The Uzbek Justice Ministry has rejected the opposition Birlik (Unity) movement\'s second attempt to register as a political party. The first registration attempt was rejected in October 2003. According to Birlik Secretary-General Vasila Inoyatova, the movement is eager to register so that it can participate as a party in parliamentary elections scheduled for the end of 2004. Without registration, Birlik members who want to run in the election will have to do so as independent candidates. Inoyatova said that some Birlik members have already started collecting the 50,000 signatures required for registration as an independent. (Deutsche Welle)