By empty (3/3/2003 issue of the CACI Analyst)

The State Department expressed concern Monday about several instances of harassment of journalists in Uzbekistan. Spokesman Richard Boucher cited in particular a case that involved Ergash Bobozhonov, a journalist and a member of the Birlik pro-democracy movement, who was arrested on charges related to several articles he wrote. He has since been released, but the charges have not been dropped, Boucher said.

By empty (3/3/2003 issue of the CACI Analyst)

The Uzbek Cabinet has issued a resolution on simplification of procedures for issuing visas to citizens of Austria, Spain and Switzerland visiting Uzbekistan. The move is aimed at boosting political, trade and economic, scientific, technical and cultural cooperation with these states, the resolution says. From now on the Uzbek Foreign Ministry\'s missions abroad will issue visas to citizens of the specified countries, who are visiting Uzbekistan on business, within two working days for the period of one year.

By empty (3/3/2003 issue of the CACI Analyst)

In his regular Monday radio address, Georgian President Eduard Shevardnadze criticized on 3 March parliament\'s failure on 27 February to ratify a defense-cooperation agreement signed with the United States late last year. Shevardnadze pointed out that the United States has contributed more over the past decade to strengthening Georgia\'s defensive potential than any other country. He said he hopes parliament will soon ratify the agreement.