June 16, 2008
Politics:
14th plenary session of Senate to be held on 28-29 June
Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis considers new laws
Economics:
Belarus-Uzbekistan intergovernmental cooperation commission to sit in Minsk
Arbitration and mediation seminar for financial institutions held
Silkworm breeders of Uzbekistan prepare 23,500 tons of cocoons
Society:
Uzbekistan-Singapore: Religious Scholars to Cement Ties
LG Office in Tashkent Grants Talented Students
UNFPA conducts training on advocacy, communication and social advertising
Saudi Arabia Launches Exhibition of Applied Art in Tashkent
‘Nihol – 2008’ Music & Performance Contest Ends in Karshi
POLICY
14TH PLENARY SESSION OF SENATE TO BE HELD ON 28-29 JUNE
Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan will hold its 14th plenary session on 28-29 June in Tashkent, Senate press service told UzA.
The upper chamber of the Parliament will consider a number of laws, including the laws:
on introducing changes and addenda in the law on social protection of the disabled,
on securities market,
on introducing changes in the article 224 of the Criminal Code,
on introducing changes and addenda in the Air Code.
The senators will also consider the reports on the activity of the Central Bank and the Clearings Chamber, as well as the information of the justice minister on the implementation of the laws by the state, law-enforcement and controlling bodies in 2007.
LEGISLATIVE CHAMBER OF OLIY MAJLIS CONSIDERS NEW LAWS
The Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan held its regular session on June 12. Speaker of the Legislative Chamber Dilorom Tashmuhamedova chaired the meeting.
Deputy chairman of the Committee for labor and social affairs S.Umarov presented the draft law “On mandatory state social insurance against industrial accidents and occupational diseases”. After answering the questions, there was a discussion of the document, in which representatives of all factions of political parties took part. Taking into account the views expressed, the Legislative Chamber adopted the bill in second reading and requested the Committee to finalize it and introduce in the third reading.
The draft law “On introducing changes in article 49 of the Criminal Procedure Code” was presented by the member of the Committee for legislation and judicial and legal issues F.Radjabov. The deputies adopted the law based on proposals and amendments received in the course of its consideration.
The member of the Committee for legislation and judicial and legal affairs F.Kamilov reported on the draft law “On introducing amendments and additions to the Administrative Responsibility Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan”. After answering the questions and a thorough discussion of each article of the document, the Legislative Chamber adopted the law.
The member of the Committee for legislation and judicial and legal affairs A.Ahunova presented the draft law “On introducing amendments and additions to the Economic Procedure Code of Uzbekistan”. After consideration, the deputies adopted the law, taking into account the proposed amendments.
The presentation of the draft law “On the National museum collections and museums” was made the member of the Committee for science, education, culture and sports O.Isayev. During a detailed discussion of each article of the document, the deputies stressed the importance of its adoption for the further development of national culture and adopted the bill in second reading.
The draft law “On introducing amendments and additions to the Criminal Code and the Administrative Responsibility Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan” was introduced by the member of the Committee for legislation and judicial and legal affairs A.Tuhtashev. Following the discussion, the Legislative Chamber approved the concept of the bill and adopted it in the first reading.
A.Tuhtashev also reported on the draft law “On amending article 85 of the Criminal Code”. The deputies approved the main provisions of the bill and passed it in the first reading.
The member of the Committee for defense and security S.Tursunov presented the draft law “On ratification of the Protocol on amending the Agreement between the member states of Shanghai Cooperation Organization Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure, signed on 7 June 2002 in the city of St. Petersburg (Russian Federation) (Bishkek, 16 August 2007)”. The deputies approved the document and adopted the law.
The member of the Committee for defence and security S.Ahmedov introduced the draft law “On ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the United Arab Emirates on cooperation in combating organized crime, terrorism and other dangerous types of crimes (Abu Dhabi, 17 March 2008)”. After answering the questions and the detailed discussion of the received proposals, the Legislative Chamber adopted this law.
ECONOMY
BELARUS-UZBEKISTAN INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION COMMISSION TO SIT IN MINSK
Expansion of trade between Belarus and Uzbekistan will be discussed during the Minsk visit of an Uzbek governmental delegation headed by Deputy Premier Kuvandyk Sanakulov that will take place on June 18-20.
The third session of the Belarus-Uzbek intergovernmental commission on cooperation will be held in line with the visit of the Uzbek officials, a spokesman for the Belarusian Foreign Ministry Andrei Popov said at the briefing on 12 June. The Belarusian delegation will be chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Andrei Kobyakov, Uzreport Business Information Portal reported.
The participants of the session will consider the enhancement of the bilateral trade, development of industrial cooperation in the main branches of economy. They will also touch upon the cooperation in the scientific and technical area, sports and tourism and the elaboration of the legal framework for the bilateral relations.
The Uzbek governmental delegation will hold meetings with the top officials of the Belarusian Council of Ministers. The parties will discuss the promotion of the bilateral trade and economic cooperation. They are also to visit Belarusian industrial enterprises.
ARBITRATION AND MEDIATION SEMINAR FOR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS HELD
Joint project of UNDP and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan held another seminar on arbitration and mediation in Tashkent with focus on financial institutions.
This event was a part of the series of the seminars planned to be carried out in the whole country. Earlier, the project had organized similar seminars in Namangan and Tashkent for lawyers of financial institutions and businesses, according to Uzreport Business Information Portal.
Over 17 representatives of investment companies, leasing firms and credit unions working in Tashkent, participated at the seminar, which was held on 13 June at the conference room of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
At the seminar, the project team provided an overview on the activities of the newly established Arbitration Development Center, new trends, procedures, advantages and disadvantages of the arbitration system. The organizations were encouraged to solve the disputes with their clients and partners through the arbitration courts and include corresponding clause in the model contracts.
As part of the training programme, Artem Klimenko, deputy chairperson of the arbitration court under the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan, shared information on procedures and activities of the court, which he represented.
The seminar was organized within the joint project of UNDP and Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Uzbekistan "Supporting to the development of arbitration courts and other alternative methods of dispute settlement in the Republic of Uzbekistan". The project focuses on development of the arbitration courts and other alternative ways of dispute resolution through creation of Arbitration Development Center, which was officially opened in early May 2008.
The project also set an objective to promote the arbitration system and other alternative methods of dispute settlement in Uzbekistan among businesses, lawyers and judges.
It is expected that the Project will organize workshops in other regions of Uzbekistan to develop the arbitrators' skills, promote knowledge on arbitration and mediation as well as raise awareness of local businesses and population on procedures of the arbitration courts.
SILKWORM BREEDERS OF UZBEKISTAN PREPARE 23,500 TONS OF COCOONS
Silkworm breeders of Uzbekistan met the annual contractual obligations and prepared about 23,500 tons of cocoons. This is 2,000 tons more than last year, UzA reported.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources told UzA that in the current season silkworm breeders of the country grew 445,687 boxes of grain, each giving an average of 53 kilograms of cocoons.
This spring, mulberry groves were expanded by 2,600 hectares, and their total area increased to 56,000 hectares.
SOCIETY
UZBEKISTAN-SINGAPORE: RELIGIOUS SCHOLARS TO CEMENT TIES
The delegation of the Republic of Singapore led by the President of Islamic Religious Council of this country Khoja Alami Musa is paying a visit to Uzbekistan. In the course of travel its members have had talks with their counterparts in the Committee of Religious Affairs and Muslims Council of Uzbekistan. They are also to visit historical cities of Samarkand and Bukhara.
Despite a heavy schedule, the delegation spared a time to speak about the significance of this visit, Jahon Information Agency reported.
“Singapore is the multinational country with the representatives of more than one hundred nationalities and dozens of religious,” Khoja Alami Musa said. “We’ve held very productive meetings in the Committee of Religious Affairs and Muslims Council of Uzbekistan. We also had the honor to see one of the dearest jewels of Muslim world – Koran of Usman”.
“Relations between our countries are developing at a rapid pace,” Mr. Musa continued. “Uzbekistan is also a multinational country where people of hundreds of nationalities and dozens of confessions live in peace and accord. We are pleased to see that Islam secures a very important place in the lives of people here. Muslims of two countries maintain close relations and do all they can to further develop our friendly ties”.
“Both countries have a lot of experience and knowledge in promoting and preserving Islamic values. If we share this experience with each other it will benefit not only our bilateral cooperation, but also entire Muslim community,” Mr. Musa concluded.
Mufti Said Isa Mukhammad Bin Semait would rather spoke about his impressions about Uzbekistan.
“I am happy to visit your ancient country,” he said. “It is the Homeland of great Muslim scholars and religious figures. Being a cradle for ancient civilizations, this country is also known for its centuries-old cities, such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Tashkent, where we can find perfectly preserved monuments and sacred places of Islamic culture. Any Muslim would be honored to have an opportunity to visit these cities.”
“During the years of independence Uzbekistan has been paying a particular attention to the restoration of Islamic religion, national traditions and spiritual values of the Uzbek people,” Mr. Bin Semait said. “We have been thrilled to see the Koran of Usman - one of the most beloved heritages of all Muslims. We are also looking forward to visit the burial-vault of Imam al-Bukhari in Samarkand, one of the brightest scholars of Islamic world”, he concluded.
LG OFFICE IN TASHKENT GRANTS TALENTED STUDENTS
For several years Kamolot Public Youth Movement of Uzbekistan alongside with the Ministry of Higher and Secondary Special Education, office of LG Electronics Company to Uzbekistan has been awarding the students with the LG Grant, Lola Bekmuratova of the Information Agency “Jahon” reported.
The main goal of LG Grant is to render assistance to talented young men and women in pursuit of their goals and aspirations, help them manifest their potential, support those who study on a contract basis.
More than 500 students from Tashkent and Samarkand have applied for the contest. Eight students with the best grades for all disciplines, active participation in social life and excellent proficiency in foreign languages have secured the LG Grant.
According to the press-service of Central Council of Kamolot Public Youth Movement, upon the initiative of organizers the geography of contest has been expanded. Thanks to this students of Navoi and Bukhara provinces have also had an opportunity to participate in the contests this year. On the outcomes of the local level contests seven students have been awarded with LG Grant.
UNFPA CONDUCTS TRAINING ON ADVOCACY, COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL ADVERTISING
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Uzbekistan conducted a five-day training for trainers on Communication, Advocacy and Social Advertising, in close coordination with the Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan on June 9-13.
The overall objective of the programme was to increase the capacity of representatives of Reproductive Health Centre, Institute of Health and NGOs working with people living with HIV/AIDS from Tashkent and different provinces of the country in media relations, advocating for reproductive health issues and creating Public Service Announcements (PSAs) in the health care sector, Uzreport Business Information Portal reported.
The training participants acquired important tools and techniques in Communication, Advocacy and Social Advertisement and developed a number of information products for their organizations during the training through practically applying theoretical skills received at this educational event.
The training participants highly evaluated this training programme and made the commitment to share their knowledge with colleagues at their organizations as well as using them for further promoting reproductive health and HIV prevention issues.
"Though this training activity, we've been given such powerful tool as advocacy that will help us address reproductive health issues and promote UNFPA mandate within different target groups and at various levels," commented Guzal Tulyaganova, representative of the Republic Reproductive Health Centre. "We will work with UNFPA to create a number of effective Public Service Announcements to raise public awareness on reproductive health issues as a result of this training."
SAUDI ARABIA LAUNCHES EXHIBITION OF APPLIED ART IN TASHKENT
On June 11 the Exhibition of people’s applied art of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia took off at the Alisher Navoi State Academic Big Theater.
The event was organized by the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Uzbekistan jointly with the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Nasiba Sabirova of the Information Agency “Jahon” reported.
The Saudi Minister of Culture and Information Iyad Ibn Ameen Madani participated at the festive opening ceremony. The Saudi folk group performed at it, as well.
“The friendly relations between our states trace the centuries-old history. We hope that the relations of Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia will further gradually develop. I should say that such cultural events promote further consolidation of friendship and cultural ties between our people”, Iyad Ibn Ameen Madani said.
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the first countries that recognized the sovereignty of Uzbekistan. President Islam Karimov’s visit to Saudi Arabia in April 1992 laid foundation to the cooperation between the two states.
In 1992 Uzbekistan opened its consulate in Jeddah and in 1995 – its embassy in Riyadh. Since 1997 the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been operating in Tashkent.
Relations between Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia are gradually developing in the framework of Organization of the Islamic Conference, Islamic Development Bank and Arab Coordination Group. Last year the heads of those organizations visited Uzbekistan and held talks.
During this visit to Uzbekistan the Saudi delegation is expected to learn about the rich historic and spiritual heritage of Uzbekistan, attend sacred places in Samarkand, Bukhara, Shakhrisabz and Karshi. It will stay in Uzbekistan until June 15.
‘NIHOL – 2008’ MUSIC & PERFORMANCE CONTEST ENDS IN KARSHI
The traditional contest for “Nihol” Prize aimed at discovering and supporting the young talents is now held at high level this year – the one declared by President to be the Year of Youth in the nation, the Jahon Information Agency reported.
The regional stage of the contest ended in the city of Karshi. Forty-seven performers from all cities and districts of the Kashkadarya Province manifested their masterly skills.
They competed in such nominations as performing classics, musical compositions, dance arts, academic singing and popular music.
On the outcomes of the contest eleven participants have earned the right to perform at the nationwide stage, according to the report.