Field Reports
WILL CONVERTIBILITY OF THE SOUM SAVE THE UZBEKISTANI ECONOMY?
By Anonymous, Tashkent (7/19/2000 issue of the CACI Analyst)
Recently, an IMF delegation visited Uzbekistan for the first time since 1996, and discussed the issue of convertibility of the Uzbekstani currency, the soum. No firm statements about the terms of liberalizing the currency regime were made, but during the spring of this year, one of two official exchange rates were abolished making the official exchange rate more realistic. Beginning on July 1, a few banks received permission to open foreign currency exchange offices and to set exchange rates themselves.
THE TRIAL OF FELIKS KULOV
By Anonymous, Bishkek (7/19/2000 issue of the CACI Analyst)
Feliks Kulov, the ex-vice-president of the Kyrgyz Republic, ex-Interior and National Security Minister, the leader of the Ar-Namis Party and political challenger of President Akaev, was brought to trial along with three ex-members of anti-terrorist center "Kalkan" in Bishkek on June 27, 2000. June 27 is also the date that the presidential race for the October 29 Presidential elections officially opened. The trial is being held behind the closed doors in a Military court and the streets along the courthouse are all surrounded by tight police security.
DANGEROUS GAPS IN KAZAKHSTAN’S RELIGION LAWS
By Maria Utyaganova, Student, American University in Kyrgyzstan, International Relations (8/2/2000 issue of the CACI Analyst)
During the Soviet era, the government "protected" the people from the influence of religious organizations and their propaganda. But with the proclamation of independence and sovereignty, religion in Kazakhstan and the belief in God are no longer considered a crime against society and the government. Religion is becoming an essential part of the spiritual culture of Kazakhstan that is a multi-confessional state.
HEALTH CONDITIONS IN TAJIKISTAN MUCH TO BE DESIRED
By Konstantin Parshin, producer of Radio NIC, Tajikistan (8/2/2000 issue of the CACI Analyst)
On 11 July, the International Federation of Red Cross and the Red Crescent Societies Tajikistan Delegation together with the Red Crescent Society of Tajikistan held a press conference launching of the Federation’s "World Disasters Report 2000". Since 1993, the International Federation has published annual World Disasters Reports focusing on disasters, ranging from natural hazards to human-induced crisis and the millions of people affected by them. The report analyses cutting edge issues, assesses practical methodologies, examines recent experience and collates a comprehensive disaster database.
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Silk Road Paper Svante E. Cornell, ed., Türkiye's Return to Central Asia and the Caucasus, July 2024.
Book Svante E. Cornell, ed., "The Changing Geopolitics of Central Asia and the Caucasus" AFPC Press/Armin LEar, 2023.
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Silk Road Paper S. Frederick Starr, U.S. Policy in Central Asia through Central Asian Eyes, May 2023.