Azerbaijan
Political Front
· U.S., Norwegian Officials Kept From Azerbaijani Village
BAKU -- Officials from the U.S. and Norwegian embassies in Azerbaijan were blocked today from entering a village in the exclave of Naxcivan, where clashes between police and locals occurred earlier last week, RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service reports.
· Journalist released from jail in Azerbaijan
A jailed journalist was released from jail in Azerbaijan on Jan. 8. Senior adviser to Nota Bene newspaper Faramaz Novruzoglu was released from penitentiary No. 16 upon termination of his term of sentence.
· Azerbaijani CEC announces final results of municipal elections
Azerbaijan Central Election Commission (CEC) has announced the final results of the municipal elections in Azerbaijan. CEC chairman Mazahir Panahov said at the meeting that CEC received 1,718 protocols after the voting and each of the protocols was investigated.“
· Azerbaijan Central Election Commission cancels outcome of municipal vote in some municipalities
The Azerbaijan Central Election Commission has dissolved one Constituency Election Commission and chairman of another. Azerbaijan’s Central Election Commission (CEC) has nullified local election results in several constituencies and polling stations after investigation into Dec. 23 elections.
Geo Strategic Front
· Turkmenistan not to annul visa requirements with Azerbaijan
No discussions are being held to cancel visa requirements between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan’s ambassador to Azerbaijan Annamammad Mammadov said at a news conference.
· Turkmenistan's ambassador Caspian Sea delimitation will not affect Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan good-neighborly relations
The Caspian Sea delimitation will not affect the good-neighborly relations between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, Turkmen ambassador to Azerbaijan Annamamed Mammadov said at the news conference in Baku. "This issue should be resolved in a civilized manner and on the basis of international law," he said. According to Mammadov, the sides are holding negotiations on the delimitation of the Caspian Sea on both bilateral and multilateral levels.
· Azerbaijan ready to update Partnership and Co-operation Agreement with EU
The Partnership and Co-operation Agreement signed between Azerbaijan and the European Union in 1996 can be updated. Deputy Foreign Minister Mahmud Mammadguliyev says that Azerbaijan has already notified the European Commission about readiness for PCA renewal negotiations.“
· Date set for OSCE Chairman-in-Office's Azerbaijan visit
OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Kanat Saudabayev will visit the South Caucasus countries in Feb.
· Former U.S. congressman: Peace impossible in S. Caucasus without Azerbaijan
It is impossible to establish peace in the South Caucasus without Azerbaijan, former U.S. Congressman Robert Wexler said. Wexler took the port of president of the Center for Middle East Peace and Economic Cooperation on Jan. 11."Azerbaijan's point of view must be taken into account while normalizing Turkey-Armenia relations," Wexler added.
Economic /Energy Front
· The Future of Nabucco relies on the relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey
PhD candidate at Bordo-based Institute of Political Studies Samuel Lussac expressed his view on the recently activated gas transportation from Azerbaijan to Russia. Lussac believes, that this transportation can not be considered a threat to Nabucco project.
· 36.2 million tons of Azerbaijani oil transported via BTC in 2009
The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) has renewed statistical data on Azerbaijani oil export via the major pipeline Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) named after Heydar Aliyev. SOCAR said that 2.8 million tons of Azeri oil was delivered via BTC to Turkey’s Ceyhan port in Dec. 2009.“
· Iran increases gas imports from Azerbaijan
The Islamic Republic of Iran will sign a 5-year contract with Azerbaijan to import 5 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually.
· SOCAR to invest $28 million in Georgia’s gas distribution system in second trading year
The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) plans to realize an investment plan for the first fiscal year of management of gas distribution networks of Georgia and even expand it in 2010 through its sub-company Socar Georgia Gas (SGG) LLC. SGG fiscal year does not coincide with calendar year and will complete till March 1.
Social Front
· Azerbaijani FM comments on destruction of Azerbaijani cemetery by Armenians
The issue on destruction of tombstones in Gizilhajili cemetery in Azerbaijan's Gazakh region is in the focus of attention of Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry. Spokesman for Foreign Ministry Elkhan Polukhov said that the ministry was waiting for results of the investigation.“Azerbaijan will appeal to the international organizations once it is proved that it was committed by Armenians,” he said.
Kazakastan
Political Front
· CPJ Urges Kazakhstan To Close Cases Against Activists
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has condemned the prosecution of media activists in Kazakhstan, RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reports.
· Kazakh President's Nephew Gets Post In Security Service
ASTANA -- Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev has appointed his nephew to head the National Security Service's (KNB) human resources department, RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reports.
· Wife Of Jailed Kazakh Editor On Trial For Protest
ALMATY -- A trial for three organizers of a rally supporting jailed journalists in Kazakhstan began today in Almaty, RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reports. Raushan Esergepova, the wife of the jailed "Alma-Ata info" newspaper editor Ramazan Esergepov; Vladimir Kozlov, leader of the unregistered opposition group Alga; and Rozlana Taukina, the head of the Kazakh nongovernmental organization Journalists in Trouble, are accused of violating a law on the holding of rallies, marches, and demonstrations in holding a rally last week. The three say the charges against them are politically motivated.
Geo Strategic Front
· Kazakhstan Lays Out Vision For Controversial OSCE Chairmanship
Kazakh Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabaev laid out a wide-ranging agenda for his country’s 2010 chairmanship of the OSCE in Vienna today.
Kazakhstan today formally began its one-year chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
· Kazakhstan Names Envoy To Uzbekistan After Long Break
TASHKENT -- Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev has appointed an ambassador to Uzbekistan after 17 months without a diplomat in Tashkent, RFE/RL's Uzbek Service reports. Nazarbaev's press service reported that Boribay Zheksembin, the former governor of Kazakhstan's southern Dzhambyl region, has been named ambassador to Uzbekistan. Kazakh Foreign Ministry spokesman Askar Abdrakhmanov told RFE/RL that Zheksembin's experience governing Dzhambyl -- which borders Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan -- will be useful in his new position.
Economic /Energy Front
· 1.9 million tons of Kazakh oil transported via BTC pipeline in 2009
Transportation of Kazakh oil via Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) launched in Oct. 2008 stabilized in Dec. 2009.
· China tightens grip on Kazakh gas
Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Kazakh counterpart, Nursultan Nazarbayev, were liberal with their profuse eulogies such as a "milestone in Sino-Kazakh relations" and "an epoch-making event" after their talks in Astana on December 12. Hu had every reason to describe his official visit to Kazakhstan as a success.
· Kazakhstan, Iran deny uranium deal
(AFP) - Kazakhstan angrily denied on Wednesday that it planned to sell purified uranium ore to Iran, calling media reports to this effect “groundless insinuations.”
Kazakhstan angrily denied on Wednesday that it planned to sell purified uranium ore to Iran, calling media reports to this effect "groundless insinuations.
· Romanian oil group buys Kazakh company
(SRI) - Romania’s Petrom, the largest oil and gas group in Southeastern Europe, has bought Korned LLP, a Kazakhstan-focused oil company, for an undisclosed price. Korned owns an exploration license of the Kultuk oil field, adjacent to Petrom’s Komsomolskoye field, the Romanian company said in a statement. The acquisition agreement was signed on October 29, 2009, and the transaction was closed on December 31, 2009, after all approvals had been obtained from Kazakh authorities.
· 2009 inflation in Kazakhstan 6.2 percent
(SRI) - Inflation in Kazakhstan amounted to 6.2 percent in 2009, according to the State Statistical Agency.
· Iran’s Ahmadinejad hails new Turkmenistan gas link
(AFP) - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Tuesday hailed the launch of a gas pipeline link to Iran from its energy-rich neighbor Turkmenistan, while on a visit to the Central Asian state. Iran's Ahmadinejad hails new Turkmenistan gas link
Social Front
· Kazakhstan customs discover contraband weapons in cargo from U.S.
Astana. January 10. Interfax-Kazakhstan - A batch of contraband ammunition has been found in a cargo that has arrived in Kazakhstan from the United States.
The contraband weapons and ammunition were discovered at the Dostyk customs checkpoint on the Kazakh-Chinese border on January 8, when customs officials were examining a container, marked "used cars," sent to Almaty from the United States, the Kazakh Finance Ministry's Customs Control Committee has reported.
Kyrgyzstan
Political Front
· Former Kyrgyz Defense Minister Sentenced To Eight Years
WATCH: Ismail Isakov's sentencing in the Bishkek Military Court to eight years in prison for corruption sparked scuffles. Isakov's supporters shouted "Damnation! Damnation" as he was led from the courtroom.
· Kyrgyz Opposition Criticizes U.S. Reaction To Rights Violations
BISHKEK -- A Kyrgyz opposition leader has criticized the United States for not speaking out about media freedom and other rights violations in Kyrgyzstan, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports. Opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP) leader Almazbek Atambaev told RFE/RL today that the U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan used to express its concern about the human rights situation in the country, but that American officials find maintaining the air base in Bishkek -- known as the NATO Transit Center at Manas Airport -- more important than criticizing the human rights situation in Kyrgyzstan.
· Judge held with bribe in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyz national security agents have caught a judge of the Karakol town court red handed with a fifty-thousand-soms bribe, the press service of the agency reported.
· Kyrgyz opposition to go on hunger strike on January 13
Members of Kyrgyz opposition plan to go on a hunger strike on January 13, Azimbek Beknazarov, one of the members of the Joined People’s Movement and attorney of the Ismail Isakov – a former defense minister, sentenced to eight years in prison - told the news agency 24.kg on Tuesday.
Geo Strategic Front
Economic /Energy Front
· Financial police to control every economic wrongdoing in Kyrgyzstan
President of Kyrgyzstan, Kurmanbek Bakiev, signed a decree passing control over all economic crimes to the State Financial Police department. The decree signed on Monday, January 11th, gives the body authority to prevent, suppress, solve and investigate all kinds of economic wrongdoings in the country.
· Kyrgyzstan announces 2010 Year of Heritage
Kyrgyzstan’s State Culture Agency has announced 2010 the Year of Heritage, press service of the agency reported. As to Sultan Raev, Director of the institution, a large-scale plan on retaining, development and enrichment of all cultural heritage objects, including great non-material (folklore works, epics), material historical and cultural values has been developed in the republic.
· Kyrgyzstan to pay $220 for gas in 2010
In 2010 Kyrgyzstan will pay $220 per one thousand of gas cubic meters, which is $25 less than last year, the Kyrgyzgas company told 24.kg Monday.
Social Front
Tajikistan
Political Front
· Minister of labor expected to be speaker of lower house of parliament of new convocation
DUSHANBE, January 14, 2010, Asia-Plus -- Saydullo Khairulloyev, speaker of the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament) has decided not to run in the upcoming parliamentary elections, Asia-Plus has learned from the source at parliament’s lower house.
· TV Channel Safina ready to provide air time to all political parties for pre-election debates
DUSHANBE, January 13, 2010, Asia-Plus -- Tajik national TV channel, Safina, is ready provide air time to all political parties for pre-election debates, the Safina director Lutfullo Davlatov announced at a news conference in Dushanbe today.
· President signs a number of laws adopted by parliament last year
DUSHANBE, January 13, 2010, Asia-Plus -- On Tuesday January 12, President Emomali Rahmon signed a number of laws that were adopted by the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament) and seconded by the Majlisi Milli (Tajikistan’s upper chamber of parliament) last year, according to presidential press service.
· PDPT nominates candidates for parliament in both single-mandate constituencies in GBAO
KHOROG, January 11, 2010, Asia-Plus -- Extraordinary conferences of the regional organization of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDPT) for Gorno Badakhshan that took place in Khorog and Rushan district on January 10 nominated candidates to run for election to the Majlisi Namoyandagon in single-mandate constitutes ## 40 and 41 that had been set up in the region. Otamsho Maqboulshoyev, head of the regional electoral commission, told Asia-Plus that PDPT had nominated Mirgand Shabozov to run for the parliament in Khorog single-mandate constituency # 41.
· Only 19 women to run in parliamentary elections in Tajikistan through proportional party list system
DUSHANBE, January 9, Asia-Plus -- 127 candidates have been nominated to run in parliamentary elections through a proportional, party list system from a single, countrywide constituency and only 19 of them are women, Professor Iborhim Usmonov remarked at a roundtable dedicated to the 2010 parliament elections that took place in Dushanbe on January 8.
· Uzbekistan Blocking Rail Traffic Into Tajikistan
DUSHANBE -- Tajikistan's Foreign Ministry says it is hopeful that Uzbek officials will soon allow about 1,000 stranded railroad cars carrying construction materials and foodstuffs to move into Tajikistan, RFE/RL's Tajik Service reports.
· Relationship between Iran, Tajikistan solid in all cooperation spheres, says IKRC chairman
DUSHANBE, January 14, 2010, Asia-Plus -- On Wednesday January 13, President Rahmon received visiting chairman of Iran’s Imam Khomeini Relief Committee (IKRC), Mr. Husein Anvari. The two discussed the committee’s activities in Tajikistan. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with President Rahmon, Anvari noted that relationship between Iran and Tajikistan is solid in all spheres of cooperation and the countries share common views on many regional and international problems.
Economic /Energy Front
Social Front
· Tajikistan Readies Plan To Control Islamic Study Abroads
DUSHANBE -- The Tajik Culture Ministry is preparing tighter controls for allowing Tajiks to study at Islamic universities and madrasahs abroad, RFE/RL's Tajik Service reports. Idibek Ziyoev, the head of the ministry's religion department, told RFE/RL that hundreds of young Tajiks go unregistered to such foreign schools because the country doesn't sign bilateral agreements to coordinate the flow of Tajiks who attend Islamic schools. He said such measures would be forthcoming, without providing details.
· Tajik Officials Say Russian Officer Killed By Colleague
KULOB, Tajikistan -- Tajik officials say a police investigation shows Russian army officer Valery Mikhailov was killed by another Russian officer during a dispute, RFE/RL's Tajik Service reports.
· Tajik Deputies Propose Signing 'Marriage Contracts'
DUSHANBE -- Tajik legislators have proposed a draft law that would regulate marriages with a contract between husband and wife, RFE/RL's Tajik Service reports. Khayriniso Yusufi, the head of parliament's Women's Affairs Committee, told RFE/RL that in the case of a divorce or legal separation a "marriage contract" would help to fairly divide the couple's common property and save women from being left on the street or without any income.
· EU to continue providing assistance to Tajikistan in future as well
DUSHANBE, January 14, 2010, Asia-Plus -- The European Union is ready provide 60 million U.S. dollars to Tajikistan for modernization of the Qairoqqum HPP in the north of the country and construction of a number of small hydropower plants on the Surkhob River in the eastern part of the republic, Mr. Pierre Morel, EU Special Envoy for Central Asia and Crisis Situations in Georgia, told reporters in Dushanbe today, following his meeting with President Emomali Rahmon.
· World Hindi Day celebrated in Tajik capital
DUSHANBE, January 11, 2010, Asia-Plus -- Indian Embassy in Dushanbe is celebrating World Hindi Day today in its premise. According to the Indian Embassy, they are organizing various events on this occasion, which include a Hindi Speech by Cd'A, Speech by Mr. Umonov M in Hindi, poetry recitation by Tajik National University students and Hindi students of the embassy, play by Hindi students etc
Turkmenistan
Political Front
Geo Strategic Front
· Turkmenistan not to annul visa requirements with Azerbaijan
No discussions are being held to cancel visa requirements between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan’s ambassador to Azerbaijan Annamammad Mammadov said at a news conference. Turkmenistan is the only country in CIS that applies visa regime with the member states.
· Turkmenistan's ambassador Caspian Sea delimitation will not affect Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan good-neighborly relations
The Caspian Sea delimitation will not affect the good-neighborly relations between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, Turkmen ambassador to Azerbaijan Annamamed Mammadov said at the news conference in Baku.
· Turkmen President to visit France in February
On January 7, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov received Senator Aymeri de Montesquiou Fezensaka, Special Envoy of the President of France on development of political and economic relations between France and Central Asia.
· President of Turkmenistan invited to UAE
On January 11, Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov received Special Representative of the President of the United Arab Emirates, Khalfan Sultan Al-Ketbi. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates to Turkmenistan Hasan Abdullah Al-Adab also attended the meeting.
· UN supports Turkmen stance on Afghan settlement
The United Nations wholeheartedly welcomes the position of Turkmenistan playing a special role in the process of building peaceful life and socio-economic development in neighboring Afghanistan. As the Ashgabat correspondent of Turkmenistan.ru reports, the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Afghanistan Kai Eide stated about that yesterday during the talks with Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. According to him, "the active cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN is an important factor in strengthening peace and security in Central Asia".
Economic /Energy Front
· New EU Energy Commissioner Seeks Balanced Russia Policy
BRUSSELS -- Germany's Guenther Oettinger has been nominated to one of the most powerful positions in the EU's executive arm.
The energy commissioner straddles economic and foreign policy, exercising a potentially crucial influence over policies in areas such as climate change, the bloc's economic rejuvenation, and relations with Russia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.
· Turkmenistan resumes deliveries of natural gas to Russia
On January 9, Turkmengas state concern began exports of natural gas to Russia via gas main Dovletabat - Deryalyk. As "Neutral Turkmenistan" newspaper wrote today, "the start of natural gas deliveries in the northern direction suggests that Turkmenistan and Russia, having confirmed their status of strategic partners in the energy sector, have taken the bilateral relations to a level that meets both the nature of the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two friendly countries and contemporary realities of the international energy market."
· Turkmens and Uzbeks to create new joint ventures
The fifth meeting of the joint Turkmen-Uzbek Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation was held in Ashgabat, January 13. The delegation of the Republic of Uzbekistan led by Minister of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade Elyor Ganiev, the Co-chairman from the Uzbek side, arrived in the Turkmen capital to participate in the meeting.
· Turkmenistan elected to Bureau of Group of Landlocked Developing Countries
Turkmenistan has been elected to the Bureau of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries, the Turkmen State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH) reports referring to the country's Permanent Mission to the United Nations.
· Russia to buy 11 billion cubic meters of Turkmen natural gas in 2010
Turkmen gas supplies to Russia since their resumption in January 2010 total 30 million cubic meters a day, "Interfax-AGI" information agency said citing "Gazprom" company. The plan of supplies for January accounts for 934.2 million cubic meters of gas, which is about 11 billion cubic meters on an annualized basis (with the traditional annual two-week pause for preventive works).
· Turkmenistan sets up Office of Financial Monitoring
In the course of an expanded government meeting in Ashgabat today, Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed a decree on the establishment of the Office of Financial Monitoring under the Ministry of Finance of Turkmenistan.
Social Front
· Director of Turkmen TV "Yashlyk" channel reprimanded
President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov reprimanded Director of "Yashlyk" channel of the General Directorate of Turkmen TV Begench Abaev.
· Turkmenistan sends US $ 500 thousand for earthquake victims in Haiti
At an expanded government meeting in Ashgabat on January 15, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed a document authorizing the transfer of US $ 500 thousand as humanitarian assistance for people of Haiti affected by the earthquake.
Uzbekistan
Political Front
· Media Watchdog Alarmed By Interrogations Of Uzbek Journalists
The media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) says it is alarmed by the recent interrogation of five independent journalists by Uzbek officials, RFE/RL's Uzbek Service reports. RSF's Europe and former USSR desk chief Elsa Vidal told RFE/RL on January 13 that the organization is concerned the interrogations might be part of a new crackdown on journalists.
· Uzbek secret services collect the records about independent journalists
The Tashkent Public Prosecutor’s office conducted the series of interrogations of several independent journalists, working in Uzbekistan. On January 7 five of them – Vasiliy Markov, Sid Yanyshev, Abdumalik Boboev, Khusniddin Kutbiddinov and Marina Kozlova (that cooperated with various foreign mass media) were called for "an interview" with Bakhrom Nurmatov, the assistant Public Prosecutor of Tashkent.
Geo Strategic Front
· Uzbekistan Blocking Rail Traffic Into Tajikistan
DUSHANBE -- Tajikistan's Foreign Ministry says it is hopeful that Uzbek officials will soon allow about 1,000 stranded railroad cars carrying construction materials and foodstuffs to move into Tajikistan, RFE/RL's Tajik Service reports. Tajik Foreign Ministry spokesman Davlat Nazriev told RFE/RL that the cargo is being held up by the Uzbek railroad company and customs and border officials.
Economic /Energy Front
Social Front
· Uzbekistan Replaces Soviet Soldier Monument In Tashkent
TASHKENT -- Uzbek President Islam Karimov has unveiled a new monument as a replacement for Soviet monuments in downtown Tashkent that were taken down last year, RFE/RL's Uzbek Service reports.
· Uzbek Woman Tells Of Sisters' Alleged Rapes In Prison
TASHKENT -- An Uzbek woman has given details of her experience in prison during which she alleges she and her two sisters were beaten and gang-raped, RFE/RL's Uzbek Service reports. Khosiyat Soatova, 23, the youngest of the sisters, told RFE/RL that she and her two sisters were detained in Tashkent on May 9 during a domestic dispute.
· Uzbekistan: The plane trees are cut off in the central part of Samarqand (photo)
The various types of spruces replaced the cut off plane trees in the central park of recreation and leisure in Samarqand. In the beginning of New Year the perennial trees were cut off by local authorities.
Political Front
· U.S., Norwegian Officials Kept From Azerbaijani Village
BAKU -- Officials from the U.S. and Norwegian embassies in Azerbaijan were blocked today from entering a village in the exclave of Naxcivan, where clashes between police and locals occurred earlier last week, RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service reports.
· Journalist released from jail in Azerbaijan
A jailed journalist was released from jail in Azerbaijan on Jan. 8. Senior adviser to Nota Bene newspaper Faramaz Novruzoglu was released from penitentiary No. 16 upon termination of his term of sentence.
· Azerbaijani CEC announces final results of municipal elections
Azerbaijan Central Election Commission (CEC) has announced the final results of the municipal elections in Azerbaijan. CEC chairman Mazahir Panahov said at the meeting that CEC received 1,718 protocols after the voting and each of the protocols was investigated.“
· Azerbaijan Central Election Commission cancels outcome of municipal vote in some municipalities
The Azerbaijan Central Election Commission has dissolved one Constituency Election Commission and chairman of another. Azerbaijan’s Central Election Commission (CEC) has nullified local election results in several constituencies and polling stations after investigation into Dec. 23 elections.
Geo Strategic Front
· Turkmenistan not to annul visa requirements with Azerbaijan
No discussions are being held to cancel visa requirements between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan’s ambassador to Azerbaijan Annamammad Mammadov said at a news conference.
· Turkmenistan's ambassador Caspian Sea delimitation will not affect Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan good-neighborly relations
The Caspian Sea delimitation will not affect the good-neighborly relations between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, Turkmen ambassador to Azerbaijan Annamamed Mammadov said at the news conference in Baku. "This issue should be resolved in a civilized manner and on the basis of international law," he said. According to Mammadov, the sides are holding negotiations on the delimitation of the Caspian Sea on both bilateral and multilateral levels.
· Azerbaijan ready to update Partnership and Co-operation Agreement with EU
The Partnership and Co-operation Agreement signed between Azerbaijan and the European Union in 1996 can be updated. Deputy Foreign Minister Mahmud Mammadguliyev says that Azerbaijan has already notified the European Commission about readiness for PCA renewal negotiations.“
· Date set for OSCE Chairman-in-Office's Azerbaijan visit
OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Kanat Saudabayev will visit the South Caucasus countries in Feb.
· Former U.S. congressman: Peace impossible in S. Caucasus without Azerbaijan
It is impossible to establish peace in the South Caucasus without Azerbaijan, former U.S. Congressman Robert Wexler said. Wexler took the port of president of the Center for Middle East Peace and Economic Cooperation on Jan. 11."Azerbaijan's point of view must be taken into account while normalizing Turkey-Armenia relations," Wexler added.
Economic /Energy Front
· The Future of Nabucco relies on the relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey
PhD candidate at Bordo-based Institute of Political Studies Samuel Lussac expressed his view on the recently activated gas transportation from Azerbaijan to Russia. Lussac believes, that this transportation can not be considered a threat to Nabucco project.
· 36.2 million tons of Azerbaijani oil transported via BTC in 2009
The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) has renewed statistical data on Azerbaijani oil export via the major pipeline Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) named after Heydar Aliyev. SOCAR said that 2.8 million tons of Azeri oil was delivered via BTC to Turkey’s Ceyhan port in Dec. 2009.“
· Iran increases gas imports from Azerbaijan
The Islamic Republic of Iran will sign a 5-year contract with Azerbaijan to import 5 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually.
· SOCAR to invest $28 million in Georgia’s gas distribution system in second trading year
The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) plans to realize an investment plan for the first fiscal year of management of gas distribution networks of Georgia and even expand it in 2010 through its sub-company Socar Georgia Gas (SGG) LLC. SGG fiscal year does not coincide with calendar year and will complete till March 1.
Social Front
· Azerbaijani FM comments on destruction of Azerbaijani cemetery by Armenians
The issue on destruction of tombstones in Gizilhajili cemetery in Azerbaijan's Gazakh region is in the focus of attention of Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry. Spokesman for Foreign Ministry Elkhan Polukhov said that the ministry was waiting for results of the investigation.“Azerbaijan will appeal to the international organizations once it is proved that it was committed by Armenians,” he said.
Kazakastan
Political Front
· CPJ Urges Kazakhstan To Close Cases Against Activists
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has condemned the prosecution of media activists in Kazakhstan, RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reports.
· Kazakh President's Nephew Gets Post In Security Service
ASTANA -- Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev has appointed his nephew to head the National Security Service's (KNB) human resources department, RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reports.
· Wife Of Jailed Kazakh Editor On Trial For Protest
ALMATY -- A trial for three organizers of a rally supporting jailed journalists in Kazakhstan began today in Almaty, RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reports. Raushan Esergepova, the wife of the jailed "Alma-Ata info" newspaper editor Ramazan Esergepov; Vladimir Kozlov, leader of the unregistered opposition group Alga; and Rozlana Taukina, the head of the Kazakh nongovernmental organization Journalists in Trouble, are accused of violating a law on the holding of rallies, marches, and demonstrations in holding a rally last week. The three say the charges against them are politically motivated.
Geo Strategic Front
· Kazakhstan Lays Out Vision For Controversial OSCE Chairmanship
Kazakh Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabaev laid out a wide-ranging agenda for his country’s 2010 chairmanship of the OSCE in Vienna today.
Kazakhstan today formally began its one-year chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).
· Kazakhstan Names Envoy To Uzbekistan After Long Break
TASHKENT -- Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev has appointed an ambassador to Uzbekistan after 17 months without a diplomat in Tashkent, RFE/RL's Uzbek Service reports. Nazarbaev's press service reported that Boribay Zheksembin, the former governor of Kazakhstan's southern Dzhambyl region, has been named ambassador to Uzbekistan. Kazakh Foreign Ministry spokesman Askar Abdrakhmanov told RFE/RL that Zheksembin's experience governing Dzhambyl -- which borders Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan -- will be useful in his new position.
Economic /Energy Front
· 1.9 million tons of Kazakh oil transported via BTC pipeline in 2009
Transportation of Kazakh oil via Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) launched in Oct. 2008 stabilized in Dec. 2009.
· China tightens grip on Kazakh gas
Chinese President Hu Jintao and his Kazakh counterpart, Nursultan Nazarbayev, were liberal with their profuse eulogies such as a "milestone in Sino-Kazakh relations" and "an epoch-making event" after their talks in Astana on December 12. Hu had every reason to describe his official visit to Kazakhstan as a success.
· Kazakhstan, Iran deny uranium deal
(AFP) - Kazakhstan angrily denied on Wednesday that it planned to sell purified uranium ore to Iran, calling media reports to this effect “groundless insinuations.”
Kazakhstan angrily denied on Wednesday that it planned to sell purified uranium ore to Iran, calling media reports to this effect "groundless insinuations.
· Romanian oil group buys Kazakh company
(SRI) - Romania’s Petrom, the largest oil and gas group in Southeastern Europe, has bought Korned LLP, a Kazakhstan-focused oil company, for an undisclosed price. Korned owns an exploration license of the Kultuk oil field, adjacent to Petrom’s Komsomolskoye field, the Romanian company said in a statement. The acquisition agreement was signed on October 29, 2009, and the transaction was closed on December 31, 2009, after all approvals had been obtained from Kazakh authorities.
· 2009 inflation in Kazakhstan 6.2 percent
(SRI) - Inflation in Kazakhstan amounted to 6.2 percent in 2009, according to the State Statistical Agency.
· Iran’s Ahmadinejad hails new Turkmenistan gas link
(AFP) - Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Tuesday hailed the launch of a gas pipeline link to Iran from its energy-rich neighbor Turkmenistan, while on a visit to the Central Asian state. Iran's Ahmadinejad hails new Turkmenistan gas link
Social Front
· Kazakhstan customs discover contraband weapons in cargo from U.S.
Astana. January 10. Interfax-Kazakhstan - A batch of contraband ammunition has been found in a cargo that has arrived in Kazakhstan from the United States.
The contraband weapons and ammunition were discovered at the Dostyk customs checkpoint on the Kazakh-Chinese border on January 8, when customs officials were examining a container, marked "used cars," sent to Almaty from the United States, the Kazakh Finance Ministry's Customs Control Committee has reported.
Kyrgyzstan
Political Front
· Former Kyrgyz Defense Minister Sentenced To Eight Years
WATCH: Ismail Isakov's sentencing in the Bishkek Military Court to eight years in prison for corruption sparked scuffles. Isakov's supporters shouted "Damnation! Damnation" as he was led from the courtroom.
· Kyrgyz Opposition Criticizes U.S. Reaction To Rights Violations
BISHKEK -- A Kyrgyz opposition leader has criticized the United States for not speaking out about media freedom and other rights violations in Kyrgyzstan, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports. Opposition Social Democratic Party (SDP) leader Almazbek Atambaev told RFE/RL today that the U.S. Embassy in Kyrgyzstan used to express its concern about the human rights situation in the country, but that American officials find maintaining the air base in Bishkek -- known as the NATO Transit Center at Manas Airport -- more important than criticizing the human rights situation in Kyrgyzstan.
· Judge held with bribe in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyz national security agents have caught a judge of the Karakol town court red handed with a fifty-thousand-soms bribe, the press service of the agency reported.
· Kyrgyz opposition to go on hunger strike on January 13
Members of Kyrgyz opposition plan to go on a hunger strike on January 13, Azimbek Beknazarov, one of the members of the Joined People’s Movement and attorney of the Ismail Isakov – a former defense minister, sentenced to eight years in prison - told the news agency 24.kg on Tuesday.
Geo Strategic Front
Economic /Energy Front
· Financial police to control every economic wrongdoing in Kyrgyzstan
President of Kyrgyzstan, Kurmanbek Bakiev, signed a decree passing control over all economic crimes to the State Financial Police department. The decree signed on Monday, January 11th, gives the body authority to prevent, suppress, solve and investigate all kinds of economic wrongdoings in the country.
· Kyrgyzstan announces 2010 Year of Heritage
Kyrgyzstan’s State Culture Agency has announced 2010 the Year of Heritage, press service of the agency reported. As to Sultan Raev, Director of the institution, a large-scale plan on retaining, development and enrichment of all cultural heritage objects, including great non-material (folklore works, epics), material historical and cultural values has been developed in the republic.
· Kyrgyzstan to pay $220 for gas in 2010
In 2010 Kyrgyzstan will pay $220 per one thousand of gas cubic meters, which is $25 less than last year, the Kyrgyzgas company told 24.kg Monday.
Social Front
Tajikistan
Political Front
· Minister of labor expected to be speaker of lower house of parliament of new convocation
DUSHANBE, January 14, 2010, Asia-Plus -- Saydullo Khairulloyev, speaker of the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament) has decided not to run in the upcoming parliamentary elections, Asia-Plus has learned from the source at parliament’s lower house.
· TV Channel Safina ready to provide air time to all political parties for pre-election debates
DUSHANBE, January 13, 2010, Asia-Plus -- Tajik national TV channel, Safina, is ready provide air time to all political parties for pre-election debates, the Safina director Lutfullo Davlatov announced at a news conference in Dushanbe today.
· President signs a number of laws adopted by parliament last year
DUSHANBE, January 13, 2010, Asia-Plus -- On Tuesday January 12, President Emomali Rahmon signed a number of laws that were adopted by the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament) and seconded by the Majlisi Milli (Tajikistan’s upper chamber of parliament) last year, according to presidential press service.
· PDPT nominates candidates for parliament in both single-mandate constituencies in GBAO
KHOROG, January 11, 2010, Asia-Plus -- Extraordinary conferences of the regional organization of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDPT) for Gorno Badakhshan that took place in Khorog and Rushan district on January 10 nominated candidates to run for election to the Majlisi Namoyandagon in single-mandate constitutes ## 40 and 41 that had been set up in the region. Otamsho Maqboulshoyev, head of the regional electoral commission, told Asia-Plus that PDPT had nominated Mirgand Shabozov to run for the parliament in Khorog single-mandate constituency # 41.
· Only 19 women to run in parliamentary elections in Tajikistan through proportional party list system
DUSHANBE, January 9, Asia-Plus -- 127 candidates have been nominated to run in parliamentary elections through a proportional, party list system from a single, countrywide constituency and only 19 of them are women, Professor Iborhim Usmonov remarked at a roundtable dedicated to the 2010 parliament elections that took place in Dushanbe on January 8.
· Uzbekistan Blocking Rail Traffic Into Tajikistan
DUSHANBE -- Tajikistan's Foreign Ministry says it is hopeful that Uzbek officials will soon allow about 1,000 stranded railroad cars carrying construction materials and foodstuffs to move into Tajikistan, RFE/RL's Tajik Service reports.
· Relationship between Iran, Tajikistan solid in all cooperation spheres, says IKRC chairman
DUSHANBE, January 14, 2010, Asia-Plus -- On Wednesday January 13, President Rahmon received visiting chairman of Iran’s Imam Khomeini Relief Committee (IKRC), Mr. Husein Anvari. The two discussed the committee’s activities in Tajikistan. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with President Rahmon, Anvari noted that relationship between Iran and Tajikistan is solid in all spheres of cooperation and the countries share common views on many regional and international problems.
Economic /Energy Front
Social Front
· Tajikistan Readies Plan To Control Islamic Study Abroads
DUSHANBE -- The Tajik Culture Ministry is preparing tighter controls for allowing Tajiks to study at Islamic universities and madrasahs abroad, RFE/RL's Tajik Service reports. Idibek Ziyoev, the head of the ministry's religion department, told RFE/RL that hundreds of young Tajiks go unregistered to such foreign schools because the country doesn't sign bilateral agreements to coordinate the flow of Tajiks who attend Islamic schools. He said such measures would be forthcoming, without providing details.
· Tajik Officials Say Russian Officer Killed By Colleague
KULOB, Tajikistan -- Tajik officials say a police investigation shows Russian army officer Valery Mikhailov was killed by another Russian officer during a dispute, RFE/RL's Tajik Service reports.
· Tajik Deputies Propose Signing 'Marriage Contracts'
DUSHANBE -- Tajik legislators have proposed a draft law that would regulate marriages with a contract between husband and wife, RFE/RL's Tajik Service reports. Khayriniso Yusufi, the head of parliament's Women's Affairs Committee, told RFE/RL that in the case of a divorce or legal separation a "marriage contract" would help to fairly divide the couple's common property and save women from being left on the street or without any income.
· EU to continue providing assistance to Tajikistan in future as well
DUSHANBE, January 14, 2010, Asia-Plus -- The European Union is ready provide 60 million U.S. dollars to Tajikistan for modernization of the Qairoqqum HPP in the north of the country and construction of a number of small hydropower plants on the Surkhob River in the eastern part of the republic, Mr. Pierre Morel, EU Special Envoy for Central Asia and Crisis Situations in Georgia, told reporters in Dushanbe today, following his meeting with President Emomali Rahmon.
· World Hindi Day celebrated in Tajik capital
DUSHANBE, January 11, 2010, Asia-Plus -- Indian Embassy in Dushanbe is celebrating World Hindi Day today in its premise. According to the Indian Embassy, they are organizing various events on this occasion, which include a Hindi Speech by Cd'A, Speech by Mr. Umonov M in Hindi, poetry recitation by Tajik National University students and Hindi students of the embassy, play by Hindi students etc
Turkmenistan
Political Front
Geo Strategic Front
· Turkmenistan not to annul visa requirements with Azerbaijan
No discussions are being held to cancel visa requirements between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan’s ambassador to Azerbaijan Annamammad Mammadov said at a news conference. Turkmenistan is the only country in CIS that applies visa regime with the member states.
· Turkmenistan's ambassador Caspian Sea delimitation will not affect Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan good-neighborly relations
The Caspian Sea delimitation will not affect the good-neighborly relations between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan, Turkmen ambassador to Azerbaijan Annamamed Mammadov said at the news conference in Baku.
· Turkmen President to visit France in February
On January 7, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov received Senator Aymeri de Montesquiou Fezensaka, Special Envoy of the President of France on development of political and economic relations between France and Central Asia.
· President of Turkmenistan invited to UAE
On January 11, Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov received Special Representative of the President of the United Arab Emirates, Khalfan Sultan Al-Ketbi. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates to Turkmenistan Hasan Abdullah Al-Adab also attended the meeting.
· UN supports Turkmen stance on Afghan settlement
The United Nations wholeheartedly welcomes the position of Turkmenistan playing a special role in the process of building peaceful life and socio-economic development in neighboring Afghanistan. As the Ashgabat correspondent of Turkmenistan.ru reports, the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Afghanistan Kai Eide stated about that yesterday during the talks with Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. According to him, "the active cooperation between Turkmenistan and the UN is an important factor in strengthening peace and security in Central Asia".
Economic /Energy Front
· New EU Energy Commissioner Seeks Balanced Russia Policy
BRUSSELS -- Germany's Guenther Oettinger has been nominated to one of the most powerful positions in the EU's executive arm.
The energy commissioner straddles economic and foreign policy, exercising a potentially crucial influence over policies in areas such as climate change, the bloc's economic rejuvenation, and relations with Russia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia.
· Turkmenistan resumes deliveries of natural gas to Russia
On January 9, Turkmengas state concern began exports of natural gas to Russia via gas main Dovletabat - Deryalyk. As "Neutral Turkmenistan" newspaper wrote today, "the start of natural gas deliveries in the northern direction suggests that Turkmenistan and Russia, having confirmed their status of strategic partners in the energy sector, have taken the bilateral relations to a level that meets both the nature of the mutually beneficial cooperation between the two friendly countries and contemporary realities of the international energy market."
· Turkmens and Uzbeks to create new joint ventures
The fifth meeting of the joint Turkmen-Uzbek Commission for Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technical and Cultural Cooperation was held in Ashgabat, January 13. The delegation of the Republic of Uzbekistan led by Minister of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade Elyor Ganiev, the Co-chairman from the Uzbek side, arrived in the Turkmen capital to participate in the meeting.
· Turkmenistan elected to Bureau of Group of Landlocked Developing Countries
Turkmenistan has been elected to the Bureau of the Group of Landlocked Developing Countries, the Turkmen State News Agency of Turkmenistan (TDH) reports referring to the country's Permanent Mission to the United Nations.
· Russia to buy 11 billion cubic meters of Turkmen natural gas in 2010
Turkmen gas supplies to Russia since their resumption in January 2010 total 30 million cubic meters a day, "Interfax-AGI" information agency said citing "Gazprom" company. The plan of supplies for January accounts for 934.2 million cubic meters of gas, which is about 11 billion cubic meters on an annualized basis (with the traditional annual two-week pause for preventive works).
· Turkmenistan sets up Office of Financial Monitoring
In the course of an expanded government meeting in Ashgabat today, Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed a decree on the establishment of the Office of Financial Monitoring under the Ministry of Finance of Turkmenistan.
Social Front
· Director of Turkmen TV "Yashlyk" channel reprimanded
President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov reprimanded Director of "Yashlyk" channel of the General Directorate of Turkmen TV Begench Abaev.
· Turkmenistan sends US $ 500 thousand for earthquake victims in Haiti
At an expanded government meeting in Ashgabat on January 15, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed a document authorizing the transfer of US $ 500 thousand as humanitarian assistance for people of Haiti affected by the earthquake.
Uzbekistan
Political Front
· Media Watchdog Alarmed By Interrogations Of Uzbek Journalists
The media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) says it is alarmed by the recent interrogation of five independent journalists by Uzbek officials, RFE/RL's Uzbek Service reports. RSF's Europe and former USSR desk chief Elsa Vidal told RFE/RL on January 13 that the organization is concerned the interrogations might be part of a new crackdown on journalists.
· Uzbek secret services collect the records about independent journalists
The Tashkent Public Prosecutor’s office conducted the series of interrogations of several independent journalists, working in Uzbekistan. On January 7 five of them – Vasiliy Markov, Sid Yanyshev, Abdumalik Boboev, Khusniddin Kutbiddinov and Marina Kozlova (that cooperated with various foreign mass media) were called for "an interview" with Bakhrom Nurmatov, the assistant Public Prosecutor of Tashkent.
Geo Strategic Front
· Uzbekistan Blocking Rail Traffic Into Tajikistan
DUSHANBE -- Tajikistan's Foreign Ministry says it is hopeful that Uzbek officials will soon allow about 1,000 stranded railroad cars carrying construction materials and foodstuffs to move into Tajikistan, RFE/RL's Tajik Service reports. Tajik Foreign Ministry spokesman Davlat Nazriev told RFE/RL that the cargo is being held up by the Uzbek railroad company and customs and border officials.
Economic /Energy Front
Social Front
· Uzbekistan Replaces Soviet Soldier Monument In Tashkent
TASHKENT -- Uzbek President Islam Karimov has unveiled a new monument as a replacement for Soviet monuments in downtown Tashkent that were taken down last year, RFE/RL's Uzbek Service reports.
· Uzbek Woman Tells Of Sisters' Alleged Rapes In Prison
TASHKENT -- An Uzbek woman has given details of her experience in prison during which she alleges she and her two sisters were beaten and gang-raped, RFE/RL's Uzbek Service reports. Khosiyat Soatova, 23, the youngest of the sisters, told RFE/RL that she and her two sisters were detained in Tashkent on May 9 during a domestic dispute.
· Uzbekistan: The plane trees are cut off in the central part of Samarqand (photo)
The various types of spruces replaced the cut off plane trees in the central park of recreation and leisure in Samarqand. In the beginning of New Year the perennial trees were cut off by local authorities.
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