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16 january. In order to organize preparation of highly qualified specialists meeting international standards, to create conditions for the effective use of talented youth in social-economic development of the country, and to further broaden cooperation with leading educational institutions in the developed countries, the Cabinet of Ministers issued a resolution “On organization of the International Westminster University in Tashkent” |
The law “On freedom of conscience and religious organizations” is the legal basis for freedom of religion and is an important factor in the further strengthening of the status of the orthodox faith here.
There are dozens of orthodox churches, as well as monasteries for men and women, and spiritual colleges.
12 february. In Tashkent the annual meeting of the International forum of the republics of Central Asia and Kazakhstan on protecting the health of mothers and children was held in cooperation with UNICEF.
22 march. In Tashkent, the new conservatory was officially opened. At the ceremony, President Islam Karimov spoke.
“The opening of the new building of the conservatory in our glorious capital Tashkent is a joyous event which fills the hearts of not only artists, but each citizen living here,” said Islam Karimov. “The conservatory, which has a 65 year tradition, has made a great contribution to the cultural life of the country.”
“Each person upon seeing the new conservatory must recognize that it is a great building that beautifies the city. At the end of the ceremony, President Karimov met with the media.
10 april. The UNESCO City of the year award went to Bukhara this year. It was awarded in Morocco by the UNESCO General director Koichiro Matsuur. This award is given once every 2 years to one of five finalists. In the 2000-2001 competition, 76 cities were considered. The award was established in 1996 to recognize cities which have achieved good results in popularizing the idea of world culture, strengthening social cohesion, raising the standard of living, and developing international intercity cooperation.
Bukhara was given the award for preserving and restoring its historical monuments, strengthening social cohesion and tolerance of various nationalities and religious views.
28 august. The Spanish university Alkala de Enarez was founded in 1293. Now 22700 students study there. In 1998 UNESCO made the university a world heritage site. Its highest award is the Sisneros medal, which has been awarded to King Juan Carlos, UN General Secretary Kofi Annan, and Shimon Perez.
Manuel Gala Munos awarded President Islam Karimov with the Sisneros medal in a ceremony in Tashkent, which comes shortly after Vaseda University in Tokyo awarded President Islam Karimov an honorary doctorate.
Both awards were made to honor President Islam Karimov’s work in promoting higher education.
Alkala de Enarez University signed an agreement in 1996 with the Uzbek state university of world languages. Dozens of Uzbek teachers and students have studied there since then.
31 august. President Islam Karimov took part in events at the memorial complex "Shakhidlar khotirasi" on the Day of remembering the victims of repression. He saw the museum “Memories of victims of repression.”
“The politics of colonialism always bring the people suffering and humiliation,” said President Islam Karimov. “Our people suffered terribly during many years. Thousands of innocent, true sons of the people were victims. The people respect their history and ancestors at all times. This is one of the main factors in the people’s self-recognition.”
10 september. The President’s Cup international tennis tournament has opened in Tashkent. At the Uzbekistan sports complex, the official opening took place. President Islam Karimov took part.
“This is a big sports holiday,” said President Islam Karimov. “This tournament has won great popularity in a short time. It has allowed thousands of sportsmen fr om around the world to get to know and love Tashkent.
“Millions of tennis fans can read about and watch it on TV, and learn about Uzbekistan.
2 october. In Pusan’s Olympic village, Uzbekistan’s delegation of 214 persons settled in. This is the 10th Asian games for Uzbekistan. Our athletes will compete in 24 areas, including basketball, gymnastics, karate and table tennis.
In Hiroshima in 1994 121 Uzbek athletes took part, in Bangkok in 1998 – 178. In Japan, our athletes won 10 gold, 11 silver and 21 bronze medals.
In Pusan, 18,000 athletes from 43 countries are taking part, competing for 420 medals. Uzbek boxers, tennis players, judoists, and wrestlers are likely to win medals.
2 october. In Pusan’s Olympic village, Uzbekistan’s delegation of 214 persons settled in. This is the 10th Asian games for Uzbekistan. Our athletes will compete in 24 areas, including basketball, gymnastics, karate and table tennis.
In Hiroshima in 1994 121 Uzbek athletes took part, in Bangkok in 1998 – 178. In Japan, our athletes won 10 gold, 11 silver and 21 bronze medals.
In Pusan, 18,000 athletes from 43 countries are taking part, competing for 420 medals. Uzbek boxers, tennis players, judoists, and wrestlers are likely to win medals.
24 october. In accordance with the National program for training specialists and in order to guarantee the development of mass children’s sport as a vital condition in the formation of physical and spiritual health of the new generation, President Islam Karimov singed the decree “On the creation of the fund for development of children’s sport of Uzbekistan.”
1 november. The 2700th anniversary of Shakhrisiabs is now being celebrated widely. President Islam Karimov visited Shakhrisiabs and first visited the Koktumbaz mosque, which was recently restored.
President Islam Karimov was pleased that this was done, as he previously visited Shakhrisiabs on October 14 and had recommended it.
President Islam Karimov then visited Amir Temur Square, wh ere the main celebrations are taking place.
Ancient Kesh has seen many festivals during its long history. However this festival differs from previous ones in its size and beauty. A large amphitheater was filled with representatives from all provinces, international organizations, activists, ambassadors and the press.
President Islam Karimov greeted the participants in the ceremony. The UNESCO representative in Uzbekistan, Barry Lane, greeted those gathered on behalf of the general director of UNESCO Koichiro Matsuura, and praised the role of ancient Kesh in the progress of humanity. There was a concert later, which included a depiction of the ancient and glorious history of Kesh, as well as its present day.
12 december. Recently the authoritative independent US Pew research center published its 2002 social opinion survey “Global social relations,» based on interviews with 44 key countries around the world. These included the CIS countries Uzbekistan, Russia and Ukraine.
Results showed that President Islam Karimov has the highest rating by a country’s citizens of its president – 95%. President Putin has 85%, President Bush – 71%, President Chirac – 62%, Chancellor Schroeder – 57%, Prime Minister Blair – 54%, and President Kuchma – 33%. 62% of Uzbek citizens said the current economic situation is very favorable, the 4th highest after China (92%), Canada (70%) and the UK (65%). In Russia the figure was only 13%, and in Ukraine – 10%.
As for satisfaction with life, 69% of citizens of Uzbekistan said they were satisfied with life in Uzbekistan. For Canada, this figure was 56%, China – 48%, the US – 41%, the Czech Republic – 36%, the UK – 32%, Russia – 20% and Ukraine – 10%.
This survey is widely used by political leaders and researchers, both official and unofficial, and is widely reported. It shows the correctness and success of Uzbekistan’s independent path of development and the support of the people for the reforms of President Islam Karimov.