PRESS-RELEASES

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Report by the Information Agency “Jahon” on the Speech by the U.S. President Barack Obama at the Cairo University

On the Outcomes of Official Visit of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov to the Federative Republic of Brazil

Brazilian Media on the Visit of President of Uzbekistan

VALENTIN BOGATYRYOV: “THE CENTRAL ASIA IS NOT A VENUE FOR INTEGRATION AND REGIONALIZATION BUT THE ONE OF A GEOPOLITICAL BREAK-UP”

PRESS-RELEASE on the Welcoming Address by President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov to the Participants of the International Scientific-Practical Conference “The Global Financial-Economic Crisis, Ways and Measures to Overcome it in the Conditions of Uzbekistan”

Uzbek Model of Reforms at the Focus of Attention of the World Economic Community

President of the World Water Council Stands for Examination of the Hydro Facilities in Central Asia

PRESS-RELEASE On the Regional Conference Dedicated to the System of “Education of National Minorities in the Multinational Central Asia”

On the meeting with mass media dedicated to the outcomes of the official visit of President of Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan

On the Regular Meeting of the Trustee Fund for Development of Children’s Sport of Uzbekistan

Yekaterinburg Declaration of the Heads of the Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation

Report by the Information Agency “Jahon”

VALENTIN BOGATYRYOV: “THE CENTRAL ASIA IS NOT A VENUE FOR INTEGRATION AND REGIONALIZATION BUT THE ONE OF A GEOPOLITICAL BREAK-UP”

On the meeting with mass media dedicated to the outcomes of the official visit of President of Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan

On participation of the Republic of Uzbekistan in post-war reconstruction of Afghanistan

On International forum “The ways to develop and promote cultural tourism in the countries of Silk Road”

On preparations to holding elections of chairmen (aksakals) of the citizens’ gatherings and their advisers in Uzbekistan

On public poll “Uzbekistan: 17 years of Independence”

On the outcomes of social and economic development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the first half of 2008

Uzbekistan: 17 years of Independent Development. Towards New Frontiers and Set Goals

On Public Poll “Multinational Uzbekistan”

On measures to strengthen support of non-state non-profit organizations, other institutions of civil society

On the outcomes of social and economic development of the Republic of Uzbekistan during the first quarter of 2008

Health of the Nation – Priority Direction of State Policy

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan I.A.Karimov spoke in the joint session of Oliy Majlis, the Cabinet of Ministers and the Apparatus of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan devoted 16-th anniversary of Uzbekistan's Independence.

 

To the 16th anniversary of Independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan:

“UZDAEWOOAUTO”: A SIGN OF ECONOMIC MIGHT

SIXTEEN YEARS: ALONG THE PATH OF PROFOUND CHANGES AND PROFOUND REFORMS

Along the path of consistent reforms, maintaining the country’s stability and prosperity of the nation

 

On the outcomes of social and economic development of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the first half-year 2007

Opinions of the participants of the international practical-scientific conference “Uzbekistan’s contribution to the development of Islamic civilization

Strengthening Guarantees of Human Rights Protection

On strengthening the role of political parties in the renewal and further democratization of state governance and modernization of the country

Procedures of state support of the NGO’s activity in Uzbekistan

Mission of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the European Communities

On the session of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Information on accreditation of the Head of Human Rights Watch in Uzbekistan

TOLERANCE IS THE BASIS OF STABILITY

NAVRUZ - A FESTIVAL OF PEACE AND NEW BEGINNINGS

Social protection of the population: experience of Germany and Uzbekistan

About the Round Table dedicated to «Issues of improvement of work with citizens application» in the Senate of Oliy Majlis (Parliament) of the Republic Uzbekistan

The Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On guaranties of activities of the non-state non-profit organizations”

Information Agency "Jahon"

On strengthening the role of political parties in the renewal and further democratization of state governance and modernization of the country

On the way of tolerance and humanism.

"On guarantees and measures for the protection of the rights of foreign investors"

Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan and democratic reforms

STATEMENT by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan

“On Amnesty in Connection with the Fourteenth Anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan”

The Article of the Rector of the tashkent state law university, senator M.Rustambaev
“the abolition of capital punishment
In Uzbekistan”

Information on the course of implementation of the National Action Plan on fulfillment of recommendations of  the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)

Aide-memoire concerning United Nations
General Assembly resolution 60/174 of 16 December 2005,
entitled “Situation of human rights in Uzbekistan”

The new edition of the Law of the Republic Uzbekistan
«On copyright and related rights »

"On the outcomes of social and economic development
of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the first half of 2006"

Address of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov at the Cabinet Ministers Session on the results of social and economic development of Uzbekistan in 2005 and major priorities of economic reform in 2006

PRESS-RELEASE ON THE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOMENT
OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN IN 2005
AND KEY PRIORITIES OF ECONOMIC REFORMS IN 2006

Sacred Things are Inviolable

LEGAL RIGHTS AND GUARANTEES FOR THE FOREIGN INVESTORS, TAX PRIVILEGES IN THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN (download all in one zip file, 94kb)

PRESS-RELEASE In response to statement of Mrs. Louise Arbour, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights

Constitutional Day of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Second Central Asian Special Olympics Games-promoting social integration of people with disabilities

Kurash

Speech by President Islam Karimov at the festive ceremony dedicated to the 13th anniversary of Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan

The Ministry of Higher and Secondary Specialized Education of the Republic of Uzbekistan is the agency in charge of arranging the study of foreign students in Uzbekistan.

APPENDIX N 6 to the Decree of Cabinet of Ministers of Republic of Uzbekistan
from 11/30/2004 N 560

Once more again on how a friend in deed would act in need...

Information on Andijan events and the course of the official investigation

PRESS-RELEASE OF THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN:
"On the creation of a Task Force on monitoring the investigation and governmental measures to stabilize the situation in Andijan region"

Why this is made?

Briefing in the General-Prosecutor's Office of the Republic Uzbekistan

Investment proposals        donload file

CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS IN ANDIJAN

ON EVENTS IN ANDIJAN ON 13 MAY 2005

Press-conference of the Prosecutor General of Uzbekistan Mr. Rashid Kadyrov
Tashkent, 17 May 2005.

The Memory of Heroes is Sacred!

ON ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO STIMULATE
THE ATTRACTION OF DIRECT PRIVATE
FOREIGN INVESTMENTS

Statement by IMF Staff Mission to the Republic of Uzbekistan

The Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan
concerning the events in Kyrgyzstan

RESOLUTION OF THE CABINET OF MINISTERS
OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN

Materials on religious-extremist organization "Hizb ut-Tahrir",
with proofs of its participation in terrorist activity.

SPEECH BY PRESIDENT ISLAM KARIMOV

Stage of Preliminary Detention.

SPEECH BY PRESIDENT ISLAM KARIMOV
ON THE 16TH SESSION OF OLIY MAJLIS (PARLIAMENT)
OF THE REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN

ADDRESS
BY PRESIDENT ISLAM KARIMOV
AT THE CEREMONIAL CONVENTION
ON THE OCCASION OF THE 12TH ANNIVERSARY
OF ENACTMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION

LEGAL FOUNDATIONS OF FREE DEMOCRATIC ELECTIONS 

ON PREPARATIONS TO THE PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN UZBEKISTAN

UZBEKISTAN ECONOMY SHOWS STABLE GROWTH THROUGH JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2004

Creating a favorable macroeconomic environment for business development, deepening structural reformations in the economy, introducinq new investment projects as well as enactment of programs to localize and adopt new market products contributed to increased economic development of Uzbekistan through January-February, 2004.
In the period of two months, manufacturing rose 9.6%, while at the same period in 2003 this indicator was only 2.5%. Industries that had leading growth this year include nonferrous metallurgy 21.1%, machine building and metal processing 35.6%, construction materials 13.8% and light industry 11,4%.
As compared with the same period last year, there has been a growth in the use of plant production capacities in gas, nonferrous metallurgy, machine building, light and food industry.
There has been considerable production growth in such large enterprises as Uzdaewooavto, Uzmetkombinat, Sino, Uzbekyengilsanoat, Uzbek ipagi, Uzozikovkatsanoat and Uzfarmsanoat.
Considerable growth in oil extraction was 7,9%, natural gas 7,6%, coal 15.3%, diesel fuel 12.2% and compressed gas 23.6%. Production of steel increased 8.4%, nonferrous metals 13.1%, cement 27.4%, ceramic tiles 20.4% and carpets 22%.
The overall consumer goods produced in the country totaled 343.3 billion sums which is 14,4% higher than the same period last year.
There has been a considerable growth in production of silk and cotton yarn 14.2%. Car manufacturing more than doubled (2.1 times). Production of TV sets and other consumer technologies grew 47.8%. Clothing production increased 7.5% while carpet production doubled and there was an increase in processed food products.
Increase in the production of industrial goods and growth of business activity in the economy had a positive impact on the development of transportation services. The overall cargo turnover in January-February increased 3.2% and passenger turnover 6.8%.
As a result of taking measures to stimulate domestic production of consumer goods, regulations of trade organizations and merchants engaged in trading activities as well as increasing domestic consumer demand – the consumer turnover through January-February increased by 4% compared with the same period last year. Services provided have increased by 9% as compared with January-February of 2003.
There has been a continuing positive tendency in foreign trade. In the last two months of 2004, foreign trade increased 27.4%, exports grew 38.3% and imports 17.1%. Increased exports included machines, power supply, chemicals, nonferrous metals and other goods. Increased imports included machines and equipment, raw materials for production and medical products.

INFLATION FALLS

Since 2003 Uzbekistan has witnessed a sharp fall in inflation which was the result of balanced monetary, credit, tax, and budget policies as well as structural transformations in the economy. The important reason for fall in inflation was the suspension of financing of state budget deficit through Central Bank loans, which was one of the main stimulators of inflation. In 2003 the inflation rate was only 3.8% vs 21.6% in 2002.
This tendency continues in 2004. Thus, according to State Statistics Committee, inflation rate accounted to 0.9% (calculated from consumers basket consisting of 300 products and services, January-February 2004), vs 4% in the same period of time in 2003.
The price for food products decreased as follows: rice 9.8%, potatoes 5.9%, eggs 4.8%, carrots 4%, sugar 3.8% and meat 1.8%. Prices for services provided increased 3.9%.
A lower inflation rate increases trust in national currency, lowers interest rates, and raises investment activity, which increases economic growth and real income of population.

Order by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan

“On the establishment of Council on Reforming Legislative Bases
of the State and Public Formation and Judicial-Legal System
under the President of Uzbekistan”.

With an aim of further deepening the reforms in the sphere of development and improvement of the legal foundations of state and social formation, the judicial and legal system directed at forming a democratic and lawful state with the developed socio-oriented market economy and strong civil society:
1.To set up a Council on Reforming Legislative Bases of the State and Public Formation and Judicial-Legal System under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan (hereinafter - the Council).
2. Approve the members of the Council and its Statute.
3. Assign main tasks and directions of the Council’s activity as:

the critical analysis of the process of forming the legal ground in the field of democratic renewal of state and social formation, the judicial and legal system; elaboration of concrete proposals on enhancing the efficiency of legislation in view of priorities and tasks in the sphere of state and social formation, protection of human rights and freedoms, improvement of the judicial and legal system;
coordination of the activity and joining of the efforts of governmental and representative bodies entitled to the right of legislative initiatives, organizations and institutions as well as scientific community in the sphere of legislation and legal regulation of state and social formation, ensuring of their completeness and thoroughness, reforming of the judicial authority in light of the deepening process of democratization and formation of civil society;
revelation of gaps (“white spots”) in the sphere of legal support for reform; elaboration of recommendations for adopting laws and other normative and legal acts necessary for resolving the concrete problems of state and social formation, for ensuring systematize and coherence in legislation excluding duplication and parallelism in laws being adopted;
monitoring of comprehensive implementation in laws and legal acts of the norms and provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan; elaboration of proposals on adopting laws necessary for thorough implementation of new provisions of the Constitution.
elaboration of proposals on ensuring the priority of universally recognized principles and standards of international law and primacy of human rights in the country’s legislation, adopting laws that ensure further development and improvement of civil society institutions (non-governmental noncommercial organizations, local authorities), enhancing of the social and political activity of citizens, their direct and active participation in state and social administration;
elaboration of proposals on improving the legislative regulation of the activity of the mass media aimed at securing their real independence, elaboration and implementation of complex measures for enhancing legal awareness of citizens.

4. Make changes and amendments to the Statute on the Service of State Adviser dealing with the issues of development and improvement of the legal base for reforming and modernizing the country, which is approved in a Order № P-1828 of August 20, 2003 by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Approve its new edition.
Assign key tasks of the Service as:
elaboration and implementation of measures aimed at establishing an efficient legal base to ensure the formation of an open democratic state with the socio-oriented market economy, steady and gradual movement of Uzbekistan along the path of building the civil society.
ensuring of the systematic (based on the principle “from public to private”) development and evolutionary improvement of the legal base for reforming and modernizing the country; determination of the conceptual foundations and priorities of legislation in view of principal tasks in the sphere of social development, state formation and improvement of the judicial and legal system;
ensuring of permanent working contacts with the entities of legislative initiative, governmental bodies, organizations and institutions as well as scientific community, which influence the process of adopting laws, forming and improving the legislative base;
organization of close interaction with Oliy Majlis (Parliament), its services and divisions both on the stage of forming the agenda of parliament sessions and during the process of review, debates and adoption of bills;
preparation for signing by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan laws adopted by the Oliy Majlis;
participation in forming committees, other working structures of the supreme legislative body while establishing a bicameral parliamentary system, rendering necessary assistance in organizing stable and efficient work of the parliament.
rendering of organizing-legal and consulting aid to other services of the Office of the President in the juridical and legal sphere;
thorough analysis of experience of developed foreign countries in establishing the legal base for development and modernization of various spheres of social life and state system, elaboration and realization of measures for its efficient application in legislation and legal activity;
working out and implementation of programs for developing jurisprudence and legal education, enhancing legal awareness of the population in view of the tasks of deepening socio-economic and political reform, modernizing the country;
ensuring of the efficient work of the Council at the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan for reforming the legal foundations of state and social formation, the judicial and legal system, implementation of decisions adopted by the Council.

5. Deem invalid:
The Order № P-1471 of November 12, 2001 by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On establishing a Council dealing with the issues of improving the state-legal and judicial system and enhancing legal awareness of the population”;
Paragraph 3 of Order №P-1828 of August 20, 2003 by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan “On transforming a group of experts responsible for relations with the legislative and judicial authorities of the Office of the President into a Service of State Adviser dealing with the issues of developing and improving the legal base of reforming and modernizing the country”.
Entrust the control over implementation of this Order to the State Adviser of the President of Uzbekistan B.Mirbabaev.

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Islam Karimov

Tashkent, March 13, 2004

Comments on Order of the President of Uzbekistan
«On the establishment of Council on Reforming Legislative Bases
of the State and Public Formation and Judicial-Legal System
under the President of Uzbekistan»

Considerable substantive and sizeable work on democratic renovation and liberalization of all spheres of political, social and economic development of the state, on development of effective legislative base of reforms have been carried out in Uzbekistan for a few last years.
Islam Karimov, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, has determined priorities of this activity in his report at Oliy Majlis first session of the second convocation. These directions have been reflected in the Programs on liberalization and deepening of democratic reforms in political sphere, in the sphere of state formation and management, as well as in the economic, spiritual, judicial - legal, and foreign policy spheres, and in sphere of security.
Realization of the specified Programs that were approved by the Order of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan of June, 2, 2000, has demanded enactment of a whole series of laws and normative-legal acts directed at ensuring sequential state progress on the way of formation of a democratic legal state with advanced socially-oriented market economy and strong civil society.
Adopted constitutional laws on the establishment of bicameral parliament and subsequent amendments to the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan, have created legislative legal base for further perfection of government system, principles of its formation, and deep reforms in legislative activity.
The Council is established for the purposes of preparing recommendations on further reforms in sphere of social development, as well as state-legal, and judicial activity.
During his speech at the session of the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan on February, 7, 2004, Islam Karimov - the President of Uzbekistan noted that “economic reforms cannot be successful if they are not connected directly with reforms in political sphere, of state system and judicial - legal system”. Therefore, the Сouncil’s major task will be the coordination of activity, uniting efforts of state and representative bodies with the right of legislative initiative, of the organizations and establishments, as well as of scientific community in the sphere of legislative activity and normative-legal regulation of the state and public formation, with the overall aim of ensuring their completeness and composite nature.
Also, one of the important tasks of the Council will be defining the gaps in legal provision of reforms, development of recommendations for enactment of laws and other normative-legal acts that are necessary for the solution of concrete problems of the state and public formation, as well as for ensuring of systematic approach and consistency in the legislative activity, excluding duplication and parallelism of adopted laws.
The Council will implement monitoring of completeness of realization of norms and regulations of the Constitution of Uzbekistan in laws and normative-legal acts, development of proposals on enactment of the laws that are necessary for complete realization of new regulations of the Constitution of Uzbekistan, on provision of a priority of the conventional norms of international law and a primate of human rights in the legislation of the state.
The Council will develop proposals on laws enactment that ensure the further development and perfection of civil society institutes, increase of citizens’ social and political activity, citizens’ direct and active participation in state governance and public management, media’s real independence, as well as development and realization of measures to increase legal culture and citizens’ sense of justice.
On the basis of thorough analysis of experience on development and perfection of legislation in the sphere of state and public formation and judicial - legal system of advanced foreign countries the Council will prepare recommendations on its use in legislative activity of Uzbekistan.
With the aim of further increasing the level of legislative activity, the Council is assigned to develop measures on increasing efficiency of scientific research in the field of law, to concentrate scientists’ efforts on solution of actual issues on perfection of state-legal and judicial systems, to render assistance to an effective utilization of scientific development results in legislative and legal application practice, and to formation of a national school of law.
It is important to note, that for a provision of all-round and complex study of Сouncil’s decisions its personnel includes not only the state bodies’ representatives who have a right to the legislative initiative, representative bodies, but also public associations’ and citizens’ self-governing institutions representatives, as well as outstanding scientists and experts.
The Council is an advisory body. Its decisions have a recommendation character. The Council will work in a close interaction with the Service of the State Adviser of the President on issues of development and perfection of legal base on reforming and modernization of the state.
The Council’s performance of its tasks determined by the Order, undoubtedly, will yield the positive results in realization of democratic transformations in the field of the state and public formation and judicial - legal system.

THE ASIAN BANK HAS GRANTED UZBEKISTAN AND TADJIKISTAN LOANS ON THE POWER TRANSMISSION SYSTEM

The Governments of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan have signed loan and project agreements with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for the implementation of the Regional Power Transmission Modernization Project. “This is a significant first step for regional cooperation and enhancing power trade relations between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan,” said Sean O’Sullivan, ADB Country Director for Uzbekistan.
Tajikistan and Uzbekistan together account for 65% of generation capacity in the Central Asian grid. Enhancing their bilateral power trading relationship is expected to encourage broader economic cooperation in this area within Central Asia. The project addresses improvements in physical infrastructure, including:
Rehabilitating 500 kilovolt substations and switchyards to improve system reliability
Upgrading dispatch and communications facilities to optimize system operation
Installing new transborder metering arrangements to better measure traded power
The project will also work toward an improved policy, institutional, and regulatory environment through the implementation of a regional power trade action plan and a bilateral power trade relations agreement.
The Uzbek component will be financed by a US$70 million ADB loan and US$49 million in co-financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The executing agency, Uzbekenergo, a state joint-stock owned electricity company, will provide US$29 million.
The Tajik component will be financed by a US$20 million ADB loan, co-financing of US$2.4 million from the OPEC Fund, and US$4.6 million from the executing agency, Barki Tajik, a state-owned electricity utility.

About the Programme “Year of kindness and mercy”

The year of 2004 has been declared as the “Year of kindness and mercy” by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov at the meeting devoted to the 11th anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the basic purposes and problems have been determined.
On 27th January 2004, the complete program on organizational, social and economic, spiritual-educational means, which are planned to be carried out in 2004, has been authorized a developed by the Republican Commission formed by the Head of State and initiated by the Cabinet of Ministries of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
This program is a logical link of such programs, accepted in previous years, as "The Year of interests of the person ", "The Year of family ", "The Year of the women ", "The Year of healthy generation", " The Year of the mother and the child ", " The Year of protection of the interests of the senior generation", " The Year of mahalla (community)".
Its main substance is to amplify the attention and care to the person from the part of the state and society based on primordial values of our people and modern democratic principles.
The program covers the complex of the measures set out for solving the following priority tasks:
to amplify the social protection of the population, support of the part of population in need, families in want of support and lonely people, improvement of legal base of this sphere;
rendering assistance and support of invalids, lonely people and people who lost supporters, to elderly people;
the further amplification of activity of self-governin institutions of citizens on realization of the measures set out for stimulation of the kindness and mercy in society;
strengthening of family, protection of motherhood and the childhood, paying of special attention to education of the youth in spirit of kindness and mercy.
The purpose of the program is to realise the spiritual-educational measures set out for an explanation of noble essence of concepts of kindness and mercy, maintenance of a stable moral and psychological atmosphere in each house, mahalla (community), city and village, strengthening of foundations of a healthy life, propaganda of progressive traditions, and customs.
The Program "The Year of kindness and mercy" frames the following:
to provide 616,5 thousand first-grade pupils with books and school accessories free of charge, also to increase the allocated resources in 1,5 times to supply with books the pupils of the specialized schools, houses "Mehribonlik" (orphanage), pupils of 2nd and 9th grades from needy families and updating the library funds in these purposes;
to create conditions for leisure and recovery of 170 thousand children, including the restoration to health of children from needy families free-of-charge;
to increase the resources in 1,2 times due to the State budget, to supply the children from needy families with winter clothes;
to carry out the major overhaul of 46 houses "Muruvvat" and "Sahovat", establishments of social security and 93 houses of "Mehribonlik"(orphanage);
to restore to health 32 thousand veterans of war and labour, and pensioners in resorts of the country;
to expand medical and social services for the population of the remote kishlaks (villages) and auls (mountain villages).
The general expenses on realization of the program are provided in volume of 354 billion sum, including 250 billion sum due to means of the State budget for 2004 (1 USD - 982 sum).
The program covers also the actual measures set on realization by Council of Ministers of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, hokimiyats (mayors) of the regions and Tashkent City deducting the specificity of problems and opportunities of tangible regions.
As a whole the specified means are qualified to promote maintenance of a stablility of the society, tolerance, goodwill, the civil consent of friendship and mutual understanding between representatives of different nationalities, creation of necessary conditions for education of the youth in spirit.
It becomes the important factor in realization of our goals directed on creation of a new society, will allow to lift our consecutive, creative achievements on qualitatively new level.
In a word, the purpose of the program embodies noble idea of “nobody in our society should feel lonely, nobody should be deprived of attention and care”.

Uzbekistan along the path towards democracy and progress

Since the outset of Independence Uzbekistan has been implementing its own course of transition to a market economy and building of a democratic state and civil society, which would ensure strict observation of human rights and freedoms, spiritual renovation of society and its integration into the world community. The President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov in a meeting of the Cabinet on the review of the social and economic development of Uzbekistan in 2003 stressed that “our chosen model of a step-by-step transition from an effete administrative and planing system to a free market and socio-oriented economy based on five principles has justified itself.”

This is evident from a poll “Uzbekistan: public opinion - 2003” conducted by the Center for Public Opinion Studies “Ijtimoiy Fikr”. The study is carried out by a mode of complex monitoring aimed at reveling major trends and dynamics of public perception of the republic’s socio-economic and political development as well as people’s prevailing attitudes towards main political, legal and social institutions in the country.
Comparative results of opinion polls conducted between 1998-2003 suggest growing positive trends and favorable reception by the citizens of the republic of the socio-economic and political situation in the country. In fact, in 1998 48.6 % of respondents characterized the social and economic situation in the republic as “well and stable”, whereas in 2003 this figure amounted to 58,1%. Besides, every second respondent believes that economic reform in the country is implemented at a normal pace. The high degree of people’s satisfaction with the social and economic situation can be explained by a gradual, step-by-step implementation of socio-economic reform, rejection of the “shock therapy” model as well as pursuit of the socio-oriented policy taking into account the national and demographic peculiarities of the country.
The analysis of the opinion poll results also indicate that there is a steady increase in the number of people who favorably evaluate the country’s political development along the path of Independence. In fact, according to the respondents, the political situation in the republic is characterized by stability, peace and tranquility. The absolute majority of respondents (97.7 %) positively evaluate the political situation in the republic.
The results of the study imply: the political course of the government has assured the people that with the country’s security, civil rights and liberties well protected, terrorists and extremists who seek to destabilize the country will not succeed. This is evident from the fact that the number of respondents who believe that religious extremism and fundamentalism pose a serious threat to the development of Uzbekistan has fallen as compared to that of 2000 (from 47,6% in 2000 to 16,5% in 2003).
The public is confident that favorable economic and legislative conditions are in place for the development of small and medium businesses in the country. These conclusions rest on the fact that most of the respondents are confident that all the necessary legal (66,9%), social (62,4%) and economic (59,7%) conditions are created in Uzbekistan to facilitate the activity of entrepreneurs, farmers, non-government and private sector as a whole.
At the same time, citizens are more critical about the socio-economic situation in their native town or district. Only every fifth respondent (21,2%) described the social and economic conditions in his or her native town and district as "positive and stable". More than half (52,2%) of the respondents characterized it as “not so well and not so stable”.
Savings are one of the major indicators of the level of the population’s well being. The poll indicates that there is a positive tendency towards people’s increased savings. 16,2% of respondents answered positively to the question "Do you have monetary savings?", whereas in 2002 this figure was at 15,4%. The majority of them are people who described their financial situation as average and high. According to the results of the poll, 41% of respondents tend to save money for holding weddings and purchasing dowry for their children, while 29% - for purchasing daily consumer goods.
The results of the opinion poll correspond with the tasks set out for the year 2004, which has been declared in Uzbekistan the Year of Kindness and Mercy. In this respect, the issue of providing in mahallas (neighborhood communities) aid to the poor by the rich citizens is of especial importance. There are still untapped reserves for that. Only 1,7% respondents said that they allocate some money to help the poor.
Migration is another indicator determining people’s attitude towards the country they reside. 86,3% of respondents have stated that they have no intention to leave Uzbekistan for permanent residence in other country. This fact implies the growing sense of patriotism, harmonization of interethnic relations, as well as existence of sufficient social-economic and political comfort in the country.
At the same time, 22% respondents gave a positive answer to the question "Would you like to leave for any foreign country for temporary employment opportunities?" Majority of these respondents represent the urban population and people aged under 50. In view of the fact that most respondents, according to their admission, are not well aware of their rights, including the rights of labor migrants, there is need to organize systematic educational programs aimed to enhance their legal awareness and legal culture, especially for those who seek employment opportunities abroad.
The results show a dynamic, though non-uniform, change in Uzbek citizens’ attitude towards various public institutions, social strata and cultural values in 2003. The respondents were asked to evaluate change in their moral principles since the early years of Uzbekistan’s Independence.
The results show that alongside with preservation of traditional values, there is a growing sense of respect in population for such democratic values as the rule of law and human rights. At the same time, the poll results imply some contradictions in public consciousness: the growing religious sentiments are compounded with the weakening conjugal ties, people’s strive for material well-being blends with the declining wish for honest and quality work. Apparently, these discrepancies are the consequence of a transitional period.
According to the study results, there were essential positive shifts in the mutual relationship between the state and person. There is a growing social understanding of importance and necessity to promote human rights. Comparative results of 1998-2003 surveys demonstrate, that human rights is becoming one of the basic concepts of mass consciousness. The overwhelming majority of the respondents (74,0 %) believe that promotion of rights and liberties of each citizen, and then interests of society, is the most important state priority at the present stage.
The poll revealed people’s growing moral perception of the role of the Constitution in daily human life. Dynamics of public opinion confirms the trend of the last years, when knowledge of the Constitution’s text is directly related to the age and education of the respondents. The respondents who have read the Constitution comprise mostly young citizens aged 18-20 with high education. This result seems to stem from implementation of a decree by the President “On organizing the study of the Constitution of the Republic Uzbekistan”, which tasks the national education system to organize the teaching of legal knowledge for schoolchildren, starting from preschool establishments and finishing higher educational institutions.
The data demonstrate a high sense of citizens’ responsibility before the state, which implies the strengthening of their self-identification with the country and nation. In comparison with the previous polls, the number of respondents who consider that “our state has given us everything, nobody has the right to demand more” has increased. At the same time, there is a tendency of decrease of dependant moods among citizens. It demonstrates a successful passage by citizens of Uzbekistan through the process of adaptation to new social and economic conditions, change in public consciousness and thinking.
Dynamics of the citizens’ attitude to daily problems shows the steady tendency of increase in the number of the citizens who rely on their own strength (2000 - 43,7%, 2003 - 47,7% respondents) and thus reduction of dependant moods among citizens (2000 - 30,2%, 2002 - 29,4 %).
The poll, as in the previous years, has once again confirmed the high level of citizens’ trust in the President of Uzbekistan. It demonstrates the high assessment of Mr. Karimov's work as the head of state from the outset of Independence and support by the overwhelming majority of the population of the current course of political, social and economic reforms. The high level of population’s confidence in the President – is a national asset and stability warrant.
The process of the radical transformation of the social and economic and political systems as well as establishment of essentially new public relations and social institutions have affected a choice of priorities not only for the republic’s domestic but also foreign policy. On the whole, the poll data demonstrate an unconditional support by the population for the government’s foreign policy directed at strengthening of peace and stability in Central Asia, as well as cooperation of Uzbekistan with the world’s leading states.
The poll has revealed an important factor: the attitude of the Uzbek people towards nations with which Uzbekistan develops close political, social and economic relations remains tolerant and friendly.
On the whole, the study “Uzbekistan: public opinion – 2003” has convincingly manifested the effectiveness of political, social and economic reforms ongoing in the country. The gradual social and economic policy of the government has a positive impact on the situation. The majority of respondents not only support this strategy, but also strive for its reinforcement. The results can bee deemed as an important indicator for a positive change in public opinion and society.

Uzbek FM pays three-day official visit to Latvia

The delegation of Uzbekistan led by the Foreign Minister Sadyk Safaev paid an official visit to Latvia on the invitation of Latvian Foreign Minister Sandra Kalniete on 25-27 February.
The Uzbek delegation held negotiations with Latvian President Vaira Vike-Freiberga, spokesman of Seim (parliament) Ingrida Udre, Foreign Minister Sandra Kalniete, Transport and Communications Minister Roberts Zile, Economics Minister Ivars Gaters and spokesman of Riga Duma Gundar Boyars.
The sides discussed issues related to the upcoming visit of President Islam Karimov to Latvia. According to Uzbek Foreign Ministry, the visit will take place in April 2004.
While discussing perspectives of the Uzbek-Latvian cooperation, expansion of dialogue between foreign ministries and other issues of mutual interest, the Latvian side hailed the efforts of the Uzbek government in strengthening the country?s independence, and internal and foreign policy.
Uzbek and Latvian officials expressed their interest in further expansion of trade and economic relations. They also noted that Latvia?s joining the European Union would expand the volumes of mutual trade turnover.
The sides agreed to hold the fourth Uzbek-Latvian intergovernmental commission on trade-economic and scientific-technical cooperation in September 2004.
During the visit, Uzbekistan and Latvia also considered implementation of joint projects in Afghanistan, as well as creation of joint ventures, the Foreign Ministry said.
The Latvian side also expressed interest in measures undertaken by Uzbekistan in developing transport communications and readiness to assist in development of issues regarding creation of railway-container transportation systems.
The Foreign Ministry said Latvia had highly appraised Uzbekistan’s participation in measures to fight terrorism, which is important not only for Central Asia, but for the global security and stability.
The Latvian officials said they supported Uzbekistan?s initiative on creation of the UN’s Central Asian Regional centre on fighting drug trafficking in Tashkent.
The sides confirmed their intention to continue deepening and developing bilateral political contacts, as well as interaction on the international arena in all spheres representing mutual interest, including fighting terrorism and extremism.

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov addresses Cabinet of Ministers.
On February 7 there was a session of the Cabinet of Ministers dedicated to the results of the socio-economic development and economic reforms in 2003 and the main directions of further liberalization of the economy in 2004.
President Islam Karimov spoke, noting the direction of liberalization and reforms in the economy last year. Macroeconomic stability and stable growth were guaranteed. GNP grew by 4.4%, production – 6.2%, paid services – 7.9%. Due to strict monetary-credit policy, the money supply was reduced to 10.9% of GNP. The level of inflation was 3.8% vs 21.6% in 2002. Real income per capita increased by 12.3%.
Measures to unify the exchange rates and liberalize currency policy allowed for convertibility of the sum for current operations in agreement with article 8 of the IMF agreement.
Foreign economic activity increased. Foreign trade turnover grew by 17.3%, and exports by 24.6%. The foreign trade balance was positive – $760m.
The level of investment reached $2 trillion sums, 4.5% more than in 2002.
SME grew to reach 35.5% of GNP. 57% of people were employed there.
President Islam Karimov drew attention to some problems hindering reforms. Not all reform tasks were carried out. In privatization, there is a one-sided and superficial approach. The work to transfer state packets of shares to trustworthy management is poorly organized. Excessive caution is seen in selling packets of shares at zero cost.
There are failings in reforms in capital construction and services.
Agricultural reforms were considered. Discipline must be increased and administrative methods avoided in managing the economy.
President Islam Karimov criticized the lack of an effective system of storing produce, interference in distributing raw materials, and the low level of discipline. These problems must be solved quickly.
Special attention was paid to questions connected with the execution of the national program for training specialists, the program “the year of kindness and mercy” and other state programs to transform administration and stimulate the growth of SME and private entrepreneurship.
The achievements in these spheres last year were the result of the self-confident work of the people and confirm the correctness of the path chose.

We have chosen the right model of transition from the planned economy to socially-oriented market economy, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov said at the session of the Cabinet of Ministers dedicated to 2003 results.

The policy of liberalisation of economy, following the main principles of free economy and entrepreneurship is giving its results, he said.

The head of the state said the development of the economy based on using raw materials was wrong. He noted that natural resources were limited and such a policy would lead to lop-sided development and weak economy.

The economy built on structural reforms and modernisation of capacities, development of competitive sectors will ensure prosperity of the people and economic growth, Islam Karimov said.

The President said that reforms in politics, state construction and legal system should be carried out simultaneously with economic reforms. He noted that the economy could not develop without reforms in justice system and administrative reforms. “We cannot live in one direction,” he said.

Islam Karimov said the economic achievements would not stop and the reforms of the economy would never end. The economy should be reformed together with the changing world situation.

The President noted that the country had to pay more attention to upbringing the youth familiar with computer technologies and develop own programmers’ school. He stressed that the country could not lay hopes on cotton alone forever.

 

Uzbekistan records 4.4% GDP in 2003 .

Uzbekistan’s GDP in 2003 made up 4.4%, President Islam Karimov said at the session of the Cabinet of Ministers dedicated to the year’s results. He added that for the last several years the GDP had not decreased below 4 percentage points.

The session, held on 7 February, was attended by governors of the regions, Karakalpakstan and Tashkent city, as well as heads of ministries and departments.

Speaking at the session, Islam Karimov said the country’s industrial production rose by 6.2% and consumer production by 8.4%.

The state budget was implemented with a 0.4% deficit. The level of fiscal reserves decreased from 33.2% in 2002 to 32.5%. Inflation made up 3.8%.

Uzbekistan also achieved a positive foreign trade balance. According to the President, it comprised US$760 million.

2 trillion soums, or 4.5% more compared to 2002, were invested in the country’s economy, the head of the state said.

At the same time, Islam Karimov criticised the slow pace of reforms in capital construction and privatisation, problems in agriculture, as well as conditions at schools in rural areas.

The President noted that privatisation process for many was still a formality. He said the tasks of programmes on privatisation of enterprises of Uzbekneftegaz (Uzbek Oil and Gas), Uzavtoprom (Uzbek Car Industry) and other giants were not fully implemented.

Islam Karimov said that secondary securities market was almost not working. He entrusted the State Property Committee and the Economics Ministry with developing additional lists of companies that have to be sold at zero price in 2004 and establishing a tight monitoring over the implementation of this process.

The heads of Namangan, Ferghana and Syrdarya regions were told to improve the situation in their areas.

The President also noted that the country’s administrative staff would be decreased by 40,000 in 2004.