June 5 to 11, 2010

Azerbaijan


Political Front

• PACE summer session to discuss Azerbaijan's democratic institutions

Activity of the Azerbaijani democratic institutions will be discussed at the summer session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), the CE said. The first day of the session will be attended by bureau and political groups of the CE and the organization's budget for 2011 will be discussed.

• Azerbaijani Parliament holds hearings on Constitutional Law "On normative legal acts"

The Azerbaijani Milli Mejlis (Parliament) with participation of MPs and local and international experts holds hearings on the Constitutional Law "On normative legal acts".

According to the Chairman of the committee on legal policy and state building Ali Huseynov, the constitutional law will regulate the preparation of legal acts, their formalization, adoption, publication and entry into force, the comments on them and their systematization.

Geo strategic Front

• U.S. Reaches Out To Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev (right) meets with U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates in Baku on June 6.

U.S. President Barack Obama promised Azerbaijan in a letter released today that Washington will treat its dispute with Armenia as a top priority. Azerbaijan is an important link in Afghan supply lines and energy export routes to the West.

• U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to visit Azerbaijan

U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who is visiting Baku, met with Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister, Colonel-General Safar Abiyev, spokesman for the Defense Ministry, Lieutenant-Colonel Eldar Sabiroglu said. Following the solemn welcoming ceremony at the Defense Ministry, the state anthems of both countries were played.

• British Group To Expand Nagorno-Karabakh Demining

STEPANAKERT, Nagorno-Karabakh -- A British humanitarian organization says it has cleared land mines and unexploded ordnance from the bulk of Nagorno-Karabakh's war-affected territory and will soon begin demining Armenian-controlled areas outside the disputed region, RFE/RL's Armenian Service reports.

• New Karabakh Parliament Convenes, Elects Leadership

STEPANAKERT, Nagorno-Karabakh -- Nagorno-Karabakh's new parliament convened for the first time and elected its leadership today, more

than two weeks after being elected in a vote criticized by Azerbaijan and the European Union, RFE/RL's Armenian Service reports.

• Azerbaijani President meets Turkish counterpart in Istanbul

Today, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met Turkish counterpart Abdullah Gul here. They praised friendly and brotherly relations between the two countries. They also stressed the importance of high-level meetings. The Heads of State emphasized the significance of cooperation in various fields, in particular energy.

• Azerbaijan Defence Minister to attend NATO defence ministers' meeting

The Azerbaijani Defence Minister, Colonel General Safar Abiyev has today left for Brussels to attend a meeting of defence ministers of countries - participants of NATO's peacekeeping operations in Kosovo and Afghanistan, the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry said.

Economic/Energy Front

• Azerbaijan is the key for South Caucasus energy stability

Envoys from Central Asian countries discussed Caspian basin energy security Friday during the second day of an Istanbul summit ahead of a crucial meeting between Azerbaijan and Turkey next week.

• Azerbaijan to ship more gas to Europe via Turkey, ministry official says

Azerbaijan has agreed to ship more gas to Europe via Turkey, an Azerbaijani energy ministry official announced Monday.

The official said it was not immediately clear whether Azerbaijan was intending to join Nabucco, a major pipeline project to bring natural gas from Central Asia and the Middle East to Europe to diversify the continent's energy sources and reduce Russia's dominance.

• Nabucco Gas Pipeline International GmbH welcomes gas agreement signed by Azerbaijan and Turkey

Nabucco Gas Pipeline International GmbH welcomes the agreement that was signed in Ankara today between Azerbaijan and Turkey defining terms for the transit of gas to Turkey and Europe, Nabucco Gas Pipeline International GmbH said.

Social Front

• International training on youth and conflict management held in Azerbaijan

An international training on the role of youth in maintaining peace and conflict management will be held on June 5-12 in Oguz region in Azerbaijan.

• Azerbaijani official: Azerbaijan has thelowest crime rate in the region

Azerbaijan is one of the leading countries in the region for the minimal number of crimes per 100,000 people, Deputy Interior Minister Oruj Zalov said at the First International Conference "Policing with the support of society" organized jointly with the OSCE Baku Office.

Kazakhstan

Political Front



Geo strategic Front

• Uzbek Border Guards 'Blockade Kazakh Village'

ARNASAI, Kazakhstan -- Officials of a village near Kazakhstan's southern border with Uzbekistan say they have been cut off by Uzbek border guards for several days, RFE/RL's Kazakh Service reports.

• Gates, in Baku, seeks to shore up Afghan supply chain

The United States sought to shore up a link in its supply chain to Afghanistan Sunday, sending Defense Secretary Robert Gates to Azerbaijan, a transit point that has complained about not getting enough attention.

Gates, in Baku, seeks to shore up Afghan supply chain

Economic/Energy Front

• Kazakhstan, China to form joint venture to build pipeline

(SRI) - Kazakhstan and China will create a joint venture in July to build the Beyneu-Bozoy-Akbulak gas pipeline, the Oil and Gas Journal reported citing a Kazakh oil and gas executive.

• China, Kazakh pipeline expansion on Hu visit agenda

Chinese president Hu Jintao will sign an agreement to increase crude pipeline capacity from Central Asia during a trip to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan next week, part of China's efforts to diversify oil sources. Hu will also attend the annual meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a regional security grouping that is led by China and Russia. Regional economic development will also be on the agenda there.

Social Front



Kyrgyzstan

Political Front

• Grenade Explosion In Kyrgyzstan Injures Four

At least four people were injured when a grenade exploded in Kyrgyzstan's northern city of Tokmok today, RFE/RL’s Kyrgyz Service reports. The press service of Kyrgyzstan's Healthcare Ministry told journalists that all four were injured by flying glass.

• Death Toll In Kyrgyz Violence Rises To 50

Kyrgyz health officials say at least 50 people have died in clashes between rioters and security forces overnight in the southern city of Osh. More than 660 others were injured in the city as clashes between ethnic Kyrgyz and Uzbek youth spilled over into battles with security forces.

• Kyrgyz Officials Escape Attack In Bishkek

BISHKEK -- Two senior Kyrgyz officials were attacked by a crowd of young Kyrgyz in Bishkek today, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.

• Some local officials bear pressure upon members of election committees in Kyrgyzstan

In Kyrgyzstan some local officials bear pressure upon members of election committees forcing them to leave as Central Election Committee reports.

• participation of ethnic minorities in political life is crucial for Kyrgyzstan

The United States of America calls for sensitivity to ethnic issues and the inclusion of all ethnic groups in the development in the republic, the U.S. Embassy in Bishkek informs.

Geo strategic Front

• U.S., Kyrgyzstan in talks on fuel supplies at key air base - U.S.

(AFP)- The Pentagon said Thursday it is in talks with Kyrgyzstan’s provisional government about fuel supplies for its operations at Manas air base, a key transit point for US troops headed to Afghanistan.

• Roza Otunbayeva says successful referendum to provide equitable dialog with neighbour states leaders

Successful constitutional referendum in Kyrgyzstan would provide Kyrgyzstan with a platform for equitable dialog with leaders of neighbour states, Roza Otunbayeva, the President of transition period said Wednesday.

• US base bargaining

Bishkek hurt Washington’s reputation by sound jobbery scandal around US Transit Center at the Kyrgyz airport “Manas”. However, US “knockout” can appear to be deceptive…

• Roza Otunbayeva and NATO Special Envoy discuss Public Security Issues



NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia Robert F. Simmons and the President of transition period of Kyrgyzstan Roza Otunbayeva discussed Public Security Issues.

• Vladimir Putin: US troops depends on Bishkek’s decision

The US troops stay in Kyrgyzstan depends on Bishkek’s decision, stated Russian Prime-Minister Vladimir Putin at a press conference after negotiations in Istanbul, RIA Novosti informs.

• Kazakhstan special envoy arrives to Kyrgyzstan

Kazakhstan has sent a special envoy Bolat Utemuratov to Kyrgyzstan. Bolat Utemuratov was appointed by official Astana after tragic April events that ousted president Bakiyev. Mr. Utemuratov will meet president of transition period Roza Otunbayeva on 10 June, 2010.

• NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative arrives to Kyrgyzstan

NATO Secretary General’s Special Representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia Robert F. Simmons is to arrive to Kyrgyzstan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told the NA 24.kg.

Economic/Energy Front

• In Kyrgyzstan GDP increased by 9.7 percentage points

In Kyrgyzstan GDP increased by 9.7 percentage points comparing with 2009 as National Statistic Committee KR reports.

Social Front

• Kyrgyz Religious Board Elects New Mufti

Former Kyrgyz mufti Murataaly-Hajji Juman-Uulu stepped down in April.

BISHKEK -- Kyrgyz Muslims have elected Ruslanbek Jumagulov as their new official leader, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.

Tajikistan

Political Front

• Tajik Opposition Party Member Jailed For Election Fraud

DUSHANBE -- The Vakhsh district court in Tajikistan's southern Khatlon region today sentenced opposition party member Muhammadruzi Burhonov to one year in prison for election violations during the February 28 parliamentary vote, RFE/RL's Tajik Service reports.

Geo strategic Front

• Iran's President In Tajikistan For Talks, Water Conference

Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad has arrived in the Tajik capital, Dushanbe, where he is to hold talks with his counterpart Emomali Rahmon and attend a UN-sponsored international conference on water security.

• Tajik Journalists Picket Uzbek Embassy Over Rail Holdup

At an earlier protest, Tajik students also demanded the resumption of rail links.

DUSHANBE -- More than 20 journalists protested today outside the Uzbek Embassy in the Tajik capital, Dushanbe, to demand an end to what they call Uzbekistan's ongoing economic blockade of Tajikistan, RFE/RL's Tajik Service reports.

• Criticism For Tajik Response To 'Biased' Russian Comments

Liberal Democratic Party leader Vladimir Zhirinovsky referred to Tajikistan as a 'failed state.'

DUSHANBE -- Tajik independent journalists and analysts have criticized the belated official response to Russian officials’ negative remarks about the country, RFE/RL's Tajik Service reports.

• E.Rahmon, M.Encha discuss situation in region and Afghanistan

DUSHANBE. June 9. “Asia-Plus” -- Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon met with the visiting Head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy in Central Asia Miroslav Encha to discuss current situation in Central Asia and Afghanistan.

• Emomali Rahmon to hold talks with Islam Karimov in Tashkent

DUSHANBE. June 4. “Asia-Plus” -- On June 10 this year Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon will leave for Uzbekistan’s capital of Tashkent to take part in a regular summit of heads of SCO member states, a reliable source in the government of Tajikistan told the AP.

Economic/Energy Front

• World Water Conference Opens in Dushanbe

DUSHANBE -- A UN-sponsored international water conference has opened in Dushanbe, RFE/RL's Tajik Service reports.

Participants will assess implementation of the goals set by the UN for its Water For Life Decade (2005-2015), such as reducing the proportion of people worldwide without access to safe drinking water.

• Gazprom Subsidiary Raises Gasoline Price In Tajikistan

DUSHANBE -- Gazprom-Neft-Tajikistan, which controls some 60 percent of the gasoline market in Tajikistan, has announced a retail price hike of over 25 percent, RFE/RL's Tajik Service reports.

• Tajik Farmers Seek New Markets In Wake Of Russian Import Ban

DUSHANBE -- Farmers and businessmen in Tajikistan's northern province of Sughd are desperately seeking new markets following a ban by Russia on the import of dried fruit and nuts from Tajikistan, RFE/RL's Tajik Service reports.

• China to allocate 85m yuans to Tajikistan

DUSHANBE. June 10. “Asia-Plus” -- Yesterday Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon, who is currently on his official visit to Tashkent where he will take part in the summit of heads of SCO member states, met with his Chinese counterpart Hu Jintao.

The sides have discussed issues of bilateral and multilateral Tajik-Chinese relations, Tajik President’s press service reports.

Social Front

• UNICEF gives opportunity to Tajik children to be heard

DUSHANBE. June 9. “Asia-Plus” -- Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon and the visiting UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs Sha Zukang have attended National exhibition of drawings “Water by children’s eyes”, organized by the Ministry of Education and supported by UNICEF.

Turkmenistan

Political Front

• Elections to local governments to be held December 5

The Mejlis of Turkmenistan passed a resolution setting the date of elections to the regional, district and city people's councils. Chairwoman of the national parliament Akja Nurberdieva signed the relevant document. As the Ashgabat correspondent of Turkmenistan.ru reports, elections to the district and city people's councils with the status of district will be held on Sunday, 5 December 2010.

Geo strategic Front

• Turkmen, Chinese leaders hold talks in Tashkent

President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who arrived in the capital of the Republic of Uzbekistan to attend the summit of the Shanghai Organization of Cooperation (SOC), has met with President Hu Zintao of the People's Republic of China on June 11.

Economic/Energy Front

• Turkmenistan to attend 31st session of Commission on Caspian Sea bio-resources

Chairman of the State Committee for Fisheries of Turkmenistan Amanmyrat Sahadov will attend the 31st session of the Commission on the Caspian Sea Biological Resources to be held in Tehran, the capital of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on June 13-17, 2010.

• Turkmenistan to develop potable water supply program

During the Cabinet of Ministers meeting, June 10, President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov signed a decree that prescribes drafting a comprehensive program of providing all settlements of the country and, first of all, nurseries, preschool and educational institutions, hospitals, public catering establishments with pure potable water.

• Ashgabat to host Turkmen-American business forum

Ashgabat will host political consultations between Turkmenistan and the US delegation and the Turkmen-American business forum in June. This was announced by Vice-Premier of the Turkmen government and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov at the Cabinet of Ministers meeting yesterday.

Social Front

• Turkmenistan, USA extend narcotics control agreement



Today, the Turkmen Foreign Ministry has held the ceremony of signing the third Amendment to the existing Letter of Agreement of September 2001 on Narcotics Control and Law Enforcement Assistance between the Government of the United States and the Government of Turkmenistan.

• Turkmen delegation to attend international UN conference on water

Turkmen president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov signed a document authorizing Vice Premier of the Turkmen government Myratgeldi Akmamedov to attend the High Level International Conference on the Mid-term Comprehensive Review of the Implementation of the International Decade for Action "Water for Life," 2005-2015 held under the United Nations aegis.

Uzbekistan

Political Front

• Implementation of legal expertise law considered

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov signed the law on legal expertise on 1 June. The document regulates relations in the field of legal expertise in the country.

The new law outlines general norms and rules ensuring the independence of the legal experts and their conclusions.

Geo strategic Front

• SCO summit opens in Tashkent

The summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization opened in Tashkent on Friday with a meeting of the heads of states of the SCO member states.

• Protest near Uzbekistan embassy in Washington

WASHINGTON. June 7. “Asia-Plus” – At least 20 Tajik students gathered early in the morning on June 4 near Uzbekistan’s embassy in Washington urging Uzbekistan’s government to remove transport blockade of Tajikistan.

• President of Turkmenistan arrives in Uzbekistan

President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov arrived in Uzbekistan on 11 June for participation as a guest in the session of the Council of heads of states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, hosted by Tashkent.

• Meetings of Presidents

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov on 10 June at Kuksaroy met with President of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev, who is in Tashkent to attend the summit of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

• Emomali Rahmon to hold talks with Islam Karimov in Tashkent

DUSHANBE. June 4. “Asia-Plus” -- On June 10 this year Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon will leave for Uzbekistan’s capital of Tashkent to take part in a regular summit of heads of SCO member states, a reliable source in the government of Tajikistan told the AP. According to the source, Tajik President will be accompanied by President Adviser for International Affairs Erkin Rahmatulloev, Tajik Foreign Minister Hamrohon Zarifi, Tajik Interior Minister Abdurahim Kaharov and other officials.

• President of Afghanistan arrives in Tashkent

President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Hamid Karzai arrived in Uzbekistan on 10 June for participation as observer in the session of the Council of heads of states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, hosted by Tashkent.

• President of Russia arrives in Tashkent

President of Russian Federation Dmitriy Medvedev arrived in Uzbekistan on 10 June for participation in the session of the Council of heads of states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, hosted by Tashkent.

• President of Pakistan arrives in Tashkent

President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari arrived in Uzbekistan on 10 June for participation as observer in the session of the Council of heads of states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, hosted by Tashkent.

• President of Kazakhstan arrives in Tashkent

President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev arrived in Uzbekistan on 10 June for participation in the session of the Council of heads of states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, hosted by Tashkent.

• President of Tajikistan arrives in Tashkent

President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon arrived in Uzbekistan on 10 June for participation in the session of the Council of heads of states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, hosted by Tashkent.

• Tashkent to host 10th SCO heads of states summit

The 10th session of the Council of heads of states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization will be held in Tashkent on 11 June.

On the invitation of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, who is chairing the SCO, the heads of states and delegations of SCO member and observer countries will take part in the summit.

• Uzbekistan-China: Toward enhancing cooperation

At the invitation of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, President of the People’s Republic of China Hu Jintao arrived June 9 in Tashkent on state visit.

Relations shaped between the two nations are historically deep-rooted, dating back to more than a thousand years and thriving most during the era of the Great Silk Road.

Economic/Energy Front



Social Front