Politics
In pictures: Referendum on new Constitution underway in Uzbekistan
The referendum on the revised constitution of Uzbekistan began at 8:00, as polling stations opened for voters, and will continue until 20:00. Gazeta.uz is reporting on the ground.
Referendum in Uzbekistan declared valid
Deputy Head of the Central Election Commission, Bakhrom Kuchkarov, has announced that the referendum on Uzbekistan’s new constitution has been deemed valid. As of 13:00, over 12 million voters, which constitutes 62.24% of the total number of eligible voters, had participated in the referendum.
Uzbek leadership and Czech PM discuss expanding cooperation
Czech PM Petr Fiala held talks with Uzbek President and PM in Tashkent and took part in a business forum. The Czech side expressed interest in buying uranium and copper and supplying trams, trains and planes. They also discussed arranging direct flights and other issues.
Early voting starts for Uzbekistan’s Constitutional Referendum
Early voting for Uzbekistan’s constitutional referendum commenced on April 19 and will last through April 26, providing an opportunity for citizens who are unable to be present at their polling locations on the main referendum day to engage in the voting process.
“A healthy civil society is vital to make the system work better” — EU Special Representative
EU Special Representative for Human Rights, Eamon Gilmore, visits Uzbekistan for the first time, meeting ministers of justice, interior, and Prosecutor General, as well as the President. “Gazeta.uz asked him about the purpose of the visit and how he assesses the human rights situation in Uzbekistan.
New Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan appointed
Bobur Usmanov has been appointed Uzbekistan’s new Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs.
G7 foreign ministers to cooperate on Central Asian challenges
The Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers have committed to collaborating on Central Asian challenges, such as the fallout from Russia’s aggression, Afghanistan’s destabilization, and food and energy insecurity, among other issues at their recent meeting in Japan.
Nearly half of Tashkent’s new acting mayor’s decisions remain concealed from public
Since his appointment less than a month ago, Acting Tashkent Mayor Shavkat Umurzakov has signed 35 decisions, with nearly 50% of them concealed from the public eye. Additionally, four of the 14 decrees adopted remain inaccessible as well.
Samarkand and Tashkent designated as CIS Cultural and Youth capitals for 2024
Foreign ministers from Central Asian countries and Russia convened in Samarkand, designating Samarkand as the CIS Cultural Capital and Tashkent as the Youth Capital for 2024. Additionally, a resolution was endorsed to establish a quadrennial Olympic event for children with disabilities.
Uzbekistan hosts 4th ministerial meeting to address Afghanistan’s economic and security challenges
Foreign ministers of Afghanistan’s neighbours met in Samarkand, addressing the nation’s complex situation and emphasizing the need for economic projects, infrastructure development, and regional collaboration to counter terrorism and narcotics trafficking for a peaceful future.
Uzbek President proposed building a car plant in Syrdarya
Uzbek President proposed to build a car plant in Syrdarya region jointly with partners from China. “The more car plants, the lower the price will be, and the quality will also improve,” said Shavkat Mirziyoyev. In Syrdarya, businesses will also take part in building roads.
First Deputy Minister of Employment and Poverty Reduction dismissed
Nozim Khusanov has been removed from his position as First Deputy Minister of Employment and Poverty Reduction of Uzbekistan. The reason for his dismissal remains undisclosed. Khusanov previously served as Minister of Employment and Labour Relations.
Uzbek President signs legislation to protect women and minors from violence
The President signed legislation aimed at protecting women and minors from violence, according to Saida Mirziyoyeva. The legislation not only criminalizes domestic abuse, harassment, and stalking, but also precludes those convicted of sexual violence from receiving parole or leniency in sentencing.
“They will be in jail from call to call.” Senator on the abolition of parole for fraud
In Uzbekistan, those convicted of fraud by stealing billions from people or the government serve only a third of their sentence, are released and continue spending the “stashed money,” Senator Shukhrat Chulliyev said. Under the new amendments, they will now “serve from call to call,” he said.
Uzbek Senate approves amendments to strengthen anti-corruption legislation
Uzbek Senate approves legislative amendments aimed at combating corruption, introducing a new term “corruption offences” and increasing penalties for those crimes. The move is aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability.
The war could end today, if Putin decided so — Secretary of State
Antony Blinken stated in Tashkent that war in Ukraine could be ended with one decision by Putin. He also shared his thoughts on what kind of peace could be considered just in this conflict and accused China of advancing Russian propaganda and supporting its interests in international organizations.
The stronger the collaboration among Central Asian countries, the stronger that market’s going to be — Antony Blinken
The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke on the need of diversifying trade and increasing cooperation among Central Asian countries. He also commended the work of governments of the region in preventing circumvention of sanctions against Russia.
Creating environment for free media is the best answer to propaganda — U.S. Secretary of State
The U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke to journalists in Tashkent and noted the need for an independent and open media environment to deal with foreign propaganda and misinformation. “Let people make up their minds about what’s right and wrong,” he said.
OSCE ambassadors on strengthening security in Central Asia
Ambassadors to the OSCE representing France, Germany, the United Kingdom and the United States, who recently visited Uzbekistan and other countries of Central Asia, reflect on promoting the concept of comprehensive security in the region.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev expresses condolences to UAE
President of Uzbekistan sent condolences to President of UAE in connection with the death of representatives of this country’s mission in Kandahar.
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