September 01, 2010

Politics:
Foreign leaders congratulate President with Uzbekistan’s independence anniversary
Uzbekistan prepares to celebrate Independence Day
Uzbekistan: 19 years of independent development
Senate hosts third plenary session

Economics:
New rural houses built in Uzbekistan’s province Jizzakh

Society:
Emergency medical service of Uzbekistan turns 10 years
Increase of legal culture in families as basis of society prosperity



POLICY

Foreign leaders congratulate President with Uzbekistan’s independence anniversary

A number of foreign leaders send letters to President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, congratulating the head of the state and the people of Uzbekistan with the 19th anniversary of independence of the country, celebrated on 1 September.

President of France Nicolas Sarkozy reminded of his commitment to continue political dialogue with Uzbekistan, as well as strengthening and diversification of the bilateral economic, cultural, educational and scientific relations.

“I wish that the development of our relations and cooperation helped promote democratic values, strengthening the rule of law and the regional stability. I also wish that our bilateral exchanges contributed to strengthening dialogue and cooperation between the EU and Uzbekistan,” the French leader wrote.

“In the light of the recent tragic events in Kyrgyzstan your country had made great effort to adopt the refugees and thus helped stabilize the situation. I assure you that France continues closely monitoring the development of this crisis and supports the soonest return of the rule of law in Kyrgyzstan,” Nicolas Sarkozy said.

Queen of Britain Elisabeth II wished her most sincere congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of the Independence Day of Uzbekistan.

“Wish great pleasure I would like to express my warmest congratulations to Your Excellency and the people of Uzbekistan,” the Queen wrote to the President.

President of Slovakia Ivan Gasparovic assured President Islam Karimov that his country was interested in deepening friendly relations and cooperation for the benefit of both countries. The proof of this is Islam Karimov’s coming visit to Slovakia, Ivan Gasparovic stressed.

Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, wrote that the Azerbaijani-Uzbek relations were based on the wish and the will of the two nations, who had for many ages been bound with inseparable ties.

“I am convinced that with joint efforts we will continue strengthening all-round friendly ties and relations between our states, based on mutual trust and support,” the President of Azerbaijan noted.

King of Saudi Arabia Abdullah bin Abzulaziz Ol Saud said it was a great pleasure for him to send the most sincere and kind congratulations to the President of Uzbekistan on behalf of the people and the government of Saudi Arabia.

“I wish Your Excellency strong health and happiness, and the brotherly people of Uzbekistan further progress and prosperity,” the King wrote.

Crown Prince Sultan ibn Abdulaziz Ol Saud, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers, Minister of Defense and Airways, Chief Inspector of Saudi Arabia, also congratulated President of Uzbekistan and wished peace, progress and prosperity to the people of Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan prepares to celebrate Independence Day

President of Uzbekistan has signed a directive on preparing and celebrating the nineteenth anniversary of independence of the Republic.

The document points out that each anniversary of our independence – the greatest and the dearest holiday – adds a genuinely brilliant page to the annals of our modern history, and is widely celebrated as an expression of selfless work and the creative potential of our nation, our free and prosperous life, national pride and dignity. The preparations for and the celebration of Independence Day are essential in stimulating a deep sense of love for the native land, devotion to the country in the hearts of our people, especially the younger generation.

The resolution has approved a national commission for the preparation and celebration of the 19th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence.
The commission has been charged to develop, within a week, a program of organizational and practical, cultural, spiritual activities that would reflect a noble idea that “the highest value in our blessed homeland is the individual, his/her rights and interests”.

This program will make a special attention to the following questions:
profound revelation that the past 19 years of independence became for Uzbekistan the time of development and growth in the political sphere, the state and society, economy and spirituality, the judicial system, foreign policy and security, gaining its rightful place in the world community;

activities aimed at promoting the fact that our greatest wealth reached in the years of independence was peaceful and tranquil life of the people, a celebration in our society of such noble qualities as mutual respect, mercy and generosity, the principle of harmony of national and universal values;

full disclosure of the fact that the years of independence have revived our ancient history and rich heritage, religious values, national traditions and customs, people’s outlook has radically changed, the sense of involvement in the fate and future of the country is becoming the norm in our spiritual life;

deep introduction in the content of all upcoming events the idea that independence creates ever new opportunities for our people, serves as the basis for the manifestation of each of our skills and talents, ensuring of human rights and freedoms in our country, building the better life stress on a new phase of large-scale reforms in our country based on our own path of development, as well as the fact that world is widely recognizing the practical results achieved by Uzbekistan in the maintaining economic growth amid the global downturn, growth in living standards and welfare of the population, development priority principles inherent in the Uzbek model;

coverage of positive progress in the implementation adopted in our important social programs such as the national program Year of Comprehensively Advanced Generation, educational programs aimed at upbringing the younger generation, formation of mature spiritually, physically healthy individuals through bright life examples.

For the Republican Spirituality Council to hold enlightenment meetings and discussions, literary evenings, cultural events dedicated to the Independence Day, the Republic of Karakalpakstan, regions and Tashkent city will organize spiritual and educational groups composed of renowned scientists, writers and artists.

For the celebration of the 19th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Tashkent city administration and regions, Women’s Committee of Uzbekistan, Kamolot Youth Movement, Nuroniy and Mahalla foundations will created local commissions, develop an action plan providing the fundamental goals and objectives identified in the national program.

The celebration will involve creative groups formed from among writers, art directors, playwrights and poets, composers and choreographers, theater artists, performers and gifted young artists, representatives of the folk art of the highest professionalism and experience in the mass entertainment.

On the eve of the festival, the final stages of the republican contest “You are the Only Sacred Motherland!” will be held for best song and music, praising the country’s independence, as well as traditional competition “The Greatest, The Dearest”. Of great interest will be a qualifying round of Nikhol national contest.

Mass media are recommended to provide comprehensive coverage of the preparation and celebration of the 19th anniversary of independence.

On the eve of the 19th anniversary of independence of Uzbekistan, the Public Opinion Center Ijtimoii Fikr held a survey among the population, with the goal to identify citizens’ evaluation of the historical path of development over the past years and results of large-scale transformations and achievements in all spheres of life. Residents of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, all regions and Tashkent city participated in the survey.

Compared to the previous polls, the current survey’s results have shown that the citizens of Uzbekistan are meeting the 19th independence anniversary with a sense of pride for their country, its economic, political and spiritual development and growing prestige in the world.

One of the main achievements of proclaiming independence, according to respondents, is preservation of peace and stability in the country. The majority of the surveyed (90%) noted considerable advances in the implementation of strong social policy and targeted measures to protect the population, strengthening the foundation of the democratic state and rule of law, industrial development, reforms in health, education and training.

According to survey participants, the basis on all achievements of Uzbekistan during 19 years of independence is the wise, balanced and deeply thought-out domestic and foreign policy pursued by President Islam Karimov. The head of the state enjoys a very high trust of the population, which is due to continued stability of the political and socioeconomic life.

The far-sighted policy of the President of the country has allowed to soften the negative impact of the global financial crisis. Thanks to timely actions the country was able to prevent the crisis’s influence on the economy.

The study has shown that that the public opinion in Uzbekistan is characterized by consistently high level of social optimism and belief in the future. 95.1% of the respondents expressed confidence that the country will successfully overcome the existing problems and become a highly developed and flourishing state. The main factors contributing to this, according to respondents, are peace, stability and harmony in the country, improving living standards, increased international cooperation, and rich natural resources.

The citizens are increasingly satisfied with the state in many spheres of society, including development of small businesses and private entrepreneurship, the level of social protection, safeguarding the rights and freedoms.

The survey, like pervious ones, has shown that thanks to successful implementation of socioeconomic reforms the welfare of the people has been growing.

Almost 100% of the respondents said they were proud of the fact that Uzbekistan has been occupying a worthy place in the world. One of the achievements of independence is the increased level of patriotism among the overwhelming majority of citizens, especially young people. The feeling of pride for the country and responsibility serves as a consolidating factor in society, contributing to achieving sustainable and lasting peace, harmony and order in Uzbekistan.

The results of the sociological study have shown that the society fully supports the strategic course of reforms implemented under the leadership of President Islam Karimov. A strong guarantee of this is peace and stability, as well as unity of the people for the sake of the great future of the independent country.

Senate hosts third plenary session

The third plenary session of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan opens in Tashkent on 28 August. The Senate Kengash (Council) held a meeting one day earlier to consider the preparation to the session.

According to the Senate press service, about 20 laws will be considered at the session, including documents on improvement of state management, legal reforms, ensuring rule of law and security, as well as social issues.

Among the laws is the law on preventing child neglect and crimes among minors, which envisages improvement of the legal basis on protection of the children, increasing the responsibility of the related bodies and organizations.

Other laws to be considered by senators cover areas like protection of the population and territories from emergency situations, modernization of tax administration, and further development of antimonopoly regulation.

The members of the parliament's upper house will discuss laws on improving the advertising legislation, strengthening control in importing, production and trade of pyrotechnics, and other issues.

ECONOMY

New rural houses built in Uzbekistan’s province Jizzakh

Twenty new houses for rural residents were commissioned in Sarbozor village, Gallaorol district and the same number of houses in Aktash village, Bahmal district of Jizzakh region.

Construction of 325 similar houses is continuing in other 12 districts of Jizzakh. The plans include allocating lands for new houses in 20 more settlements in the region.

The new residential neighborhoods are being provided with all required infrastructure, including roads, electricity, water and gas. In Uchtepa, Sarbozor and Aktash, construction of police stations, children’s sports complexes, bus stops and mini banks is underway.
The local population has shown high demand for the newly built houses, since they are created with consideration of the regional climatic conditions and the requirements of the residents.

Young families find it convenient to purchase housing with long-term preferential credits from the banks.

“Construction of standardized houses in the villages represents a radical turn in the lives of the rural people,” told head of Jizzakh regional branch of Mahalla foundation Mukim Khasanov.

“The creative work carried out on the initiative of the President has changed the villagers’ view of their future. The expansion of the scale of construction has strengthened the people’s belief in the possibility to renew their houses,” he added.

Creation of new housing areas and preferences extended to businesses by the government have also expanded the construction materials industry in the regions.

The major part of required construction materials is already being produced by local companies. Over 30 brick plants and more than 10 non-metallic materials products manufacturers currently operate in Jizzakh region.

A number of enterprises have been launched to produce roofing slate, doors, windows and other materials.

SOCIETY

Emergency medical service of Uzbekistan turns 10 years

Established in 1999, Emergency medical service (EMS) of Uzbekistan is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The main tasks of its activity is rendering free, affordable and high quality emergency medical care in all regions and for all groups of population, as guaranteed by the state.

The main office of EMS is National Scientific Center of Emergency Medical Care (NSCEMC) with republican air ambulance and "03" service in Tashkent. The Center operates 13 regional branches rendering specialized emergency medical care to the population of Karakalpakstan and regions of Uzbekistan.

NSCEMC subdivisions – emergency medical care departments operate in 173 built-up areas.

Additionally, the system includes "03" service, air ambulance. Nowadays, over 8,000 beds are provided in emergency medical care hospitals. The whole system is equipped with the latest modern medical facilities.

The main advantage of this system is its affordability for any citizen: over 8 million individuals (1/3 of the population of the country) enjoyed its services in 2009.

The system provides all necessary conditions for training of high qualified personnel who has an opportunity to study not only in Uzbekistan but also in leading medical schools abroad – Russia, Ukraine, UK, France, Belgium, USA, South Korea, Japan, etc. Annual trainings of medical staff – participants of international professional conferences and seminars – are held on the regular basis.

Increase of legal culture in families as basis of society prosperity

An educational event dedicated to "The increase of legal culture in families is the basis of society prosperity" was held in Mirabad district under the initiative of the Ministry of Justice.

The event was attended by the representatives of the Ministry of Justice, Women's council, city khokimiyat, Muslim Council of Uzbekistan, mass media and youth.

In the course of the event, great attention was paid to the essence and importance of meetings, events, intellectual and enlightening conferences dedicated to the 19th anniversary of independence and based on the idea that "A individual, his rights and freedoms is the greatest value of our sacred Motherland", as well as to issues on further increase of social activity of youth in this direction.

The event also discussed the prevention of early marriages and increase of medical culture in families.

As it was noted, the national legislation stipulates firm basis of all-round legal protection of the family. These legal foundations meeting the highest international norms and standards and our national values provide increase of role of family institute in the life of society and welfare of nation. The Constitution of Uzbekistan and the Family Code are main legal tools regulating legal relations in the family.

Range of decrees of the President, resolutions of the Cabinet of Ministers and other legal acts are based on such norms as registration of marriage between a man and a woman, the rise of legal interests, etc.

According to the statistics, 11,175 applications for the registration of marriage were handed in to Offices of Registration of Civil Status in Tashkent during seven months of 2010.

The event also discussed the work of Tashkent State Department of Justice on provision of implementation of regulations on medical examination of individuals registering the marriage, the Program on further strengthening and increase of work efficiency in reproductive (birth) health of the population, birth of healthy children, growth of physically and mentally health generation in 2009-2013.

Also great attention was paid to issues on the improvement of measures in the light of the 18th anniversary of Constitution of Uzbekistan and on deeper familiarization of youth with the Main Law.

In conclusion, the even heard the opinions and proposals on the necessity of regular round tables with high school, colleges and lyceums students focusing on the prevention of early marriages and increase of legal culture of young people.

Booklets "To the attention of justice bodies" and "Watchfulness – necessity of time" and other legal literature were spread between the participants of the event.