Graham Show, head of collections of Asia and Africa, said, that Koran in Braille is the only such edition in collection of British Library, despite it has the largest collection of books.

Graham Show said in interview that the gift of Uzbek people is valuable and shows continuation of fruitful cooperation between nations.

Representatives of British Library, expressing gratitude to gift, noted that they will continue to make efforts to deepen cooperation with Uzbek scientific and research structures, as well as library and archive funds.