Summery
Azerbaijan
Political Front
Azerbaijani parliament begins spring session
Mill Mejlis (Azerbaijani parliament) has launched the first meeting of the spring session today. The meeting was opened by playing national anthem. Speaker Ogtay Asadov delivered welcoming speech.
Azerbaijani Ruling Party Welcomes 500,000th Member
BAKU -- The ruling Yeni Azerbaijan Party (YAP) has registered its 500,000th member, and claims it now has more members than the Communist Party had in Azerbaijan during the Soviet era, RFE/RL's Azerbaijani Service reports.
Geo strategic Front
Azerbaijani official: Lifting visa requirements with Iran not on agenda
Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Khalaf Khalafov says lifting visa requirements with Iran is not on agenda at the moment. Khalafov told journalists in Tbilisi that Iran said visa regime had been unilaterally lifted for Azerbaijani citizens.
Azerbaijani deputy FM: Caspian Sea delimitations talks to continue in March
Negotiations on delimitation of the Caspian Sea will continue in March, Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Khalaf Khalafov said. "We’ll continue negotiations based on five-sided format on drawing up the conventions. Our next meeting will be held in the first quarter of the current year.
Azerbaijani parliament confirms mutual visa-free travel between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan
Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan (Azerbaijan Parliament) at the first meeting of spring session has confirmed the Agreement on mutual visa-free travel between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.
Economic/Energy Front
Energy Minister: Azerbaijan is becoming increasingly important in ensuring Europan energy security
Azerbaijan is becoming increasingly important in ensuring European energy security, Azerbaijan's Industry and Energy Minister Natig Aliyev said at a meeting with Romanian Deputy Economy, Trade and business Environment Minister and State Secretary for Energy Affairs Tudor Serban today.
Iran eases rules of trade with Azerbaijan
The Islamic Republic of Iran will ease rules of trade with Azerbaijan, spokesman for the Iranian embassy in Azerbaijan Abbas Isgandari said. He said the decision was made on the occasion of 31st anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran.
Azerbaijani, Greek national oil companies discuss cooperative opportunities
SOCAR's president Rovnag Abdullayev has today met chairman of the board of directors of the Public Gas Corporation of Greece (DEPA) Harry Sachinis to discuss prospects for cooperation between the two companies. Abdullayev praised the relationship between Azerbaijan and Greece.
Azerbaijan, Turkey agree on gas price
Azerbaijan and Turkey have agreed on price of the Azerbaijani gas in the first stage of the Shah Deniz project, Head of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR) Rovnag Abdullayev said today.
Azerbaijani Minister of Industry and Energy visits United Kingdom
Minister of Industry and Energy of Azerbaijan Natig Aliyev was on a working visit to the United Kingdom on January 27-28, Azerbaijani embassy in London said.
The minister attended the conference on the role of Azerbaijan and Turkey in the energy security organized by the Conservative Friends of Turkey (CFT), the group associated with the British Conservative Party, at the Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs.
Social Front
23, 000 people vaccinated against swine flu in Azerbaijan's capital
Nearly 23,000 people have been vaccinated against H1N1 virus (swine flu) in Azerbaijan’s capital, chief of Health Ministry’s sanitary-epidemiology control sector Viktor Gasimov said.
Turkish journalists visit Guba mass grave in Azerbaijan
A group of Turkish journalists lead by chief of Alanya Journalists Association Mehmet Ali Dim has visited Guba mass grave as part of their Azerbaijan trip.
Kazakhstan
Political Front
Kazakh Parties Demand Probe Into Alleged Corrupt China Deal
Timur Kulibaev, the Kazakh president's son-in-law ALMATY -- Leaders from the Kazakh Communist Party and the unregistered Algha (Forward) party are demanding an immediate investigation into accusations of corruption by President Nursultan Nazarbaev's son-in-law, RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reports.
Kazakh Parties Demand Probe Into Alleged Corrupt China Deal
Timur Kulibaev, the Kazakh president's son-in-law
February 04, 2010 ALMATY -- Leaders from the Kazakh Communist Party and the unregistered Algha (Forward) party are demanding an immediate investigation into accusations of corruption by President Nursultan Nazarbaev's son-in-law, RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reports.
Geo strategic Front
Azerbaijani parliament confirms mutual visa-free travel between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan
Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan (Azerbaijan Parliament) at the first meeting of spring session has confirmed the Agreement on mutual visa-free travel between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan.
Kazakhs protest against China's growing influence
ALMATY, Jan 30 (Reuters) - Kazakh protesters scuffled with police on Saturday at a rally against their government's burgeoning ties with neighbouring China.
Many in Kazakhstan, a vast but thinly populated nation, are suspicious of China's growing influence in resource-rich Central Asia and accuse the government of selling out oil riches to their giant, energy-hungry neighbour.
KAZAKHSTAN: FOREIGN MINISTER’S ARRIVAL IN WASHINGTON HIGHLIGHTS DEMOCRATIZATION VS. SECURITY DEBATE
Kazakhstan’s foreign minister, Kanat Saudabayev, is in Washington from February 1-4. He is expected to seek US backing for two prestige events: a summit of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to be held in Kazakhstan; and a one-on-one meeting between US President Barack Obama and Kazakhstani President Nursultan Nazarbayev.
Kazakhstan Offers to Hold Joint Military Exercises With Turkey
Publication: Eurasia Daily Monitor Volume: 7 Issue: 22February 2, 2010 03:13 PM Age: 2 daysCategory: Eurasia Daily Monitor, Home Page, Military/Security, Turkey, Kazakhstan By: Roman Muzalevsky
Top Kazakh Diplomat Visits U.S. In OSCE Role
OSCE Chairman-in-Office Kazakh Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabaev
Kazakh Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabaev begins a three-day U.S. visit today in his role as chairman of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reports.
Economic/Energy Front
Tengizchevroil optimistic on potential tax changes
(SRI) - Tengizchevroil (TCO), the Chevron-led joint venture developing the giant Tengiz oil field, expects to reach a favorable deal with Kazakhstan, should the government decide to revise the current contract, Dow Jones reported on Wednesday citing a senior executive.
Kazakh oil fund to reach $90 billion in 2020
(SRI) - Kazakhstan plans to increase the assets in its sovereign fund to $90 billion by 2020 from current $24.4 billion while allocating $8 billion a year from it on industrial development, President Nursultan Nazarbayev said on Friday.
Russia remains Kazakhstan’s key strategic partner in space exploration, Kazkosmos
Astana. February 2. Interfax-Kazakhstan - Russia remains the main strategic partner of Kazakhstan in space exploration, said the head of the National Space Agency of the Republic (KazKosmos) Talgat Musabayev.
Social Front
Kazakh papers say libel suit bid to control media
ALMATY, Feb 3 (Reuters) - Two Kazakh newspapers on Wednesday criticised a libel suit brought by President Nursultan Nazarbayev's son-in-law against them, saying it was an attempt to muzzle the country's independent media.
Kazakhstan under pressure to free rights defender
ALMATY (Reuters) - A private foundation set up by billionaire financier George Soros on Tuesday urged Kazakhstan to free a jailed human rights defender, saying he was imprisoned in "an unfair trial".
Kyrgyzstan
Political Front
Parliamentary committee to consider pre-term dismissal of Social Democratic party members
Profile parliamentary committee will consider pre-term dismissal of Social Democratic party members this Tuesday.
Kyrgyz Official Fired For Allowing U.S. Photographer's Exhibition
BISHKEK -- President Kurmanbek Bakiev fired the chief of Kyrgyzstan's Culture Agency today for permitting U.S. photographer Sergei Melnikoff to hold a photo exhibit in Bishkek, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports. The opening of "The Kyrgyz Land" photo exhibit by Melnikoff -- who has been critical of Russia -- was scheduled for February 11.
Kyrgyz Protesters Defy Ban To Rally For Jailed Politician
SOPU-KORGON, Kyrgyzstan -- More than 200 protesters rallied today in the southern Kyrgyz village of Sopu-Korgon to demand the release of imprisoned former Defense Minister Ismail Isakov, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.
Geo strategic Front
Kyrgyz Establish Movement In U.S.
Organizer Ravshan Jeenbekov during a visit to RFE/RL's Washington office in 2008
Kyrgyz nationals in the United States have established a group called the Kyrgyz Movement for Democracy Abroad in Washington, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.
Economic/Energy Front
Kyrgyzstan sets gas prices for 2010
Kyrgyzstan has set gas prices for all categories of consumers, Salamat Aitikeen, director of the Kyrgyz gas monopolist Kyrgyzgas told reporters in Bishkek Friday.
Kyrgyzstan to purchase Turkmen gas
Kyrgyzstan will purchase gas from Turkmenia in the nearest future, Salamat Aitikeev, Director of Kyrgyzgas Company said Friday at a press conference.
In 2-3 years the republic will get Uzbek and Turkmen gas which will be supplied to China through a new gas pipe line.
Kyrgyzstan to attend EXPO-2010 in Shanghai
Kyrgyzstan will take part in the World EXPO-2010 exposition to run in Shanghai (China) for the fifth time, the Kyrgyz Chamber of Commerce reported.
The exhibition is expected to open since May 1 and last for half a year, attracting participants from 240 countries and up to 70 million viewers.
IMF grants Kyrgyzstan $337.5M for 17 years of cooperation
The International Monetary Fund granted Kyrgyzstan $337.5 million for 17 years of cooperation, parliamentary press service reported the results of the Parliament Speaker Zainidin Kurmanov’s meeting with Nadeem Ilahi, Chief of the International Monetary Fund’s Middle East and Central Asia Department.
Social Front
Infectious, parasitic diseases on rise in Kyrgyzstan in 2009
Increase in infectious and parasitic diseases rate was registered in Kyrgyzstan in 2009, National Statistics Committee said.
Tajikistan
Political Front
Enlarged meeting of Tajik cabinet opens today
DUSHANBE, January 29, 2010, Asia-Plus -- An enlarged meeting of the Tajik Cabinet to review the results of the past year’s work has opened in Dushanbe today.
Heads of all ministries and organizations will make reports on the results of work carried out in 2009. Local experts say that usually, the president introduces staff changes at such meetings and today’s enlarged meeting of the Cabinet will not be exception to this tradition, especially as the parliamentary election will be held next month and a number of members of the government have been nominated to run for election to the parliament
President dissatisfied with activities of supreme court and prosecutor-general’s office
DUSHANBE, January 29, 2010, Asia-Plus -- President Emomali Rahmon expressed dissatisfaction with activities of the Supreme Court and the Prosecutor-General’s Office In providing legality in the country, especially in determining tasks of the law enforcement agencies on preventing illegal allotment of lands, according to presidential press service.
Supreme Court judges file lawsuits against three Tajik newspapers
DUSHANBE, January 30, 2010, Asia-Plus – Three judges from the Tajik Supreme Court and a Dushanbe court filed lawsuits against three independent newspapers today, Radio Liberty’ Tajik Service reported on January 29.
Ruling party hopes to win more than 80 percent of votes in Khatlon
QURGHON TEPPA, February 4, 2010, Asia-Plus -- Pre-election race is progressing in Khatlon province as the People’s Democratic Party (PDPT) has joined the Islamic Revival Party (IRPT) in agitation campaign in the area.
Geo strategic Front

Economic/Energy Front
IMF revises up global forecast to near 4% for 2010
DUSHANBE, February 2, 2010, Asia-Plus -- The global economy, battered by two years of crisis, is recovering faster than previously anticipated, with world growth bouncing back from negative territory in 2009 to a forecast 3.9 percent this year and 4.3 percent in 2011, the International Monetary Fund said in its latest forecast.
The government of Japan supports clean energy project in Tajikistan
DUSHANBE, February 4, Asia-Plus -- Mr. Yoshihiro Nakayama, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in Dushanbe, Mr. Hamrokhon Zarifi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, today exchanged Notes concerning the Project for Introduction of Clean Energy by Solar Electricity Generation System in the framework of Japan’s Program Grant Aid for Environment and Climate Change, press release issued by the Japanese Embassy in Dushanbe said
Social Front
72 of 81 religious organizations functioning in Tajikistan able to reregister
DUSHANBE, January 29, 20010, Asia-Plus -- Of 81 religious groups and organizations functioning in Tajikistan, 71 have been able to reregister by January 1, 2010, Asia-Plus has learned at the Department for Religious Affairs (DRA) at the Ministry of Culture (MoC).
IWRP organizes workshop for Tajik journalists on coverage of human rights issues
DUSHANBE, January 29,2010, Asia-Plus -- A two-day workshop for Tajik journalists, entitled “Journalists for Human Rights,” has opened at Tajik Journalists’ Union in Dushanbe today. The workshop is part of the project, Protection and Human Rights Education through Media in Central Asia, which is implemented by the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR) under the financial support of European Union.
Turkmenistan
Political Front

Geo strategic Front
Presidents of Turkmenistan and France to identify new areas of cooperation
"The forthcoming Turkmen-French negotiations in Paris will give a new powerful impetus to the inter-state relations in political, economic and cultural spheres that are growing stronger year by year," Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said receiving yesterday Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Turkmenistan Pierre Lebovich.
Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Nicolas Sarkozy meet in Paris
President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of the French Republic Nicolas Sarkozy met at the Elysee Palace on 1 February. The meeting was attended by the governmental delegations of the two countries.
Economic/Energy Front
Kyrgyzstan to purchase Turkmen gas
Kyrgyzstan will purchase gas from Turkmenia in the nearest future, Salamat Aitikeev, Director of Kyrgyzgas Company said Friday at a press conference.
In 2-3 years the republic will get Uzbek and Turkmen gas which will be supplied to China through a new gas pipe line.
Turkmen natural gas brings heat to Urumqi and Beijing
According Xinhua news agency with reference to the Chinese National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), the transit of natural gas to Tszinbyan compressor station "towards Beijing and adjacent areas" began in the third week of January.
This event marked the commissioning of the western section of the "West-East" pipeline that was connected with the Turkmenistan-China transnational gas pipeline, via which gas is being supplied from Samandepe field in Turkmenistan through Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, the agency said.
Investment forum of Turkmenistan opens in Abu Dhabi

The International Investment Forum of Turkmenistan and exhibition of goods produced in Turkmenistan opened in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The forum was organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkmenistan in collaboration with line ministries and departments, and IIR Xolding LTD (UAE).
Social Front
Ministry of Culture and Broadcasting of Turkmenistan looking for talents
The Ministry of Culture and Broadcasting of Turkmenistan has announced a creative contest titled "Moments" and invited photographers and cameramen - both professionals and amateurs to participate in the contest.
Turkmenistan forecasts warm and dry February
Turkmenistan's meteorologists forecast warm February with average monthly temperature ranging from +2 to +7 degrees (from -3 to +2 degrees in Dashoguz province).
Uzbekistan
Political Front

Geo strategic Front
President of Uzbekistan to visit South Korea
President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov will pay a state visit to the Republic of Korea on 10-12 February on the invitation of the President of this country Lee Myung-Bak.
During the visit, issues of expansion and deepening of Uzbek-South Korean cooperation, as well as important regional and international problems will be considered.
Uzbekistan urged the government of Tajikistan to run independent examination of the Rogun project
Shavkat Mirzieev, the Prime-Minister of Uzbekistan, urged his Tajik colleague Akil Akilov to run independent examination of the Rogun hydropower plant, Pravda Vostoka, the official Uzbek newspaper, reports.
Economic/Energy Front
Cabinet sums up results of development of Uzbekistan in 2009
The Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan held a session on 29 January to consider the results of the socioeconomic development of the country in 2009 and the main priorities for 2010.
Social Front
Europe watchdog slams Uzbekistan media crackdown
ALMATY, Feb 2 (Reuters) - Europe's main democracy and security watchdog sharply criticised Uzbekistan on Tuesday for jailing and harassing journalists, saying there has been no real improvement in its media freedom. The former Soviet state has intensified its campaign against independent media over many years, driving international media out of the country and putting pressure on local reporters.
Uzbekistan: Islam Karimov criticized media for "toothless" approach
On January 27 giving a speech at the joint session of Legislative house and Senate Oliy Mazhlis (lower and upper houses of the parliament), the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov commented on local mass media.