He told journalists at a meeting that, during his short stay in the republic, he had had a number of constructive and useful meetings with representatives of state bodies, nongovernmental organizations and commercial agencies, and that he had shown particular interest in the progress Uzbekistan had been making with the implementation of certain World Bank-financed projects. In particular, Van Praag was interested in a cotton project that involves gradually cancelling the state cotton order, increasing export potential and introducing sophisticated technology intended to improve the environment. The project has been allocated a 66m-dollar loan for 20 years with a grace period of five years.

Speaking about further strengthening partnership relations with Uzbekistan, Mr Van Praag said that his organization and the Uzbek government were completing the drafting of a three-year cooperation programme. An intensive exchange of opinions and mutual consultations are underway. We are also going to discuss the draft three-year strategy with some nongovernmental organizations, academic institutions and media agencies.

The World Bank mission in Uzbekistan and the department in which Mr Van Praag works are planning to expand the dialogue with the largest possible number of people engaged in various areas of civil society: deputies, businessmen, scholars, college lecturers and journalists. Consideration is being given to the possibility of publishing historical and news features and other reports on a regular basis for dissemination within Uzbekistan.

The World Bank intends to assist the republic with opening a national web site on the Internet, which will contain assorted information about Uzbekistan, from the weather forecast to investment offers from companies and firms. According to experts, comprehensive and detailed information about Uzbekistan is in great demand amongst foreign Internet users. Incidentally, Kyrgyz neighbours already have such a national site. Why should Uzbekistan not speed up the implementation of such a programme? Van Praag pointed out in the interview.

Top

The agreements were signed as part of Uzbek President Islam Karimov's visit to Italy and focused on measures to fight organized crime, terrorism and drug trafficking. Italy and Uzbekistan also concluded documents on cooperation in transport, customs and the avoidance of double taxation.

Karimov and Uzbek Foreign Minister Abdulaziz Komilov held talks with Italian Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini. The sides noted the successful development of bilateral relations. The Uzbek president also held negotiations with the Italian parliamentary speaker, Nicolo Mancino.

Top

Another document, which is very important for Uzbekistan, a document on cooperation between the governments of the two countries in fighting organized crime, terrorism and drugs was signed at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

After the meeting, President Islam Karimov together with his wife, Tatyana Karimova, went to the residence of the Italian president, the Cverinali palace. Italian President Carlo Ciampi together with his wife met our president and his wife in the palace, which was built in the 18th century, and an official welcoming ceremony in honour of the Uzbek head of state took place there. This ended the second day of the visit.

Top

The accords were signed during meetings here today between Foreign Minister Lamberto Dini and an Uzbek delegation including President Islam Karimov and his foreign minister, Abdulaziz Komilov.

Dini said Italy was following events in Uzbekistan closely and considered cooperation between Tashkent and other central Asian countries as a key to security in the area and the development of ties with the West.

Top

"Police officers found the driver's behaviour suspicious and examined the car's saloon. As a result, they found 1kg of heroin under the driver's seat. It was proved that it belonged to a Tajik citizen, (?Qurbonali Qorayev), who was travelling in the same car," the TV said, adding that criminal proceedings are under way.

Top