zbek President Islam Karimov is against the creation of collective regional armed forces, he said on Friday at Ashgabat airport as he completed a visit to Turkmenistan.

After terrorist gangs had invaded Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, an idea was suggested to set up Russian military bases in Central Asia or to create regional armed forces in which Russia would participate, he said.

In this connection, Karimov said that Tashkent "is not going to go back" to the collective security treaty and will not take part in the creation of any regional armed forces.

Karimov stressed that "we have never invited and are not going to invite any country's armed forces. We are capable of defending ourselves independently." (Russian news agency Interfax, September 22)

Top

he training centre of the Khorezm [western Uzbekistan] Regional Internal Affairs Department has a new special facility. Construction of a runway for small aircraft has recently been completed there. The first aircraft to land there was a former "winged helpmate" of Khorezm farmers, an AN-2 [Russian-made aircraft which was mainly used for agricultural work], with an unusual sign on its fuselage: the special rapid reaction detachment.

Such measures have been taken to increase as much as possible the efficiency of operations to prevent acts by criminals, above all armed criminals, at any place in our ancient land, the first deputy head of the Internal Affairs Department, Police Col Amin Bobojonov, said. He said that the measures included preventing such criminal acts as the one in May 1999, when terrorists took hostage the passengers of an interurban bus in a desert area near the village of Sarimoy. Incidentally, the same type of runway has been set up near a joint checkpoint of the police and other law-enforcement agencies in the area.

Top

freak tornado hit the ancient Silk Road city of Khiva, in northeastern Uzbekistan, recently, the Uzbek Russian-language daily `Pravda Vostoka' reported on 22nd September. "The elements did not rage for long, only 10 or 20 minutes", and "most surprisingly" the whirlwind affected only a few parallel streets, the report said, but brought down power and telephone lines, ripped off roofs and shifted a 30-tonne tower crane 50 metres along its tracks.

No injuries were reported, but the local emergencies department put the damage caused at 25m soms, nearly 85,000 dollars at the official exchange rate.

Top

he chairman of the committee for protecting the state border under the government of Tajikistan, Maj-Gen Saidanvar Komolov, has officially confirmed earlier reports that Uzbek border guards plant mines on the border with Tajikistan in order to prevent penetration of Tajikistan-based militants from the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. Mines are laid along the entire length of the border, Komolov said.

Komolov has said that such actions contradict the international law, including the Geneva convention on prohibiting the use of anti-personnel and undetectable mines that Uzbekistan has joined.

More than 10 Tajik citizens, including several border guards, have already been killed by mines laid by Uzbek border guards, the newspaper 'Asia-plus' says. (Russian news agency RIA, September 22)

Top

wo former Soviet republics in Central Asia, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, signed a border treaty yesterday.

Presidents Islam Karimov and Saparmyrat Niyazov signed a treaty defining the 1,856-kilometre border line between the states.

The treaty said the countries have no territorial claims to each other, Niyazov told reporters. "From now and forever ... [agency's ellipses] it will be a border of peace and accord between our countries and our peoples," he said.

Karimov expressed the hope that all other countries in the region would define borders between them "in a similar atmosphere of mutual understanding and respect for each other's interests". (Russian news agency ITAR-TASS, September 22)

Top

conomic projects need to be implemented in Afghanistan so as to divert the nation away from war and into "the industrial process", Uzbek President Islam Karimov said in Ashkhabad on following a meeting yesterday with his Turkmen counterpart, Saparmyrat Niyazov.

The two presidents discussed the situation in Afghanistan and regional security issues. Uzbekistan will take part in the construction of power lines and a gas pipeline across Afghanistan, Niyazov said.

"Any confrontation within Afghanistan will inevitably spill over the border, so it is natural that we are concerned about what is transpiring in that country. The Afghan war threatens regional stability, especially with the expansion of the drug trafficking that will seek new outlets," Karimov said. (Russian news agency Interfax, September 22)

Top

oxing results as of September 22

Men's 91kg: Last eight
Uzbekistan's Ruslan Chagaev beat Ukraine's Oleksandr Yatsenko by 15-2

Men's Athletics Javelin Throw Qualifying Round Group B

1. ZELEZNY Jan, CZE, 89.39
2. HENRY Boris, GER, 84.58
3. BACKLEY Steve, GBR, 83.74
11. VOYNOV Sergey, UZB, 75.89

Women's Athletics 100m Round 1 Heat 2

1. ARRON Christine, FRA, 11.42
2. PEREPELOVA Lyubov, UZB, 11.48

Women's Swimming 50m Freestyle Heats

1. TOCHENAYA Ekaterina, KGZ, 26.88
2. CHUCK Angela, JAM, 27.48
3. CHUA Marilyn, MAS, 27.66
6. ISKANDAROVA Saida, UZB, 28.08

Men's Judo Heavyweight +100kg Round 2
Uzbekistan's TANGRIEV Abdullo defeated BALL Robert of Australia

Women's Trampoline Trampoline Final

1. KARAVAEVA Irina, RUS, 38.90
2. TSYHULEVA Oxana, UKR, 37.70
3. COCKBURN Karen, CAN, 37.40
4. KHILKO Ekaterina, UZB, 36.60

Women's Athletics 100m Round 2 Heat 4

1. FYNES Sevatheda, BAH, 11.10
2. NSIAH Vida, GHA, 11.19
3. MANI Leonie, CMR, 11.23
8. PEREPELOVA Lyubov, UZB, 11.59

Women's Athletics 400m Round 1 Heat 8

1. ANTOINE Ladonna, CAN, 51.78
2. OGUNKOYA Falilat, NGR, 51.88
3. FRASER Donna, GBR, 52.33
5. PISKUNOVA Elena, UZB, 55.40 Top

he new tunnel along the road connecting the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, with Regions in the eastern Fergana valley, is heavily guarded because of its strategic importance along the new Great Silk Road stretching to China. Some of the first goods brought along the new Great Silk Road could be weapons manufactured in China, especially sniper rifles, which are cheap and now much needed in Uzbekistan in the fight against militants. The following is the text of the report in the Kyrgyz newspaper `Slovo Kyrgyzstana' on 14th September said:

w ovelooked by the media, behind all the information about combat operations in Central Asia. On 31st August, with the opening of the tunnels at the Kamchik and Rezak mountain passes [connecting Tashkent with the Fergana Valley in the east], Uzbekistan cut a window through to the Pacific Ocean. One of Asia's major and strategic international roads, Tashkent - Osh (Kyrgyzstan) - Kashgar (China) - Beijing and further to the sea coast began to operate from that moment. This route fully repeats the Great Silk Road which existed in the last millennium.

An impressive amount of work has been carried out. During the construction of the 11-kilometre tunnel through the Kamchik mountain pass - the only road which goes through the territory of Uzbekistan to the Fergana valley - over 3m cubic metres of excavation work was done, 39,000 tonnes of asphalt concrete was laid; 196,000 cubic metres of sand, 212,000 cubic metres of gravel, 4,500 cubic metres of ferroconcrete and 32,600 tonnes of asphalt were used to build the tunnels.

Every day 17,000 motor vehicles and about 150,000 passengers will pass along the transcontinental road.

There have been very few reports about the construction of the tunnel. The Kamchik mountain pass was more often mentioned in reports about combat operations, because certain media reported that the militants from the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan had attempted to seize it. There were even reports that terrorists were in control of the mountain pass. Official Tashkent issued a denial of this.

Today, a whole special task-force brigade is guarding the tunnel. Every 100 metres there is a post manned by assault riflemen, mortarmen, machine-gunners, grenade throwers (anti-aircraft gunners). In all, 69 km of cable have been laid in the tunnel, modern means of radio and telephone communication, lighting and fire extinguishing equipment have been installed.

In addition, posts manned by police, security men and the military have been set up every one or two kilometres all along the road up to the Kyrgyz border. All troops in the republic are on high combat alert and are concentrated in the country's three hot spots - Surkhandarya Region, in the area of the Charvak reservoir (Tashkent Region) and in the south of Fergana valley. Even cadets at military schools, in particular, students of the Chirchik tank and Tashkent border guards military schools, have joined the operations.

These unprecedented security measures are due to the fact that authorities in Uzbekistan are expecting a fresh incursion by militants. The special services are puzzled by the fact that a group of 15 men who infiltrated Charvak area last week (eight of them have been killed and the rest fled to Kyrgyzstan) were all local residents. These people knew the place and mountains well, as they worked either as foresters, or geologists and hunters. No ideological subtext was observed in the activities of the militants. They were armed worse than those who were operating in Surkhandarya Region. However, certain circumstances allow us to draw the conclusion that they were guided by "specialists".

Uzbek experts say that the tactics of conducting the fight against the militants differ from those which were used in Chechnya and are being used there now. The troops are not firing on populated areas, because all villages are as a rule in the oasis zone and heavily populated. It is effective here to use high-precision weapons and sniper rifles. It was sniper rifles that were urgently delivered to Uzbekistan by China after the Uzbek defence minister, Lt-Gen Yuriy Agzamov, paid a visit to China.

However, it is puzzling why Moscow failed to react so quickly. The Dragunov sniper rifles manufactured in Russia are known to be the best in the world. Their barrels are durable, the gun range is up to two kilometres. They are equipped with special optics for night shooting.

It is not difficult to answer the question of why Uzbekistan bought precisely Chinese-made rifles - the arms supplied by Beijing are simply cheaper. It is not ruled out that in this case they were delivered completely free of charge in order to conquer the market. Now, arms can be transported along the the Great Silk Road. There is an obvious advantage.

Top

n all 18,000 new cases of AIDS are registered in the world every day.

A total of 51 cases of AIDS were registered in Uzbekistan by the end of 1999, including 25 cases last year. Another 49 HIV-infected were revealed in the republic in the year 2000, the head of the HIV-AIDS Prevention joint Uzbek-UN project, Bulat Kunayev, said.

He said that the project participants was particularly interested in Tashkent Region, in particular Yangiyul [District] - a total of 32 HIV-infected have been registered in the town [Gulbakhor, the District's centre] since the beginning of the year 2000. Of these 31 were drug addicts who were taking drugs through injection.

There are three confidential AIDS centres in capital Tashkent and two in Yangiyul.

Top

resident Islam Karimov of Uzbekistan was met by Turkmen President Saparmyrat Niyazov at the airport in the capital of Turkmenistan, Ashgabat September 21.

The official welcoming ceremony for Uzbek President Islam Karimov took place at the Turkmen president's residence. Then, a one-to-one meeting was held between the two heads of state at which issues of further development and strengthening of bilateral relations between our countries were discussed. After this, expanded-format talks were held between the official delegations, with the two presidents taking part. During the talks, they discussed issues of cooperation in the spheres of economy and trade. They stressed the development of links in the spheres of power-engineering, railway and road transport.

It was noted in particular during the meeting between the two presidents that both countries were continuing to strengthen mutually beneficial relations, mutual understanding, friendly and good-neighbourly relations. A document signing ceremony took place following the talks. They signed Uzbek-Turkmen intergovernmental agreements on cooperation in the sphere of regulating transit freight transportation by rail, on observing taxation laws and mutual assistance and on receiving and regulating radio waves. Then, the two heads of state gave a news conference. (Uzbek TV, September 21)

Top

efore his departure for Ashgabat, head of Uzbek state spoke to journalists at Tashkent airport about the issues which would be considered during his visit.

[President Karimov] We have been conducting preparatory work for this visit for a long time. The main purpose of this visit is to discuss border issues, proceeding from international requirements, and to conclude agreements which will remove any confusion and misunderstanding. This is important not only for the present but also for the future generation. This agreement is very important in order to maintain peaceful, stable and friendly relations, to bring the two nations together, to deal harshly with any forces from abroad and establish mutually reliable ties. From this point of view we have carried out good preparatory work. There are two Uzbek-Turkmen commissions.

The border between the two countries is very long, but nevertheless we should discuss all the details, which settlement is situated where, water problems, issues concerning pastures, and also issues of efficient use of Amudarya waters. I repeat once again, these are the most topical issues and we should settle them. The second issue.

Speaking about other issues, what agreements we are going to sign, I can say that we will sign three agreements. These are settling problems of taxation, that is regulating laws of the two states in this sector amd making the maximum use of railway and motor roads between the two countries. About your question, above all, if we want to settle problems of trade, we should tackle above all problems of communication. From this point of view, we have prepared an agreement for signing.

I would like to take this opportunity to say that during those years when we exported our goods only to the north, Turkmenistan's significance for us was completely different. That is, the issues of entering Europe, Caucasus, or Bulgaria and Romania through Turkmenistan and the Caspian Sea were never considered before. Now, since we have become independent, we are striving to bring it about that Uzbekistan should have not only one but, like Bukhara [ancient city on Silk Route in central Uzbekistan] it should have 11 gates, and our aim is through Turkmenistan and Iran to reach the Persian Gulf, Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia and the Black Sea. Turkmenistan plays a great and important geographical and geopolitical role in solving these issues. We draw the relevant conclusions from this, and we would like to settle problems of transit and tariffs. If their tariff and customs regulations are beneficial for us, we should also create the same advantages for them. The head of the customs directorate is also together with us to participate in the discussions on these issues.

Another issue is communications. You understand very well that this issue is very important and topical at present. We have been drawing up another big agreement, we have been trying to draw it up. This agreement, that is, improving economic relations, that is, 10 years ago we began to work out a programme developing economic relations. However, certain official issues have not been solved yet, and I should say that it is not ready for signing yet. Efforts are being made and we will certainly do our best to settle all these issues. The point is that, as Uzbeks say, your close neighbour is your best friend, if you ask me whether there are any misunderstandings, contradictions and unsolved problems between the two states, I can say without any hesitation that there are no problems between us. That is, such issues as mutual support for each other and peaceful coexistence are on today's agenda. I think that this visit will take place on a high level, and I lay great hopes on the meeting with my friend Saparmyrat [Niyazov], and I think mutual talks, mutual meetings and conversations will certainly bear fruit. (Uzbek TV, September 21)

Top

he Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) announced that it adopted a policy that will introduce new global top-level domains (TLDs). The proposed new domains include: .web, .inc, .rec, .shop, .store, .firm, .law, .biz, .nom, .news, .arts .xxx, .porn, and .sex. The approved TLDs are to be made available starting early 2001. ICAAN however has not released the exact time and date.

The decision to release the new TLDs was prompted by the increasing scarcity of domain names. Domain registrations reached an all time high with over 10 million domain name registrations in the first six months of this year. The overwhelming consensus of the Internet community is that new domain names are needed to increase competition and to create an alternative to .com,.net and .org domain extensions.

The demand for quality domain names is so significant that domain name registration companies and the Internet as a whole is expected to bog down during the first several hours at the opening of these new TLDs making it difficult for consumers to get the new names they desire.

Top

he opening ceremony of a competition among CIS state security structures and bodyguard services for high-ranking officials was held in Minsk on Tuesday [19th September].

A RIA correspondent reports that teams from the Belarus president's security service and other Belarus security services, the Kazakh president's bodyguard service, the Lithuanian leadership's bodyguard department and the state security service of Moldavia are taking part in the competition, which is the first of its kind in the Commonwealth.

Representatives from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan are attending the event as observers. In the next four days, competitions will be held on escorting dignitaries on foot. The exercises will include physical protection, overcoming a special set of obstacles, inspecting vehicles with a few to finding explosives, and shooting. The participants will engage in defence against unarmed attacks, kidnap bids and threats involving weapons. The winners will be awarded medals and prizes. (Russian RIA Novosti news agency, September 20)

Top

resident Sezer's visit to Uzbekistan is very significant as bilateral relations have been sour for the past four years. The visit is a sign that Uzbekistan's President Kerimov now wants closer ties with Ankara President Ahmet Necdet Sezer will pay an official visit to Uzbekistan in mid-October in a bid to warm relations -- which have deteriorated in recent years -- between the two countries. He will also pay visits to Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan.

President Sezer's visit to Uzbekistan is particularly significant as relations have been sour since Uzbek President Islam Kerimov accused Turkey of providing support to some of his government's opposition leaders on Turkish soil. One of the prominent figures in the Uzbek opposition movement, Muhammad Salih, lived in Turkey for a short period of time but was later forced to leave following pressure from his home country. However, Kerimov was not satisfied with Ankara's actions and closed all of the public and half the private Turkish schools in his country.

Diplomatic sources told the Turkish Daily News that Ankara had always tried to keep bilateral relations at the highest possible level but added that it was due largely to Kerimov's suspicions about Turkey's intentions that those relations have not improved in recent years. "We never pushed Kerimov into warming relations as we knew that he would realize that Turkey has always supported the best interests of Uzbekistan and has never let its enemies to reside in Turkey. Now, with President Sezer's visit we hope to sort out all the differences and give full momentum to bilateral relations once again, taking up from the point at which they were left off." Foreign Minister Ismail Cem and Interior Minister Sadettin Tantan will also pay separate visits to Uzbekistan. While Cem is expected to visit Uzbekistan on Oct. 2-3, Tantan will visit there on Sept. 17. Diplomatic sources say the high-level visits by two ministers and then President Sezer's visit to Uzbekistan will not only help sort out the differences but will also further improve bilateral relations.

Sources state further that Kerimov, who met President Sezer in New York during the U.N. Millennium Summit in early September, has asked for Turkish assistance in combatting terrorism in his country. Responding positively to the request, Sezer has given instructions to provide all necessary support to Uzbekistan in its fight against terrorism. Tantan is expected to take several high-ranking intelligence and special combat department officials with him to Uzbekistan. The Turkish side has informed the Uzbeks that the Turkish Army has been very well trained in fighting terrorism and could cooperate with Uzbekistan if and when help was requested. Diplomatic sources say Turkish military personnel will train the Uzbek Army to enable the country to combat internal terrorism. It appears that the Uzbek president preferred to ask for Turkey's help rather than Russia's, which is a good sign that Uzbekistan now wants relations to develop further. (Turkish Daily News, September 21)

Top

omen's 200m breaststroke: Qualifying round Heat 1 (Swimming)

1. Colombia, Isabel Ceballos, 02:34.09
2. Philippines, Jenny Rose Guerrero, 02:38.10
3. Kyrgyzstan, Olga Moltchanova, 02:41.43
4. Uzbekistan, Anastasiya Korolyova, 02:43.23

Men's 200m medley: Qualifying round Heat 3 (Swimming)

1. Trinidad, George Bovell, 02:04.68
2. Uzbekistan, Oleg Pukhnatiy, 02:06.01

Men's 100m butterfly: Qualifying round (Swimming)

1. NACHAEV Ravil, UZB, 55.21
2. USHKOV Konstantin, KGZ, 55.25
3. MAKEDONSKI Simeon, BUL, 55.49

Men's 50m freestyle: Qualifying round (Swimming)
Results for 21 September

1. NACHAEV Ravil, UZB, 23.12
2. MURRAY Allan, BAH, 23.34
3. BERA Richard Sam, INA, 23.56

Men's Judo Half-Heavywt 100kg Round 2
Armen BAGDASAROV from Uzbekistan lost to Luigi GUIDO from Italy

Men's Boxing Bantamweight 54kg Round 2
Results for 21 September

Uzbekistan's RAHIMOV Alisher beat Algerian BLIDA Hichem by 17-8.

Top

zbekistan has asked the international community for aid to counter the effects of a drought affecting at least one million people in the Central Asian state, senior officials said on Wednesday.

"Unfortunately we are unable to finance unexpected expenses caused by the severe shortage of water," Deputy Foreign Minister Isan Mustafayev told a news conference. "That is why the government of Uzbekistan has asked the United Nations for help."

Deputy Agriculture Minister Abdurakhim Dzhalalov said the drought, the worst in 95 years, had been caused by failure of rains in seven provinces with the worst conditions prevailing in the Karakalpakstan and Khorezm regions bordering the Aral Sea.

"Never in memory have we faced such tough times as far as drought is concerned," Dzhalalov said.

"Rains in May and June this year were less than 15 percent of the usual amount, all reservoirs and canals in Karakalpakstan are dry and...the crop is under threat."

Officials say the drought has destroyed 300,000 hectares of sown land in Uzbekistan, which has produced just three million tonnes of grain this year against a 4.89 million tonne target. The country, with 24 million people, is a net grain importer.

Humanitarian agencies say about 60 million people in former Soviet Central Asia, the Caucasus, Iran and Afghanistan are suffering from drought, with up to three million people in Tajikistan running the risk of starvation.

The Red Cross said on Wednesday it had launched an appeal for at least $12.7 million worth of food aid for Tajikistan. It has also said that Karakalpakstan could be on the brink of a humanitarian disaster.

Rim Giniatullin, Uzbek representative of the Global Ecology Fund, which finances initiatives in ex-communist countries, said $30-40 million was needed to help 200,000 families, or one million people, who had lost their crops.

He said the drought also threatened rare flora and fauna in the Amu Darya delta. The delta, along with the Aral Sea and Karakalpakstan in general, suffered from Soviet-era experiments to divert its waters to support big cotton plantations. The Aral Sea's volume of water is less than half than its 1960s levels.

Deputy Health Minister Bakhtiyor Niyazmatov said a shortage of drinking water could case outbreaks of disease.

"Less than half the rural population has access to safe drinking water. Intestinal diseases have risen by one-and-a-half times this year," Niyazmatov said. His ministry had asked the World Health Organisation to send medicine for the region. (Reuters, September 20)

Top

zbek President Islam Karimov will arrive in Ashgabat on a working visit tomorrow evening (September 21).

In the course of their high-level talks, [Turkmen President] Saparmyrat Turkmenbashy Niyazov and Islam Karimov will discuss a wide range of issues concerning bilateral cooperation, including cooperation between the two neighbouring countries' state organization and regions.

They will exchange views on the situation in Afghanistan, with which both countries have common borders.

The visit will end on 22nd September with the signing of a number of intergovernmental documents on further strengthening of cooperation in priority areas.

As Saparmyrat Turkmenbashy has stressed, there is not a single dispute or unresolved issue between Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan and we have similar views on cooperation within the CIS. In some cases, however, this organization's [CIS] structure is not compatible with the countries right of sovereignty. (Turkmen Radio, september 20)

Top

resident of the Kara-Teyit village [southern Osh Region], 66-year old Iskender Choybekov, told a Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty correspondent in Bishkek, that he had brought an action through the Kyrgyz Prosecutor General's Office against Uzbek President Islam Karimov.

He demands a compensation worth 300,000 soms (about 6,000 dollars) for the complete destruction of his house as a result of the Uzbek air forces' bomb attacks last year. He said that a number of other ruined houses in the village were still to be rebuilt.

On 29th August 1999, Uzbek aircraft, which were after militants, bombed the Kyrgyz Kara-Teyit village near the Kyrgyz-Tajik border. As a result, three Kyrgyz citizens died, including a women and a five-year old girl, but none of the militants was hurt, because they were not in the village. The village is in Chon-Alay District of Osh Region.

A total of 27 Kyrgyz citizens died between 22nd August and 25th October last year. Another 31 Kyrgyz servicemen have died since 11th August this year. (Kyrgyz newspaper 'Delo No')

Top

meeting on the issue of reconstructing the energy sector and prospects for its further development was held at the [president's] Oqsaroy residence [in Tashkent] this morning (September 20).

The republic's prime minister, deputy prime ministers, officials from the macroeconomics and statistics, power engineering [and electrification] and water resources ministries, as well as heads of fuel and energy enterprises attended the meeting. President Islam Karimov chaired the meeting. (Uzbek Radio)

Top

eptember 20 Results.

Boxing - 81kg
Sergey Mihaylov from Uzbekistan beats Romanian Grigore Claudiu Rasco by 15-6.

Boxing - 63.5kg
World champion Mukhammadkodir Abdullaev from Uzbekistan beats Miguel Cotto Vazquez from Puerto-Rico by 17-7.

Men's Judo Middleweight 90kg Round 2
Kurash world champion Kamol Muradov from Uzbekistan loses to YOO Sung-Yeon from Korea.

Women's Tennis Singles First Round
Iroda Tulyaganova from Uzbekistan is defeated by Kristie Boogert from the Netherlands by 6-2, 6-2

Men's Swimming 200m Ind Medley Heats

1. BOVELL George, TRI, 2:04.68
2. PUKHNATIY Oleg, UZB, 2:06.01, 1.33
3. HAN Kyu-Chul, KOR, 2:06.42, 1.74

Women's Shooting 50m Rifle 3 Pos Qualification

1. 1142, PFEILSCHIFTER Sonja, GER, 585.0
2. 1243, GOLDOBINA Tatiana, RUS, 585.0
3. 1230, MAUER-ROZANSKA Renata, POL, 585.0
30. 1309, AKSYONOVA Alyona, UZB, 567.0
30. 1310, SHAKHOVA Yuliya, UZB, 567.0

Women's Swimming 200m Breaststroke Heats

1. CEBALLOS Isabel, COL, 2:34.09
2. GUERRERO Jenny Rose, PHI, 2:38.10, 4.01
3. MOLTCHANOVA Olga, KGZ, 2:41.43, 7.34
4. KOROLYOVA Anastasiya, UZB, 2:43.23, 9.14

September 18 Results

Boxing. Men's 57kg: Last sixteen.
Uzbekistan's Tulkunbay Turgunov beat Kassim Adam from Uganda by 12-3

Boxing. Men's 75kg: Last sixteen.
Russia's Gaidarbek Gaidarbekov beat Uzbekistan's world champion Utkirbek Haydarov by 11-10

Top

ultiplex Mining Pty Ltd and its subsidiary Danae Resources NL announce that the Preliminary Agreement on the operating Zarmitan Gold mines in Uzbekistan between Multiplex and the State Committee on Geology and Mineral Resources (Goscomgeologia) of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Gold and Diamond Producing Association of Uzbekistan (Uzalmazzoloto) was signed on 13th September, 2000 in Tashkent and received by Multiplex Mining Pty Ltd on 18th September, 2000.

Goscomgeologia have recently increased resources, as calculated under the former Soviet system of classification, at Zarmitan to 30 million tonnes at a grade of 10 g/t gold including 15 million tonnes at 10.9 g/t gold classified as C1 (explored by underground development and detailed drilling) and 15 million tonnes at a grade of 9.1 g/t gold classified as C2 (explored by detailed drilling below or along strike from underground development). Multiplex is currently recalculating resources and reserves to comply with the JORC Code.

During this next six-month period Multiplex will prepare a Feasibility Study and complete detailed negotiations.

Multiplex will also prepare a Feasibility Study on the mining and treatment of the Marjanbulak oxide ores at the operating Uzalmazzoloto managed Marjanbulak open pit mines and gold treatment plant located 80 km east of Zarmitan, a Joint Venture will also be established at Marjanbulak if the feasibility study is favourable.

Top

ergana Region's Fergana District borders on Batken Region of neighbouring Kyrgyzstan. People say that if there is peace in your neighbour's house, there will be peace in your house too. However, gangs of international terrorists have been paying visits to Batken for two years now.

For this reason, a proper border line is being built here. Over 130 km of border line is to be built on the territory of the District. So far builders are working on a 60 km stretch. A 45 km section of the border has been built with the help of local people. (Uzbek TV, September 19)

Top

ecurity officers in Bukhara Region have prevented an attempt to smuggle drugs by railway. A passenger of a Dushanbe-Moscow train, Madhiya Fozilova, who was born in and is a resident of the Tajik capital [Dushanbe], was going to Russia with illegal goods on her.

An examination has shown that the narcotic substance seized from her in the presence of witnesses was heroin produced in Afghanistan, weighing about 400 g. The drugs were carefully hidden in the vacuum part of a Thermos flask. Criminal proceedings have been launched. (Uzbek TV, September 19)

Top

meeting of the secretariat of the Central Council of the Fidokorlar National Democratic Party has set up a number of commissions and approved their composition. This is done in order to further step up the party's activities, raising the level of its organizational, social and political activities to meet modern requirements. Starting from today we will be introducing to you the members of these commissions.

The composition of the special commissions of the Central Council of the Fidokorlar National Democratic Party:

1. The commission for party building and executive and organizational work:

The functions: to monitor the party building and organizational work, to set up the party's branches in Regions; to develop activities of local party organizations; to organize congresses of the Fidokorlar National Democratic Party, meetings of the Central Council and the secretariat; to draw up normative documents and methods books for corresponding party organizations proceeding from the Fidokorlar Party's rules; to be in charge of the party's personnel policy; to coordinate the work of the faction of the party's deputies in the Supreme Assembly and the deputy groups in local representative bodies.

The chairman of the commission: Akhtam Tursunov, the first secretary of the Central Council of Fidokorlar National Democratic Party.

Top

n agreement on the main principles of cooperation was signed between the Konrad Adenauer international foundation and the People's Democratic Party of Uzbekistan on 14th September.

The main aim of the agreement, which is based on good will, mutual respect and the principle of equal-footing partnership, is to organize and hold joint seminars and theoretical and practical courses and, thus, help train qualified specialists.

The document pays great attention to the issue of expanding mutual relations in the field of exchanging the experience accumulated by Uzbekistan and the Federal Republic of Germany in state and social building.

Signing the agreement, the parties expressed a hope that such cooperation was fully in the interests of the Uzbek people and would contribute to the steady progress of the country's democratic reforms and the formation of civil society.

Top

roduction of argon gas has been launched at the Bekabad Uzmetcombinat [Uzbek metal combine] state joint-stock company [Tashkent Region].

A new argon producing workshop has been put into operation here. The new workshop will enable to considerably improve the quality of the steel bearings and rolled iron produced by the enterprise and also to supply the country's mechanical engineering industry with this valuable raw material.

The workshop, the only one to produce argon in Uzbekistan, is equipped with modern technological lines with an annual capacity of up to 700,000 cu.m. of argon. It can also produce 6,000 cu.m. of nitrogen and 5,500 cu.m. of oxygen per hour.

Top

ceremony took place in Kazakhstan on Monday (Sept. 18) to mark the end of the international peacekeeping exercises under the NATO Partnership for Peace Programme, Centrasbat-2000 [Central Asian Battalion]. Troops from many countries participated in the exercises.

In an address at the closing ceremony, Kazakh Defence Minister Sat Tokpakbayev stressed that "'the Centrasbat idea' has once again confirmed its vitality". He emphasized the significance of such training exercises in promoting mutual understanding and coordination of actions among the military of various states. The minister also pointed out that during the exercises the peacekeeping subdivisions had managed to demonstrate their skills and professionalism. Despite the fact that several foreign subdivisions had to adapt to the local climate and terraine, all the Centrasbat-2000 participants acted "promptly and in a well organized manner", he said.

Later in the day Tokpakbayev gave a news briefing to sum up the results, at which he emphasized that similar collective training exercises were "of great importance for our republic not just in terms of exercising coordinated operations, but also in terms of demonstrating to other states the policy of peace Kazakhstan has been conducting in relation to all countries without exception".

The director of Centrasbat-2000, Kazakh Deputy Defence Minister Nikolay Pospelov, who was also at the briefing, pointed out that all the peacekeeping units of the participating counties had "excellent" military training. He also announced that during the exercises US servicemen had foiled attempts to sell marijuana and illegally collect nonferrous metals on the exercise grounds.

Although the Centrasbat-2000 training exercises have officially ended, a military hospital will be functioning until 28th September and will administer real medical aid to the local population. As at today, the military medical staff have treated about 500 people and dozens of them have been operated on.

The Kazakh defence minister said that Centrasbat international peacekeeping exercises would be staged on the territory of Uzbekistan in the autumn of 2001.

The Centrasbat international peacekeeping exercises have been held every year since 1997. (Interfax-Kazakhstan, September 19)

Top

n Uzbek Olympic official accused of illegally importing a banned performance-enhancing substance will plead innocent to the charges, his lawyer said.

Track and field coach Sergei Voynov is free to stay in the Olympic Village with the Uzbek team after he was granted bail Tuesday, but he was ordered to appear in court Sept. 25.

Voynov, 45, was served a summons last week after Customs officers said they found 15 vials of the banned muscle-building drug human growth hormone in his luggage at Sydney airport.

Team officials said Voynov brought the drug into Australia as part of treatment he was seeking for a skin disorder that causes baldness.

Voynov did not appear at a brief court hearing Tuesday (Monday night EDT).

Instead, Australian lawyers acting for him asked Magistrate Jennifer Giles to adjourn the case to another date and grant bail to allow him to stay with the Uzbek team. Lawyers for Australian Customs said they did not oppose bail, despite noting that Voynov was planning to leave the country Sept. 27.

Under Australian state laws, magistrates have the power to order suspects to hand in their passports if the court believes there is a flight risk.

Under laws passed in March, a person caught illegally importing a performance-enhancing drug into Australia could face a maximum penalty of five years in prison or a fine of $54,000.

Olympic officials have said they could withdraw Voynov's accreditation if it is determined he was improperly carrying human growth hormone, or HGH.

Uzbek National Olympic Committee president Sabuirjan Ruziev said last week Voynov has a skin disorder called Alopecia capitis totalis, or total baldness of the scalp, and that Voynov had treatment with the drug Somatotropine before coming to Sydney.

An Uzbek NOC doctor said Somatotropine contained HGH.

"He brought it for himself because he is sick," said Ruziev.

He said Voynov does not speak English and did not understand the questions on the Customs form he turned in upon arrival in Sydney. Voynov voluntarily informed customs officers he had the drug, Rusiev said. (AP, September 18)

Top

inal results Tuesday from the shooting event at the Summer Olympics:

Men 50m Free Pistol Final

1. Tanyu Kiriakov, Bulgaria, (570.0, 96.0), 666.0.
2. Igor Basinsky, Belarus, (569.0, 94.3), 663.3.
3. Martin Tenk, Czech Republic, (566.0, 96.6), 662.5.
4. Vladimir Goncharov, Russia, (564.0, 98.3), 662.2.
5. Dilshod Mukhtarov, Uzbekistan, (565.0, 97.1), 662.0.

Top

he number of inhabitants of Tajikistan who have come to grief on sectors of the Tajik-Uzbek border where Uzbek border guards have laid mines is still rising.

The situation is complicated by the fact that demarcation work has not been carried out on most of the sectors and fieldwork has not been carried out.

The head of the coordination council of the power-wielding and law-enforcement bodies in Leninobod Region [northern Tajikistan], Gen Sodiq Bobojonov, told an Asia-Plus correspondent in Khujand [centre of the Region] on 17th September that on 14th September two citizens of Tajikistan had been blown up on a mine and sustained serious wounds in a sector of the Tajik-Uzbek border in Panjakent District [in northern Tajikistan, bordering on Uzbek Samarkand Region].

An Asia-Plus correspondent was told at the [Leninobod] Regional Internal Affairs Directorate on 18th September that two residents of Asht District [in northern Tajikistan bordering on Uzbek Tashkent Region], 20-year-old Odina Hakimova and 16-year-old Mavsima Erkayeva were putting cattle out to pasture in the mountains and as there were no warning signs they crossed into the territory of Uzbekistan and went into a mined zone. Erkayeva was killed on the spot by a mine blast and Hakimova sustained serious shrapnel wounds.

In addition, on 14th September a resident of Panjakent District in Tajikistan, Bobojonov, and a resident of Uzbekistan, Rasulov, were blown up on a mine and killed in the Akbay Dzhumabay border sector of Urgut District [Samarkand Region] in Uzbekistan.

Three other inhabitants of Tajikistan have been blown up on mines and killed in a sector of the Tajik-Uzbek border in Kitab District [Uzbek Kashkadarya Region]. (Tajik news agency Asia-Plus, September 18)

Top

aadettin Tantan, the Interior Minister, said on Monday [18th September] that Turkey supported establishment of security atmosphere in Uzbekistan and its economic development, adding that "terrorism not only effects Uzbekistan, but also the other countries in the region". Tantan, currently in Uzbekistan upon the invitation of Uzbek Interior Minister Zakir Almatov, visited Turkey's embassy in Tashkent in the morning.

Pointing out that Turkey has experience in struggle against terrorism, Tantan said: "The government earlier stressed that it was against terrorism. Our government supports establishment of security atmosphere and its economic development." Tantan said terrorist groups in Uzbekistan don't have connection with Turkey, adding the former opposition leader Mohammad Salih was not in Turkey and that he was not supported by Turkey. "There may be individual support to this person, but this has nothing to do with the government," Tantan said.

Tantan said although relations between Turkey and Uzbekistan were interrupted from time to time, it was in a rapid normalization process.

It was reported on Monday that Uzbek teams, set up to struggle against terrorism, would be trained in Turkey.

Official talks took place in Tashkent between the Turkish delegation, led by Interior Minister Saadettin Tantan and the Uzbek delegation led by Zakir Almatov, the Uzbek interior minister.

Tantan and Almatov, who made a brief statement following the interdelegational meetings which lasted nearly an hour, pointed out that their meetings were extremely positive.

"We are here to convey all our information and experiences to our counterparts and Uzbek security officials," said Tantan, adding that the meeting which took place to improve the level of relations, was very beneficial." (Turkish news agency Anatolia, September 18)

Top

y Yoo Cheong-mo Staff reporter Ford Motor said yesterday that it has decided to end its takeover bid for ailing Daewoo Motor (Uzbekistan's largest Investor), giving no specific reasons for its abrupt move. In a brief statement released to the Korean press in Seoul, Ford said that it will not present its final takeover proposal for Daewoo Motor, abandoning all efforts to buy the No. 2 Korean auto-maker.

"After careful appraisals of operations at Daewoo Motor and its affiliates, we reached the decision to give up all our activities to take them over," said the statement signed by Ford Motor Vice Chairman Wayne Booker.

"Ford regrets its inability to continue negotiations on Daewoo Motor. But we think that it is impossible to produce the best bidding proposal for both Daewoo and Ford." In the third and last sentence, the top Ford executive expressed deep gratitude to Daewoo Motor officials for their support and cooperation in the process of Ford's due diligence activities and wished them good luck.

Industry analysts speculated that Ford's huge potential financial losses, stemming from its engine and tire recall, seemed to be a prime reason behind its sudden decision to quit the Daewoo bid. The latest recall charges for its faulty engines and tires are expected to cost Ford billions of dollars. Earlier this week, Ford announced plans for a massive buy up of its own shares to revive its crashed image, raising speculation that the world's No. 2 auto-maker could demand steep price cuts in its Daewoo bid.

Ford Motor spokeswoman Meera Kumar, however, strongly denied that Ford's decision to give up Daewoo has been motivated by financing problems. She also refused to comment on any possible pricing arguments with Daewoo creditors, citing the existence of a bilateral confidentiality agreement.

Oh Ho-geun, chairman of the Restructuring Committee of Daewoo Companies, a creditor body, also issued a brief statement, expressing deep regret over Ford's decision to pull out of negotiations to buy Daewoo Motor. Oh then vowed to speed up the sale of Daewoo.

Ford, which won the exclusive negotiation right for Daewoo in June by presenting the highest bid of 7.7 trillion won ($6.9 billion) and completed its six-week appraisal of Daewoo's assets August 20, was scheduled to wrap up the talks by the end of this month.

In the wake of Ford's withdrawal from the Daewoo bid, the second and third highest bidders - General Motors-Fiat consortium and Hyundai Motor-DaimlerChrysler alliance - are expected to compete afresh for Daewoo Motor, said the analysts.

Indeed, GM Asia-Pacific President Rudy Schlais said the company's keen interest in Daewoo still remains unchanged. But Hyundai Motor expressed a more careful stance, saying in a statement that its reentry into the Daewoo bidding will be determined only after sufficient consultations with its strategic partner DaimlerChrysler.

Financial Supervisory Commission Chairman Lee Keun-young also told reporters that the bids by GM and Hyundai consortiums still remain effective, saying that the government will announce its formal stance Sept. 18.

Economy-related ministers will today meet over the Daewoo issue, as Ford's pullout is expected to deal a blow to Seoul's desperate efforts at corporate and financial restructuring.

Hyundai and GM are known to have presented bids of about 4 trillion won and 5.5 trillion won, respectively, for Daewoo Motor in June. In this regard, GM officials have constantly warned that Ford overbid for Daewoo by about $2 billion. In contrast, Oh has repeatedly said that he has no intention of slashing any amount from Ford's 7.7 trillion won offer.

DAEWOO's Cheif and Other Executives Being Sued

A state supervisory agency yesterday filed criminal charges with the prosecution against Daewoo Group founder Kim Woo-choong and 40 former and incumbent Daewoo officials for alleged manipulation of financial statements of 12 affiliates of the dismantled conglomerate.

The Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) also imposed penalties on three accounting firms and about 70 certified public accountants for their involvement in the manipulation of account books.

Announcing the results of a nine-month-long special review of the Daewoo units' account books, the SFC, a unit of the Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC), requested that the prosecution launch an investigation into the book-rigging case involving Daewoo Corp. and 11 other Daewoo affiliates now under debt workout programs. The 40 Daewoo officials include 20 former and incumbent executives such as Kim Tae-goo, former president of Daewoo Motor Co., and Chang Byung-joo, former president of Daewoo Corp.

However, the watchdog postponed a disciplinary recommendation against four incumbent Daewoo executives. "The commission decided not to take disciplinary action against the four executives until their companies are freed from the rehabilitation programs," an SFC official said.

In addition, the commission asked the Ministry of Finance and Economy to slap a 12-month business suspension on Sandong, an accounting subsidiary of KPMG Korea Group, for its loose auditing of Daewoo units. Sandong had served as an outside auditor of Daewoo Corp. Daewoo Heavy Industries and Ssangyong Motor.

Two other accounting firms - Ahn Kwon & Co., and Anjin & Co. - have been penalized, an action which will disadvantage them in being able to audit corporate financial statements, the commission said.

The commission filed criminal charges against 11 certified public accountants involved in the window-dressing case, while requesting the prosecution to investigate them. The commission decided to revoke the business licenses of 22 other accountants or ban them from practicing for a certain period of time.

An additional 33 public accountants have been slapped with lighter penalties such as warnings and limited access to serving as independent auditors for their corporate customers.

After the 12 Daewoo units were placed under debt-workout programs in late August last year, the FSC formed a task force and on Dec. 9 started the special probe into their financial statements and the six accounting firms which had audited them. According to the results, the Daewoo subsidiaries were found to have inflated their assets by as much as 22.9 trillion won by doctoring account books, which accounts for 42.9 trillion won, or the difference between the unit's book-value assets and those confirmed through due-diligence audits.

The trading and construction of the now defunct conglomerate Daewoo Corp. alone inflated its assets by as much as 14.9 trillion won, the FSC said. The company served as a main financing conduit for the group.

Once the nation's second largest conglomerate, Daewoo collapsed under the weight of nearly 90 trillion won in debts in July last year. Daewoo's bankruptcy has dealt a harsh blow to the Korean economy by sharply increasing bad debts at local banks and non-bank financial institutions. Daewoo founder Kim is now reportedly in Germany. (September 16)

Top

delegation from the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee left Beijing Sunday night for a visit to Uzbekistan , Armenia and Georgia. The delegation, headed by Deputy Head Cai Wu of the International Department, is invited by the People's Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, the Republican Party of Armenia and Georgia's Foreign Ministry. (September 18)

Top

N Secretary General, Kofi Annan, on Friday in the meeting of the Six Plus Two group warned that the fall of Taloqan has raised the possibility that Badakhshan province may also fall before the onset of winter.

As chairman of the Six Plus Two group, Annan told the meeting that their presence in New York in the wake of the U.N. Millennium Summit and the opening of the 55th General Assembly, provides a "new and timely opportunity to review the situation" in Afganistan.

He also indicated that the meeting would enable the participants to address the serious situation in Afghanistan "in the aftermath of the fall of Mazar-e-Sharif and the murder of Iranian diplomats."

The seizure of Taloqan indicates that "one of the parties may still be mistakenly betting on a military solution," said Annan, adding that the new development has resulted, yet again in the displacement of thousands of innocent civilians.

Referring to the report by his personal envoy, Francesc Vendrell, Annan said, "Our goal is to see an end to the fighting" in Afghanistan, adding that the problem is no longer merely internal while "years of foreign intervention have failed to produce any significant benefit for those meddling in the country's affairs."

He noticed that despite "disappointments since its establishment three years ago," Six Plus Two "remains an essential forum for the solution of the Afghan question."

The U.N. secretry-general further stressed that the Afghan conflict has become a growing threat to peace and stability in the region and beyond, and remarked: "No lasting political settlement is feasible without the concurrence of each member of the Six Plus Two group."

Commenting on the adoption by the Six Plus Two on Wednesday of a regional anti-narcotics action plan as a "first step towards strategic cohesion among members," Annan said that the meeting would hopefully mark a "further step in the development of a coordinated and effective approach to ending the Afghan tragedy."

The Six Plus Two group, consisting of Iran, U.S., Russia, Pakistan, China, Turkemenistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, was established two years ago to discuss the Afghan conflict with the hope of finding a practical solution to this regional problem. (IRNA, September 17)

Top

uestion - Mr. Pearce, we are interested to know your viewpoint on general economic situation in Uzbekistan. Are there positive changes, what problems, difficulties and shortages in implementing economic reforms could you note?

[A]- Progressive changes comparing with neighboring countries are, on my opinion, realized satisfactorily. Fall in production volumes in early 90-s was less than in other countries. In 1996 annual growth of GDP started again, and last four years it is watched its positive growth. We can say, in medium and long run perspectives of Uzbekistan economy development are very good. It has its explanations: there is good market infrastructure, educated labor force, rich natural resources. Strategically country is situated in regional market having 60 million people. And, of course, it is especially important to underline human factor.

As to philosophy of government policy, it suggests gradual reforming of economy, which allows to avoid destabilization of the whole society. World bank supports such gradual approach to changes and transition to market system of economy. Nevertheless it is necessary to speed up changes process. In particular, in such areas as currency trade regime, which is still administered and controlled by the government.

Then banking and finance sector and agricultural branch, which need quick reorganization. President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov declared 2000 year very important for the further progress in structural reforms. And it is necessary to note several positive steps taken in currency system and banking sphere. We are waiting for such movements in agriculture. We think that there is also necessary some progress in investment field.

For World bank and all international investment community it is very important accepting one exchange rate of sum. The one actually connected with the market, truly representing demand and supply. Then it would attract more foreign investors to Uzbekistan, give opportunity to avoid further distortions in prices, existing now in the economy. Such measures would also lighten the second problem - restructuring and reorganization of large enterprises, banks, including their privatization.

No less important is to shorten state order for cotton and grain, as all these measures are interrelated. It's necessary to allow agricultural enterprises, farmers to grow the harvest they consider profitable. Also to allow purchasing means of production and selling their production to gradually developing commercial and private sectors.

Making profit they would invest its part to technology and production management modernization, which would assist to crop capacity growth and effectiveness off all agricultural branch.

[Q]- As we know, World bank finishes development of 3-year strategy on assistance to Uzbekistan in economic changes performing. What is the essence of this document and what are its features?

[A]- We initiated development of new 3-year program of collaboration "Strategy of collaboration with the country", which we are intended to present to the government of Uzbekistan and board of directors of World bank in the first quarter of 2001. The closest 6-9 months are very important for us. In October and the end of this year we wait coming to Uzbekistan of director of World bank on Central Asian countries Mr. Kiyesh Koder and vice-president of World bank Mr. Johannes Lynn, who will conduct discussions and consultations with government of Uzbekistan on the questions of further collaboration deepening.

We already conduct preliminary information and opinions exchange on new program. Government of the republic formed workgroup interacting with us. We have different understanding of the schedule of implementing suggested actions, and it should be agreed. I think that several meetings and consultations will get a possibility to achieve the agreement on the whole program, on projects' list and other actions, on which government would like to have support from World bank. We would like to discuss 3-yaer strategy project with some non-governmental organizations, universities and mass media.

Top

delegation led by Turkish Interior Minister Sadettin Tantan is visiting Uzbekistan. Talks between the Turkish and Uzbek interior ministers were held at the Uzbek Foreign Ministry's House of Receptions today (September 18).

As is known, Uzbek President Islam Karimov and Turkish President Ahmet Necdet Sezer had a meeting during the Millenium Summit in New York. They discussed the situation in Central Asia and regional security. The Turkish president said that he supported Uzbekistan in its efforts to defend its security, stability and sovereignty and fight against international terrorism and that, in view of this, Turkey was ready to render the necessary assistance to Uzbekistan.

Opening the talks today, Uzbek Interior Minister Zohirjon Almatov said that the talks would be held in the spirit of the New York talks between the two countries' presidents.

After the talks, the members of the Turkish Interior Ministry delegation will visit the Uzbek Interior Ministry Academy and the Jar sports complex. (Uzbek Radio, September 18)

Top

.S. Open champion Marat Safin of Russia moved to the top of the ATP Tour rankings with a 6- 3, 6-4 win over Italian Davide Sanguinetti in the President's Cup tennis final in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on Sunday.

Safin took control in the sixth game of the first set in the President Cup's final when a Sanguinetti double fault gave him a 4- 2 lead.

He coasted through the second set to take the tournament and the 70,000 U.S. dollars winner's cheque.

Safin said his next goal was an Olympic gold medal in Sydney, where the top-seed Russian is to opens his Olympic campaign against France's Fabrice Santoro. He said he would have to adjust his tactics against Santoro.

"He has already beaten me four times. I won only one set," he said. "I'll have to try something new because I won't stand a chance using my current game against him," he added.

Safin was given President Karimov's jet to fly to Bangkok to catch up with his trainer Alexander Chesnokov for further flight to Sydney.

Doubles Championship

Justin Gimelstob and Scott Humphries, United States, def. Marius Barnard and Robbie Koenig, South Africa, 6-3, 6-2 (Xinhua, September 17)

President's Cup History

Year	Cash prize for winner	ATP points for winner	Winner
1994	$18,000	100	Ch. Adams (USA)
1995	$18,000	100	K Alami (Marocco)
1996	$18,000	1000	Felix Mantilla (Spain)
1997 (henceforward ATP Tour)	$58,000	160	Tim Henman (UK)
1998	$66,400	170	Tim Henman (UK)
1999	$66,400	170	Nicholas Kiefer (Germany)
2000	$70,000	175	Marat Safin (Russia)

Top

he United States Friday announced special measures against the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, which it accuses of kidnapping four American climbers who say they escaped by killing their captor.

Two other Central Asian states -- Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan -- have joined Uzbekistan in pledging to "annihilate" the rebel fighters who have swept across the region's borders and clashed with government troops leaving dozens dead.

State Department spokesman Richard Boucher issued a statement notifying Congress the group would added to a list of "foreign terrorist organizations" in a week, a move that bars material support for the coalition of Islamic militants.

"The Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan has threatened the lives of civilians and regional security and undermined the rule of law," Boucher said.

He also blamed the group for a bus hijacking, an incident in which Japanese geologists were taken hostage and a series of explosions in Tashkent that killed 16 people last year.

Boucher said only the American climbers had "escaped." Kyrgyzstan said Aug. 18 its troops freed the four in fighting with the rebels. The climbers, however, have told reporters they escaped after six days by pushing their kidnapper over a cliff in Central Asia last month.

REBELS SEEN FIGHTING FOR CONTROL OF DRUG ROUTES

Members of the Uzbek group could now be excluded from the United States or denied visas under U.S. law.

A U.S. official said the move would be welcomed by Uzbekistan, which says the rebels want to topple President Islam Karimov.

Some observers of the fighting say religious extremism is less of a factor than control of lucrative drug smuggling routes. Afghanistan, south of Tajikistan where the rebels have their bases, is a major opium producer.

Much of the crop is thought to be smuggled through former Soviet Central Asia to Russia and Western Europe.

The Uzbek group will become the 29th on the list that was established in October 1997 and updated every two years.

This was the first time a group was designated on its own, though Secretary of State Madeleine Albright can take such a step at any time under U.S. law.

A State Department spokesman said there had not been one particular event that prompted the move. "However, it was particularly outrageous for the group to kidnap four American mountaineers and hold them hostage," the spokesman said.

The designation is separate from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism -- countries whose failure to fight terrorism makes them ineligible for aid. The states currently on that list are Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Sudan and Syria.

A U.S. official speaking on condition of anonymity said Uzbekistan had been informed of the decision.

"We see eye to eye on this group. I'm sure they'll consider this helpful," the official said.

The State Department says the group gets support from other extremist groups in the region and puts its membership in the thousands. The department noted in a 1999 terrorism report that the group broadcast statements on Iranian radio. (Reuters, September 15)

Top

zbekistan track and field coach Sergei Voynov was served a summons in the Olympic Village to appear in court next week on charges he tried to illegally bring performance-enhancing drugs into Australia.

Voynov, who could face expulsion from the Olympics and severe legal penalties in Australia, was handed the summons late Wednesday by Australian Customs Service officials. He is scheduled to make a court appearance next Tuesday.

"Customs will be alleging that the substance is human growth hormone, which is a prohibited import," a statement on the customs service's Web site said. v The president of the Uzbek national Olympic committee contends Voynov brought the 15 vials of HGH into Australia for personal use as part of his treatment for a skin disorder.

Leon Bedington, the Olympics spokesman for the customs service, said Thursday that Voynov must respond in court to a charge of importing a prohibited substance. The coach does not have to appear personally, but can send a legal representative on his behalf.

On Tuesday, he is expected to either enter a plea or seek another hearing date. Bedington said officials will try to expedite the process, since they know Voynov is scheduled to be in Australia only during the Olympics.

Under a law passed in March, a person caught illegally importing a performance-enhancing drug into Australia could face a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $57,000 fine.

HGH, a muscle-building drug banned by the International Olympic Committee, is covered by that law.

Olympic officials have said they could withdraw Voynov's accreditation if it is determined he was improperly carrying HGH.

Uzbek NOC president Sabirjan Ruziev said Voynov has a skin disorder called Alopecia capitis totalis, or total baldness of the scalp, and that Voynov had treatment in Tashkent with the drug Somatotropine before coming to Sydney.

Djamshiddin Yusupov, a doctor with the Uzbek NOC, said Somatotropine contains HGH.

"He brought it for himself because he is sick," said Ruziev, who added that Voynov was so disturbed by accusations of smuggling that he had to be taken to a Sydney hospital with high blood pressure and chest pains.

IOC medical director Patrick Schamasch confirmed that Somatotropine "is part of the treatment" for that skin disorder.

Ruziev said Voynov does not speak English and did not understand the questions on the customs form he turned in upon arrival in Sydney. Voynov voluntarily informed customs officials he had the drug, Ruziev said.

Australian customs officials and IOC officials had hailed the seizure last week as an example of success in the fight against performance-enhancing drugs. (AP, September 14)

Top

he US has branded the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan as a terrorist outfit, saying that the group has ties with Saudi terrorist Osama bin Laden. With the addition of the Islamic movement in the terrorist list, there are now 28 foreign movements labelled terrorists, reports said.

The stated goal of the Movement, an outfit which groups several thousands from Uzbekistan and other central Asian states, is to overthrow the secular Government of Uzbekistan and set up a Taliban-style state there and in other former Soviet Republics.

The Islamic Movement claimed responsibility for the 1999 kidnapping of four Japanese and eight Kyrgystanis. Last month it kidnapped several American hikers who managed to escape. American citizens and residents are legally barred from contributing money to such groups. Members of these groups can be denied visas and deported from the US, reports said.

Welcoming the branding of the Islamic Movement as a terrorist outfit, Uzbek ambassador in Washington Sodiq Safaev said that the US decision was "extremely positive" and showed that US "now has a clear stand" on the matter.

Last month the US pledged 3 million Dollars in new military assistance for Uzbekistan and nearly 10 million Dollars to help central Asian Governments fighting terrorism and narcotics trafficking. (Dotcom, September 17)

Top

zbekistan's four political parties, social organizations, nongovernmental organizations and religious bodies have issued a joint programme of action to fight international terrorism and religious extremism. The action programme, which was published in the press on 15th September, backs the measures taken by the government and President Islam Karimov to reinforce security, and outlines measures to be taken to inculcate patriotism in citizens, promote civic consciousness and reinforce the traditions of collective living. The programme lays stress on educational measures to be taken to counter the "ideology of religious fundamentalism and extremism" and to distinguish between religion as a system of moral and cultural values and "politicized religious trends which pursue mercenary ends". The following is the text of the programme, as published in the Uzbek newspaper 'Golos Uzbekistana'

Joint programme of practical actions by Uzbekistan's political parties and nongovernmental organizations in the fight against international terrorism and religious extremism.

The Adolat Social-Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, Milliy Tiklanish Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, Fidokorlar National-Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, People's Democratic Party of Uzbekistan, Khalq Birligi [People's Unity] movement, Federation Council of Trade Unions of Uzbekistan, Women's Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Mahalla charity fund of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Writers' Union of Uzbekistan, Nuroniy fund for social support of veterans of the Republic of Uzbekistan, International Ecosan Ecology and Health Foundation, International Cultural Centre of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Religious Board of Muslims of Uzbekistan and the Central Asian Board of the Eparchy of the Russian Orthodox Church endorse the address President Islam Karimov of Uzbekistan made at the third session of the Supreme Assembly of the second convocation of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Appeal of the Supreme Assembly of the Republic of Uzbekistan to citizens of Uzbekistan, parliaments of all countries and progressive forces of the world community. Understanding the need to intensify their efforts to strengthen peace and accord, increase people's awareness of the lofty ideas of independence, democracy and progress, and proceeding from the commonality of aims set out in their programmes and charters in such a significant sphere as consolidation of society, maintenance and strengthening of the atmosphere of the civil peace and interethnic accord developed over the years of independence, they join their efforts to jointly solve the following priority tasks:

Providing social and political support for the efforts of Uzbek President Islam Karimov and the government to reinforce the state borders, ensure the reliable defence of the fatherland against encroachments by international terrorists, suppress terrorist activity and guard the peaceful and creative labour of the country's people.

Conducting a campaign among various social groups and strata of the population to explain to them the essence and importance of the measures the president and the government have been undertaking to strengthen Uzbekistan's defence capability;

Giving public assistance to resolving the tasks of boosting the prestige of military service, giving young men targeted preparatory training before military call-up, developing in them love for and loyalty to the homeland and readiness to join the ranks of its valiant defenders;

Assisting state bodies and citizen's self-governing bodies in carrying out practical measures in the fight against terrorism and religious extremism and in ensuring security in our common home;

Making wide use of the existing links between Uzbekistan's political parties and nongovernmental organizations and public institutions and citizens of various countries, and of the means of "people's diplomacy" to ensure active international support for the new foreign political initiatives to strengthen global and regional security and achieve peace and stability in Central Asia which were put forward by Uzbek President Islam Karimov in his address at the UN General Assembly session known as the Millennium Summit. Direct and practical involvement in efforts to make people more vigilant.

Developing in people a conscious attitude to the events taking place and consistently exposing the criminal essence of international terrorism, its plotters and those encouraging it;

Entering a tough fight against the ideology of religious fundamentalism and extremism, counteracting attempts by anti-reformist forces to poison the minds of young people and divert them from the true path;

Conducting an explanatory campaign among the population to develop in it, especially in young people, the true understanding of the role and importance of religion in the life of society, drawing a clear-cut distinction between religion as a system of moral and cultural values, outlook and part of the historical and spiritual heritage of the people, and politicized religious trends which pursue mercenary ends;

Giving public assistance in setting up a system to increase awareness of the law, preventing law-breaking and antisocial manifestations among young people and in making it work effectively;

Giving assistance in setting up Makhalla posbonlari and Chegara Posbonlari [neighbourhood security guards and frontier guards] public detachments, and in increasing their role in ensuring security in the country.

Consistenly intensifying efforts to consolidate society, develop in the people an active civic position and the aspiration to take a conscious and responsible part in creative reforms.

Developing in citizens patriotism as the top priority of social consciousness and activity, embodied in loyalty to the independence of the Republic of Uzbekistan, love for the homeland and deep respect for its history and culture;

Actively removing the remnants of social dependency from the public psyche, making each citizen of the country understand that it is his patriotic duty to be directly involved in resolving the issues of strengthening national independence, ensuring progress and prosperity in the country, in raising the wellbeing of the people;

Giving public assistance in setting up a complete system for giving the younger generations a patriotic upbringing, developing in young people high political self-awareness, civic responsibility and an active stance in life. Ensuring effective coordination between the government and all social institutions - the family, neighbourhood, educational establishments, culture and media organizations and the public - in their efforts to tackle this task.

Actively involving onself in improving the culture of human relations on the basis of the national traditions of collectivity: living in neighbourhoods, readiness to respect public opinion, the need for mutual social support and assistance.

Rendering support and assistance to the families of servicemen who were killed or wounded when discharging their military duty in defence of the fatherland and also to those afflicted by the acts of terrorism.

Carrying out charity actions, offering public sponsorship for those families in need of this.

Giving all-round assistance in promoting the relations of social solidarity which calls on public institutions and all citizens to take an active part in providing economic, social and moral support for those in need of this. The following are practical mechanisms for implementing the programme of joint action of the country's public and political forces:

Individual plans of action shall be made and implemented on the basis of the programme.

The positions of political parties' factions in the Supreme Assembly and their party branches in the localities shall be coordinated with one another when debating at sessions issues covered in this programme;

The sides shall inform one another of measures they will be taking under the programme, send in observers to oversee them and provide the necessary information materials for the partners in implementing the programme;

Seminars, conferences, discussion workshops and other public and political measures on consolidating society, strengthen stability and security in the country shall be jointly organized;

All the political parties and public organizaions involved in the programme shall give coverage in their own media of the measures being undertaken as part of the programme;

Local organizations and the members of political parties and public associations shall join active public work in the fields covered in the programme of action.

None of the political parties or public organizations hold a monopoly over the implementation of the programme of action. Its main principles are to display goodwill in assuming common public obligations, partnership on an equal footing in implementing it and nonintervention into the affairs of one another.

The programme is open to public organizations and Uzbekistan's citizens who support the programme's ideas and are ready to expend their efforts in resolving the issues of consolidating society, ensuring peace, security and stability in our common home and to join in implementing it.

Top

ussian tennis player Marat Safin won the seventh President's Cup 2000 international tennis tournament in Tashkent on 17th September. He beat David Sanguinetti of Italy 6-3, 6-4. Uzbek President Islam Karimov formally closed the six-day tournament ths evening.

Top

n Uzbek-Russian joint venture, Trolza-aviaz, has begun assembly and repair of trolleybuses. This joint venture, the only one not just in Uzbekistan but in Central Asia, not only repairs but also offers eight-year guarantees for its trolleybuses. Its founders are the Tashgorpastrans [Tashkent city passenger tranportation] association, the No 243 civil aviation plant under the Ozbekiston Havo Yollari [Uzbekistan Airlines] national airline, and the Rossiya [Russia] trolleybus joint-stock plant.

Within a relatively short span of time, the joint venture has manufactured 30 trolleybuses, which are now being successfully used in Bukhara, Fergana, Dzhizak and Tashkent. The operational specifications of the Trolza-aviaz trollebuses are in no way inferior to those of Skoda buses. Moreover, they are a quarter of the price of Czech ones and half the price of Russian ones. (Uzbek TV, September 16)

Top

tate customs staff have thwarted an attempt to smuggle a large amount of foreign currency out of Uzbekistan.

The staff of the Tashkent Aero specialized customs complex, working with National Security Service officers, found a woman in possession of 110,220 dollars when a suspicious-looking female passenger, a citizen of Tashkent city, Mukhabbat Zakirova, who was going through a customs check for a Tashkent-Istanbul flight, submitted to a closer search in the presence of witnesses. An investigation is under way into the incident. (Uzbek TV, September 16)

Top

UNESCO international congress "World Religions: along the Path of Culture of Peace" [English title: UNESCO International Congress on Culture of Peace into Religous Dialogue] at the Sheraton hotel in Tashkent has finished its work.

Religious figures representing more than 30 countries exchanged opinions on interreligious dialogue. The congress participants roundly condemned the fact that certain terrorist groups were acting under the guise of religion in a bid to shatter peace in various countries. In particular, an ethnic Uzbek from Saudi Arabia, Safokhon Javokhontora oghli expressed the following view:

"Such terrorist, antistate acts are manifesting themselves here and there all around the world, for example, in Pakistan. These things run counter to the religion of Islam, they are counter to this. Why? Because in Islam there is no doing harm to others and undermining peace. All those involved in disturbing people under the cover of Islam and breaking their peace run counter to Islam. Why does a man with a family to feed leave a bomb in a crowded area which then kills and destroys 100 or 250 or 260 others? What sort of Islam has this way of committing murder? It is against Islam and by Islam it is a crime. These are people, or a community, who have lost their way and have been led astray."

Top

n response to foreign media reports alleging that girls at Uzbek universities and schools are not allowed to wear headscarves, the head of the government committee on religious affairs, Fozil qori Sobirov, admitted that some university officials ban female students from wearing headscarves. In an article carried by the `Vatanparvar' newspaper on 16th September he said:

"Unfortunately there are some officials at certain places who cannot tell the difference between a headscarf and a hejab. By ordering that ethnic Uzbek schoolgirls studying at schools and universities should not wear headscarves, they are unconsciously adding grist to the mill of our ideological enemies abroad, who rejoice in picking holes in our work," Fozil qori Sobirov said.

"I would like to repeat that the headscarf is an item of our national costume and our ethical codes do not envisage banning or forbidding the wearing of headscarves," he added.

He also said that a recent joint meeting of the Cabinet of Minister's social sector and the Women's Committee of Uzbekistan had discussed school uniform for girls, which they said should have elements of national costume. "The meeting exchanged opinions on our national costume and dress culture and also discussed giving an ethnic flavour to girls' school uniform and banning girls from wearing clothes which are at odds with our local morality," he said.

Top

he press service of the Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Uzbekistan reported that the Prosecutor's Office and National Security Service officers detained the chairman of the District court in Jambay District, Samarkand Region, Zafar Otaqulov, after he was caught red-handed in his office on 11th September taking a bribe from a citizen, F.Abdurahmonova.

The republic's Prosecutor's Office has arrested Otaqulov. Criminal proceedings have been instituted against him.

Top

entral Asian states of Tajikistan and Uzbekistan introduce the visa regime beginning from Monday 18th September, the Department of Information of the Tajik Foreign Ministry reported on Saturday [16th September]. A decision to this effect has been made on the basis of the intergovernmental agreement on mutual trips of citizens signed in Dushanbe in May 2000.

The embassies and consulates of both states will carry out legalization of departing documents. The visa-free regime is preserved only for owners of official and diplomatic passports and residents of border regions. (Russian news agency ITAR-TASS, September 16)

Top