December24, 2014
free industrial zone “Angren”. 4
Uzbekistan to construct rubber products plant in Angren. 4
Rivers Spurting with Energy. 5
Varakhsha: A City Lost in the Sands. 6
elections to the oliy majlis of the republic of uzbekistan and local Kengashes of people’s deputies
Speech by Chairman of the Central Election Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan M.Abdusalomov at the press conference on the preliminary results of elections to the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan
Dear participants of the press conference!
Ladies and gentlemen!
On December 21, 2014, the elections to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, regional, district and city Kengashes (Councils) of people’s deputies were held in Uzbekistan.
There is good reason to believe that the elections to the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan became an important stage in the deepening of reforms on further democratization, renewal and modernization of the country.
It should be noted that increasingly the realization of the provisions proposed by the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov adopted by the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan in November 2010, the Concept of further deepening democratic reforms and formation of civil society in the country. According to this document which defines the strategy of the country in the long term, have carried out democratic reforms also in the development of the electoral system.
In accordance with the latest amendments to Article 117 of the Basic Law constitutionally fixed the system of democratic formation of the Central Election Commission, as well as the basic principles of its activities, to strengthen the guarantees of independence of the entire system of electoral bodies responsible for organizing the elections to representative bodies.
These and a number of other changes and additions made to the electoral legislation aimed at the realization of the constitutional principle of freedom of choice and expression of will, have allowed to hold elections in full compliance with the requirements of our Constitution and electoral acts and international democratic legal norms. No one should doubt.
It should be noted that due to the work done on the basis of concepts in the field of legislation significantly increased the role and importance of the Oliy Majlis in the system of state power, strengthened the position, the possibility of the supreme legislative body of the country in the formation and implementation of internal and foreign policy. Along with increased responsibility of government to parliament, government bodies of regions to Kengashes (Councils) of people’s deputies.
Introduction to Constitution the norm on the nominee of a Prime Minister by the political party securing the highest number of seats in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, has contributed to the further enhancement of the role and importance of political parties in the country and created new opportunities.
Also strengthened the role of deputy groups and factions of political parties at all stages of consideration and adoption of laws and normative acts. Today, without considering the opinions and suggestions of fractions none of the legislative act is accepted.
Tremendous significance in a democratic modernization of power had a fixation in the Constitution of parliamentary and public control and mechanisms of realization.
Thus, all of these changes to the Constitution and laws of the country have become an important factor in the further democratization of the legislative and executive branches, increasing the activity of political parties, strengthening of inter-party competition, such an important component of a democratic society.
Dear participants of the conference!
In order to conduct the elections of 2014 in full compliance with the requirements of the law, on the high democratic level the Central Election Commission adopted a Program of preparation and holding of elections to the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, regional, district and city Kengashes (Councils) of people’s deputies. Standards and requirements defined by laws and the concept that are compulsory and equal for all, during the election campaign have been fully complied.
As a result, yesterday our people voted for worthy, whom they would like to see in the representative bodies of state power and who can contribute to the future and prosperity of our Motherland.
One more important factor that determines feature of this election – is the civil liability of the voters, raising the awareness of their involvement to the ongoing reforms and changes in the country.
In the elections to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, regional, district and city councils of people’s deputies participate more than 18.4 million voters, it’s equal to 89% of the total number of voters included in the lists.
8311 voters used their right to early voting.
According to the preliminary results of the deputies elections to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis were elected in 113 electoral districts.
From the Movement of Entrepreneurs and Businessmen – Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan were elected 47 deputies, the Democratic Party of Uzbekistan “Milliy Tiklanish” – 28, the People’s Democratic Party of Uzbekistan – 21, the Social Democratic Party “Adolat” – 17 deputies.
In 22 electoral districts, none of the candidates receives half of the votes. In accordance with the legislation in these districts in the period specified by law will be held revote on the two candidates who received a large number of votes.
According to Article 45 of the Law “On elections to the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan” if the electoral district more than two candidates for deputies and none of them has been elected, the district election commission decides to hold a revote in the district between two candidates who received a large number of votes.
Yesterday was also held the Conference of the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan, where 15 members of Ecological Movement were elected to the Legislative Chamber of the Parliament by secret ballot from the number of nominated candidates at the conference, who are represented each administrative-territorial unit of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Executive Committee of the Central Council of the Ecological Movement.
Information from the places about violations of the electoral legislation have not been reported.
At the same time, the Central Election Commission’s helpline received appeals, suggestions and comments on some issues. However, the relevant measures for consideration and solution were accepted in the manner prescribed by law and terms.
Elections to the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan were held in compliance with all democratic norms and principles fixed in the Constitution and the electoral legislation.
The work of domestic and foreign observers has contributed to transparency, openness of the electoral process. Monitoring of elections to the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan was carried out by more than 300 observers from 50 countries and five international organizations missions – Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Commonwealth of Independent States, Shanghai Cooperation Organization, Associations of World Electoral Bodies and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, as well as more than 70,000 observers and authorized representatives of political parties that nominated candidates for deputies. In addition, more than 340 representatives of domestic and foreign mass media covered the election.
In an effort to help journalists’ activities were functioned Republican Press Center on Coverage of the Elections, where were created all conditions for them. There were conducted press conferences, briefings and seminars.
Currently, the Central Election Commission is considering protocols and other documents provided by the district election commissions and the Ecological Movement of Uzbekistan.
In accordance with the Law “On elections to the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan” all of them, and if necessary – the documents of separate precinct election commissions, would be once again carefully checked by the Central Election Commission. Only after that, the Central Election Commission would make a decision on the election results.
In accordance with national electoral legislation information about the results of the elections and the list of the elected deputies of the Legislative Chamber will be published by the Central Election Commission in the press no later than 10 days after the election, i.e., until 31 December.
Elections to the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis and local representative bodies of state power, passed on December 21 demonstrated solidarity of the people of Uzbekistan on the path of building a democratic Law-governed state and a strong civil society, with the deepening of economic reforms aimed to improve the welfare and prosperity of the country.
Thank you for attention!
December 22, 2014 15.00.
(Source: Republican Press Center on Coverage of the Elections of 2014)
free industrial zone “Angren”
Uzbekistan to construct rubber products plant in Angren
President of Uzbekistan signed a resolution “On measures on organization of construction of rubber products plant in the territory of free industrial zone Angren” on 4 December 2014.
The document was adopted in order to organize local production of agriculture and automobile tires, conveyor belts, and meet demands of high technological enterprises with local competitive products, create new jobs, ensure employment and growth of income.
The resolution said that feasibility study of investment project “Organization of production of conveyor belt, agriculture and automobile tires at the territory of the special industrial zone Angren” was approved.
In the result of the direct talks between Directorate on construction of rubber products plant” of Uzkimyosanoat signed a contract with Poly Technologies Inc. (China) on construction of plant, which will have capacity on production of 100,000 meters of conveyor belt, 200,000 units agriculture tires and 3,000 units of automobile tires a year on “turn-key” bases for US$183.96 million.
Uzavtosanoat reached agreement with General Motors (USA) on using locally-made tires at cars, produced by GM Uzbekistan, if the products pass certification and laboratory tests in line with international standards and requirements of General Motors.
Uzbek leader agreed with proposal of the Ministry of Finance, State Competition Committee, Uzkimyosanoat, Uzavtosanoat, Almalyk Mining and Metallurgy Combine (AGMK)and Navoi Mining and Metallurgy Combine (NGMK) on increasing charter capital of the Directorate of the project to US$30 million. The share of Uzkimyosanoat will be 50%, Uzavtosanoat – 30%, AGMK and NGMK – 10% each.
The resolution said that the Fund for Reconstruction and Development of Uzbekistan (FRDU) signed a loan for US$27.6 million to finance the project. The loan is allocated to pay 15% advanced payment of the contract, which will be refinanced by Asaka Bank. The loan issued for 10 years with three-year grace period with interest rate of 2.25% APR, including refinancing margin at the size of 0.25% APR.
The project will be also financed due to long-term foreign loans for US$156.36 million, refinanced by Asaka Bank with refinancing margin at the size of 0.25% APR. The loans will be paid to pay 85% sum of the contract.
The project will be financed due to resources of the founders of the Directorate of the project for US$30 million to pay interest rates and commissions to service preferential loans of foreign creditors, FRDU and Asaka Bank, as well as to form turnover capital, etc.
Asaka Bank in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investment and Trade, Ministry of Finance and Uzkimyosanoat was entrusted to work with foreign banks and other financial institutions to attract preferential long-term loans to co-finance the project.
Uzkimyosanoat was set as an executive body, which is responsible for targeted and efficient use of loans and credits, as well as implementation of the project.
The Directorate of the project is a debtor on loans, attracted to finance construction of the project. The Directorate will repay debts and credits, commissions and other expenses on services of the loans due to own resources and attracted funds of the Fund for Development and Support of organization of chemical industry under Uzkimyosanoat.
President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov allowed the Directorate and Uzkimyosanoat in cooperation with Poly Technologies Inc. conduct construction works in parallel with development of the project documentation will 1 January 2016.
The Directorate was allowed to attract international consultants to determine compliance of the project solutions to requirements of GM on safety and security of exploitation of the objects, as well as maintenance and technical supervision.
The Directorate with the FRDU and Asaka Bank was allowed to open financing up to approval feasibility study of the project on import contracts, which passed expertise of the Ministry of Foreign Economic Relations, Investment and Trade of Uzbekistan, and contracts, signed with local suppliers and contractors.
Uzbek leader exempted the project participants from payment of customs payments for imported equipment and materials, as well as on some taxes and payments.
(Source: UzDaily.com)
investments
Rivers Spurting with Energy
Uzbekistan embarks on a new stage of hydropower development. In the next five years the plan is to upgrade 19 hydroelectric power plants through the introduction of cutting-edge technologies.
Hydropower plants (HPP) are a very specific type of power generation. On the one hand, they do not require fuel, however, their construction and maintenance require intense attention to ongoing processes both at the station and in the neighborhood. This was convincingly proved by the accident at the Sayano-Shushenskaya HPP in 2009.
Uzbekistan started phased modernization of existing plants in the early 90s of last century. Meanwhile, time zips along, and technologies and equipment are getting advanced. They can significantly enhance the efficiency of power generation and bring technological processes to a new security level.
Domestic HPPs generate about 11.4% of the total power produced. Despite a relatively low rate, their contribution to the economy should not be underestimated. Hydropower is not just power generation, but it also addresses water supply and irrigation issues.
For the rational use of energy resources and development of renewable energy sources SJSC Uzbekenergo is planning to upgrade and advance 19 operating hydroelectric power plants by the end of 2020. As a result, it is expected that their capacity will increase by 118.5 MW with additional production of 600 million KW of electricity. Natural gas savings will amount to 250 million cubic meters.
For instance, there are ongoing hydropower projects on the upgrade of hydro generators at Chorvoq HPP with replacement of impellers to increase its capacity by 45 MW, at HPP-14 of the Lower-Bozsu HPP cascade to increase its capacity by 4.3 MW, and at the Farkhod HPP on the capacity increase by 13 MW through IDB loans. Besides, Uzbekistan is currently negotiating with IDB on joint projects on the upgrade of hydroelectric power plants at Tashkent, Kadyryo and Chirchiq cascades on the capacity increase by more than 70 MW.
Uzbekenergo continues implementation of 28 large investment projects on the establishment of new capacities, modernization and reconstruction of existing facilities. The projects envisage introduction of up-to-date technologies of combined power and heat generation on the basis of combined-cycle plants, an increase of the share of solid fuels in the fuel and energy balance by means of reconstruction of existing coal-fired power plants, as well as the construction of interconnection transmission lines and master substations of 220-500 kV, and indoor substations of 110 kV for transmission of electric power and energy to scarce energy systems.
(Source: “Uzbekistan Today” newspaper)
Tourism
Varakhsha: A City Lost in the Sands
It took several centuries for the Kyzylkum Desert to bury a long-flourishing oasis under tons of sand. An amazingly beautiful palace was the glory of the oasis. It filled with wonder both contemporaries and those watching its decline.
“There was a palace in Varakhsha, the beauty of which is told in a proverb”, wrote Narshakhi about the country residence of the Bukhara rulers. Narshakhi, a historian of the 10th century, was famous for his book History of Bukhara.
Excavations of the sand-covered ruins of the Varakhsha palace were initiated in 1937. The work was done by an archeological expedition of the Uzbek Committee for Protection of Old Relics and Monuments. In 1947-1948, the excavations were resumed by the efforts of the expedition headed by V. Shishkin. Archeologists had the luck to discover unique monuments of the early medieval art.
The Varakhsha exposition occupies a special place in the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan. A colorful representation of the palace, based on a reconstruction made by architect V. Nilsen, can give and idea of the exterior view of the building.
According to archeological data, the palace with two towers dominated the locality. Its platform, a fifteen-meter-high and almost square in plan stylobate, was surrounded by strong five-meter-thick outer walls. It should be noted that the walls were even wider at the base. The walls, made of large sunbaked mud bricks, might have looked depressing, if it had not been for a wonderful architectural “trick”: the vertical grooves cut in the thin pakhsa coating divi- ded the bricks into separate blocks located chequerwise. From the fortification standpoint, the stylobate was practically unassailable. In the south, the palace facade was partially encircled by the fortress wall and opening onto the north. The three-span reception ayvan with thick pillars made of circle bricks attracted all eyes by its grandeur. Flanking pylons of the ayvan were decorated with twin half-columns. The pillars, walls and arcs were covered with carved stucco. You can judge about the exquisiteness and elegance of decor by the museum exhibits, which are panels and medallions formed by geometrical and vegetative ornaments, or by female head full of beauty and plastic expressiveness, or by vivid and concrete details in the images of a bird-woman, a hunter with his bow, a ram pierced by an arrow, and small fishes splashing in the waves.
The Varakhsha palace comprised a real complex of premises erected in the technique of combined brickwork which implied alternation of mud bricks and clay layers. The interior decor of reception rooms included murals and friezes. The artists of Varakhsha executed wall paintings in tempera creating unique cycloramas with intricate plots.
The Varakhsha paintings give an idea of how people of that time looked like. They show some details of their clothes, fragments of their environment and everyday life. The decor of the Bukhara rulers’ palace, with murals, sculpture and carved stucco, testifies to amazing artistic achievements of Sogd. According to Narshakhi, the Varakhsha palace had no equal.
(Source: “Uzbekistan Airways” magazine)
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