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04:19 msk, 3 september 2010

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Uzbekistan News Briefs

Central Asia news: Казахстан

Business Copper wealth of Nazarbayev. Global Witness claims against Kazakhmys

02.08.2010 10:10 msk

Global Witness, the international anti-corruption organization, published the report, named "Risky business. Who controls Kazakhmys plc?" Based on independent investigation information, Global Witness affirms that Kazakhmys, the biggest Kazakhstani copper miner, did not share vital and financially important information with the investors when it was listing its shares at London Stock Exchange in 2005. The information included close corruption ties of senior management with President Nazarbayev. The experts demand to audit Kazakhmys again and publicly offer over half of company’s shares for investigation period in order to prevent possible interference of corrupted Kazakhstani regime in the corporate affairs, not reflecting the interests of minority shareholders.

Marijuana in Kazakhstan. Not to Be Destroyed but Used

14.09.2009 10:00 msk

All drug users and dealers in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and other neighboring countries know that marijuana grows in the Chuy valley. There is no way this narcotic herb can be destroyed: dig over the land just to see more of it growing there in the next year, pull out seven meter long roots to bring sand into villages or bury roads under it. A decision was made in Kazakhstan to build a hemp processing plant to manufacture medicine and fiber. However these intentions counter bureaucratic hindrances and lack of understanding on the side of drug fighters.

Stalin’s monument in Kazakh village found its place

27.06.2009 12:07 msk

While there are some serious disputes over the monuments, representing various eras in the history of the post-Soviet states, people in Kazakhstan are quite tolerant to such endeavors. For instance, Stalin’s monument is still located in Ikan area, close to the city of Turkestan in Southern Kazakhstan oblast of Kazakhstan. Today, nobody can say for sure when it was erected. In the 1980s the representatives of the Oblast administration were going to liquidate the monument. However, at that time they faced the protests from the local aqsaqals.

Analytics Kazakhstan: The prohibited book of Rakhat Aliyev does not pose as much hazard

26.05.2009 14:51 msk

The General Prosecutor’s Office of Kazakhstan prohibited the citizens to read and distributed the "The God Father-in-Law" book, written by Rakhat Aliyev that, allegedly, reveals state secrets. Now, everyone can freely download e-copy of this Kazakh best-seller from Internet. Reading the book, Russian experts found nothing new there while Kazakhstani journalist Sergey Duvanov openly states that he read the book. The Prosecutor’s Office has not responded yet and, apparently, will not.

Interview Kazakhstan: Cyber terrorists attack the independent press

13.04.2009 12:17 msk

Since the first days of April several web-based news agencies of Kazakhstan have been attacked by hackers. Today, at least two internet-editions (Respublika.kz and ZonaKZ.net) are constantly facing network attacks. These resources either totally disappear from web-browsers or become accessible for a while and then "fade away" again under the pressure of robots and viruses. We interviewed the participants of this battle – Yury Mizinov, chief editor of Zona, and Alexey Shatlovsky, Ferghana.Ru expert and internet technologies specialist – on the details of virtual fights with cyber criminals.

Business Kazakhstan: Construction sector still reeling despite government's bail-out package

06.04.2009 00:04 msk

Kazakh government’s efforts to bail the country’s once booming construction sector are facing serious obstacles as cash-strapped banks and hard-pressed construction companies are at loggerheads over the government's rescue plan. Frustrated with the lack of progress, the government is pushing for more drastic measures.

Politics Kazakhstan: Nazarbaev Announced his Anti-Corruption Plan

08.11.2008 15:58 msk

On November 6 the ruling Nur Otan party held an anti-corruption forum in Astana. As corruption poses serious challenges to this post-Soviet state, its officials are likely to be concerned with it rather on personal level than formal one. Making what it appeared like a policy speech addressed to all government workers in Kazakhstan, President Nursultan Nazarbaev displayed not only his anti-corruption zeal but also taught Kazakh officials how to behave properly in public. Officials, he said, must become role models of justice and modesty.

Analytics Drought Forces Kazak Farmers Slaughter Cattle by Lump

01.08.2008 19:01 msk

Kazakh farmers will have to slaughter most of their cattle, as continuously dry weather poses serious threat of losing the entire livestock, the July 31 meeting of the farmers in South Kazakhstan region concluded. The hot summer and lack of fodder has been forcing Kazakh farmers to sell off cattle in Kyrgyzstan at below market prices. Some farmers are loaning their cattle to Kyrgyz farmers who have fodder to feed the cattle. In exchange, Kyrgyz farmers are allowed to keep offspring.

Migration Kazakhstan: Tougher Laws Needed To Prevent Labour Abuse, Slavery

17.07.2008 23:36 msk

As more foreign labourers in Kazakhstan are subject to abuse and virtual slavery, tougher laws are needed for employers using foreign labour, human rights groups in South Kazakhstan say. Nearly one-third of foreign labourers in Kazakhstan face inadequate payments or are not paid at all, human rights organisations estimate. Some employers pay minuscule salaries, justifying it by the allegedly low quality of unskilled labour, others withhold workers’ passports and return them as the only payment after the work has been completed.

Kazakhstan: Wanderer Centre Brings Hope, Healing to Homeless

17.07.2008 07:26 msk

Musicians, doctors, soldiers and painters who, in common, became homeless, have turned to a rehabilitation centre, the Wanderer, in southern Kazakhstan to heal the wounds to their bodies, minds and souls. When the centre was first established in Buguluk gorge, people in nearby villages were not very happy since the homeless have special living habits which made them social outcasts, including alcohol abuse and occasional violence.

Analytics Koksaray Water Reservoir Project Continues To Attract Heated Debate

08.07.2008 21:13 msk

Even as ceremonies launched the Koksaray water reservoir construction on June 25, controversy continues about the possible environmental impact of the project. The reservoir, to be built in southern Kazakhstan, will offer control over the flow of the Syrdarya River. Opponents fear that the major river that feeds the dying Aral Sea might become shallow due to the reservoir, causing a vast region to suffer unknown consequences.

Cotton Faltering Kazakhstan Cotton Industry

05.07.2008 15:37 msk

As soil in the Kazakh southern region continues to deteriorate due to the widespread uncontrolled growth of cotton and the effect of the region’s hot weather in reducing available water, Kazakh cotton farmers face a serious dilemma as they must choose to either find new methods to grown cotton, a critical cash crop for export, or cease growing cotton and find a less water-demanding crop to replace it.

The Capital of Kazakhstan Prepares to its Birthday

30.06.2008 12:39 msk

As Ferghana.ru previously reported, on July 6, 2008 the capital of Kazakhstan, Astana, will present an international gala to celebrate its birthday. Authorities began preparations in the beginning of the year by inviting foreign guests, including important personalities and statesmen including Moscow mayor Yuri Luzhkov, Athens mayor Nikita Kaklomanis, Brasilia mayor Joze Roberto and Ankara mayor Melih Gokcek. As promised, the city is also preparing “unique projects” as part of the birthday festivities. Meanwhile, local citizens have been seen leaving the capital prior to the celebrations following bitter experience from past years that such holidays are not for ordinary citizens.

Analytics Kazakhstan: Review or chance to get out of the political crisis?

20.05.2008 13:37 msk

While it appears that the Kazakhstan political leadership has recreated Soviet traditions and institutions, political realities might prove slightly different. For opposition political forces, deprived of representation in the parliament, have joined together to form an alternative legislature. And now, even groups supporting the regime are participating in the legislature. Further, Yermuhamet Yertysbayev is again advising the President and confirms that the Azat party could again find itself in the Majilis.

Analytics Weekly review of political developments in Kazakhstan

15.05.2008 12:27 msk

Traditional May festivities notwithstanding, last week was replete with political developments and staff changes in Kazakhstan. Akims, or governors, of two Kazakh regions were replaced, those implicated in the Rahat-gate scandal were stripped of their personal possessions and state decorations, and the information minister was dismissed.

Other news

News briefs

26 august

10:10 Kazakhstan: The convicted human rights advocate Y. Zhovtis is awarded the prize of Norwegian Helsinki Committee

Media headlines

Eurasianet Uzbekistan Celebrates Independence Day, 02.09.2010

RFE/RL Kyrgyz, Uzbek Talks On Release Of Kyrgyz Officers Unsuccessful , 02.09.2010

Forum 18 TAJIKISTAN: "Your children will become extremists and terrorists", 02.09.2010

OpEdNews Talibanization: The Whole Problem Is the Gawadar Port and Trade Route, 02.09.2010

RFE/RL Kyrgyz-Uzbek Talks Held On Release Of Kyrgyz Border Guards, 01.09.2010

Long war Journal Senior Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan commander targeted in northern Afghanistan, 30.08.2010

AP Silk's dark side: Uzbek kids made to grow cocoons, 28.08.2010

Guardian Kyrgyzstan: The void in Asia's heart, 27.08.2010

OpenDemocracy Beware of meddling in Kyrgyzstan!, 27.08.2010

New York Times Legacy of Torture, 27.08.2010

Eurasianet Tashkent Promoting Inter-Ethnic Unity, But Strengthening Security Forces Just in Case, 27.08.2010

AP German prosecutors charge suspected Islamic terrorist after extradition from Pakistan, 26.08.2010

Express Tribune India-Afghanistan talks wind up, 26.08.2010

RFE/RL Taliban Kill Nine Police In Afghan North, 26.08.2010

Reuters Karzai aide in corruption probe linked to CIA, 26.08.2010

Canadian Press UN agency makes unusual Pakistan aid appeal, while Washington pushes for transparency, 26.08.2010

Foreign Policy How to leave Afghanistan without losing, 25.08.2010

Washington Post 25 Islamic militants escape from Tajik prison, 23.08.2010

Euronews Osh protesters defy Kyrgyzstan government, 20.08.2010

Reuters Kremlin-led security bloc to hear Kyrgyz appeal, 19.08.2010

Forum 18 UZBEKISTAN: "The Court decided so", 19.08.2010

VOA Intimidation of Uzbek Minority Continues in Kyrgyzstan, 17.08.2010

RFE/RL Kyrgyz Officials Seek Release Of People Detained In Uzbekistan , 17.08.2010

Telegraph Osh mayor pushes ahead with plan to rehouse Uzbeks, 16.08.2010

Global Voices Kyrgyzstan: Nationalist agenda raises amidst new rallies , 16.08.2010

Eurasianet Mixed Marriages in Kyrgyzstan Strained by Ethnic Violence, 16.08.2010

Platts Afghanistan finds new oil field, holds 1.8 bil barrels: ministry, 15.08.2010

AFP Uzbek group attacks Afghan police, three dead, 15.08.2010

Long War Journal ISAF continues to ID 'foreign fighters' in Afghanistan, 15.08.2010

Eurasianet Uzbekistan Weekly Roundup, 15.08.2010

HRW Uzbekistan: Activist Hit With New Sentence, 14.08.2010

AFP South Kyrgyzstan forces may have used torture: UN rights, 20.07.2010

Eurasianet Reconstruction Plan To "Ethnically Cleanse" Osh, Uzbeks Fear, 20.07.2010

RFE/RL Kabul Wants To Change The Way Foreign Aid Is Spent , 20.07.2010

Ex Ponto Als Oezbeekse mahalla's in rook opgaan, 17.07.2010

Euronews Roza Otumbayeva: “We have the nation waiting to reconstruct itself”, 17.07.2010

CNN Thousands remain displaced after Kyrgyz violence, 16.07.2010

Eurasianet Tashkent’s Response to Kyrgyz Crisis Boosts Karimov’s Image, 16.07.2010

Asia Times Russia has reasons to stay its hand, 15.07.2010

New York Times In Southern Kyrgyzstan, Uzbeks Become Targets of Police Abuse, 15.07.2010

VOA A Relative Calm In Kyrgyzstan, 13.07.2010

Guardian Beware dictators bearing gifts, Naomi, 05.07.2010

RFE/RL Getting To The Roots Of Resentment In Kyrgyzstan, 05.07.2010

New York Times Uzbeks Accused of Inciting Violence in Kyrgyzstan, 02.07.2010

AP Kyrgyz humanitarian crisis enters new phase, 01.07.2010

Eurasianet The Pentagon Spreading Wealth in Central Asia, 30.06.2010

Moscow Times An Imitation Empire, 30.06.2010

ВВС Gen David Petraeus faces confirmation to lead Afgan war, 29.06.2010

Eurasianet Documents Highlight Problems with Uzbek Corridor of Afghan Supply Route, 29.06.2010

New York Times Kyrgyz Voting Appears Calm, 28.06.2010

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