Page 453 – The Times Of Central Asia

12 Dec 2024

Central Asia, Home, Uzbekistan, Uzbekistan Home, Local Politics, Features, Uzbekistan Local Politics

Uzbekistan Strengthens Criminal Penalties for Organising Mass Disturbances

December 12, 2024
By Sadokat Jalolova

On December 11, Uzbekistan’s Parliament, the Oliy Majlis, adopted a draft law amending Article 244 of the Criminal Code, which addresses mass riots. The amendments, passed in the first reading, aim to strengthen legal measures against organizing or financing mass disturbances.

Deputy Prosecutor General Svetlana Artikova explained the rationale behind the proposed changes, emphasizing the importance of protecting individuals, society, and the state during turbulent times.

“Is there criminal liability for training aimed at organizing mass disturbances or preparing weapons, explosives, or special devices for such purposes? In our opinion, there is,” Artikova stated. She highlighted that such actions threaten public safety and stability, warranting criminal accountability.

The draft law introduces two new provisions – parts 3 and 4 of Article 244 – focused on addressing these threats. Financing the organization of mass riots will also be explicitly recognized as a crime. According to Artikova, the amendments aim to safeguard the country’s peace and stability, serving as a preventive measure rather than an act of retribution.

“Whether online or offline, participating in such ‘training’ is about destroying our way of life,” she remarked.

The proposed amendments will not require extra funding from the state budget. The draft law has already been reviewed and approved by key government entities, including the Supreme Court, the State Security Service, and the Ministries of Economy and Finance, Internal Affairs, and Justice.

Details regarding the specific penalties for these offenses were not disclosed by the prosecutor’s office.

12 Dec 2024

Central Asia, Turkmenistan Home, Turkmenistan Life & Culture, Life & Culture, Turkmenistan, Turkmenistan Features, Features

Turkmenistan Bans Students from Celebrating New Year’s Eve

December 12, 2024
By Vagit Ismailov

Authorities in Turkmenistan have imposed strict measures preventing students and schoolchildren from celebrating New Year’s Eve, requiring them to sign written pledges to abstain from festivities. Students are prohibited from hosting or attending parties at home or in cafes and are barred from being outdoors during the celebration.

“Students have been forced to write forms stating they will not celebrate New Year’s Eve and will return to their dormitories after attending official events,” a source revealed. Violations of the ban are met with threats of expulsion. According to reports, older students in previous years were expelled for secretly hosting parties, serving as a warning to others.

Similar restrictions are being enforced in schools across Ashgabat, where festive parties have been banned following an order from the Ministry of Education. Teachers have been instructed to ensure compliance with these regulations.

Paradoxically, official state media in Turkmenistan are showcasing large-scale New Year preparations, including the lighting of the “Main Christmas Tree of the Country” on December 14. Despite the visible holiday decorations, New Year celebrations remain tightly controlled. Last year, schools and kindergartens canceled New Year events, and state institutions were prohibited from installing Christmas trees.

Local analysts attribute these stringent measures to the conservative policies of President Serdar Berdimuhamedov. Unlike his father, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, who was known for extravagant celebrations and even personal performances at New Year’s events, Serdar has opted for a more restrained and controlled approach.

The restrictions reflect the growing emphasis on regulation and conformity under Turkmenistan’s current leadership, casting a shadow over what was once a more festive and unifying holiday.

12 Dec 2024

Central Asia, Uzbekistan, Business & Economy, Uzbekistan International Affairs

Uzbekistan’s Debt to Russia Climbs Amid Rising Regional Loans

December 12, 2024
By Sadokat Jalolova

Russia’s foreign lending surged to over $30 billion in 2023, the highest level since 1999, with Egypt, Bangladesh, and India receiving the largest new loans. Uzbekistan also saw a notable rise in its debt to Russia during the year.

Uzbekistan’s debt to Russia increased by $41.3 million in 2023, contributing to the overall growth in the country’s financial obligations to foreign lenders.

Russia’s Top Debtors

Belarus remains Russia’s largest debtor, with $7.75 billion in loans, accounting for 25% of Russia’s total foreign lending. Bangladesh follows with $6.6 billion (22%), and India ranks third with $4.1 billion (14%). Other significant borrowers include Egypt, which owes $3.3 billion (11%), and Vietnam at $1.4 billion (5%).

Egypt experienced the largest debt increase in 2023, with an additional $1.45 billion borrowed from Russia. Bangladesh and India saw increases of $745 million and $363 million, respectively. Afghanistan’s debt to Russia grew by $19.9 million, while smaller increments were recorded in countries like Zambia, Yemen, Sri Lanka, Ecuador, Sudan, and Moldova, which collectively added $26.54 million in debt.

Uzbekistan’s Broader Debt Outlook

As previously reported by The Times of Central Asia, Uzbekistan’s public debt is projected to reach $45.1 billion by the end of 2025, equivalent to 36.7% of the country’s GDP. By the end of 2023, public debt is expected to stand at $39.7 billion.

The Uzbek government’s budget for 2025 highlights significant fiscal commitments, with 52% – amounting to $27.02 billion – allocated to social programs, reflecting the government’s emphasis on social spending.

12 Dec 2024

Central Asia, Home, International Affairs, Kazakhstan, Kazakhstan International Affairs, Features, Kazakhstan Featurees, Kazakhstan Home

U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Daniel Rosenblum Resigns

December 12, 2024
By Vagit Ismailov

U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan Daniel Rosenblum has announced his resignation, effective January 20, 2025. His departure coincides with similar resignations by U.S. Ambassadors Philip Goldberg in South Korea and Mark Libby in Azerbaijan, all stepping down from diplomatic service. The timing of these resignations has sparked speculation, as it aligns with the start of a new presidential term for Donald Trump.

End of a Distinguished Career

Rosenblum informed the Kazakh government of his decision on November 26, concluding a nearly 28-year career with the U.S. State Department. He has served as Chief of Mission in Kazakhstan since November 2022, representing the United States through five presidential administrations and eight secretaries of state.

“It has been a tremendous honor to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan. I have developed a deep respect for the country’s culture, traditions, and people,” Rosenblum said.

Under his tenure, bilateral relations flourished, with progress in trade, investment, cultural exchange, university partnerships, and security cooperation. Rosenblum also emphasized his admiration for Kazakhstan’s family-oriented values and expressed optimism about its future:

“Kazakhstan’s future is bright, and its opportunities are virtually limitless because the country is built on strong family traditions,” he remarked.

While Rosenblum plans to retire from the State Department, he expressed a desire to return to Central Asia, possibly as a tourist or in another capacity.

Transition at the U.S. Embassy

Deputy Chief of Mission Deborah Robinson will serve as Chargé d’Affaires until a new ambassador is appointed and confirmed. The U.S. Consul General in Almaty, Michelle Erkin, will also continue her work. Rosenblum’s predecessor, William Moser, ended his term in September 2021, preceding Rosenblum’s appointment in late 2022.

Resignations in South Korea and Azerbaijan

Rosenblum’s resignation coincides with similar announcements by Philip Goldberg, U.S. Ambassador to South Korea, and Mark Libby, U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan. Goldberg, who has served in diplomatic roles for nearly 35 years, plans to step down in January 2025. His tenure in South Korea began in July 2022, during the administration of President Yoon Suk-Yeol, and was marked by efforts to strengthen the U.S.-Korea alliance and enhance trilateral cooperation with Japan.

Mark Libby’s resignation reflects similar timing, with discussions focusing on the alignment of these departures with the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency.

A Broader Diplomatic Crisis?

These resignations occur against the backdrop of challenges in the U.S. diplomatic service, highlighted in a report by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The report detailed staffing issues during Trump’s first term, with several key State Department positions either unfilled or held by interim appointees.

The conclusion of Rosenblum’s distinguished career marks the end of a productive chapter in U.S.-Kazakh relations, leaving his successor with the task of continuing to foster this important bilateral partnership.

11 Dec 2024

Central Asia, Kazakhstan Local Politics, Kazakhstan, Business & Economy, Kazakhstan Business & Economy

Kazakhstan Faces Doubling of Construction Industry Labor Shortage by 2030

February 4, 2025
By Dmitry Pokidaev

Kazakhstan’s construction sector is grappling with a significant labor shortage, with approximately 111,000 positions currently unfilled. Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov warned at a recent government meeting that this figure is expected to double by 2030, forecasting a deficit of over 200,000 skilled workers in the industry.

Bektenov highlighted that the most affected roles include plasterers, painters, welders, masons, and concrete workers – essential positions for the sector’s operations.

While the construction industry ranks third among sectors facing workforce shortages, it holds a critical place in Kazakhstan’s economy. According to government forecasts, education leads in expected vacancies, with 331,000 unfilled positions projected by 2030, followed by trade at 228,000. Despite ranking behind these sectors in terms of unmet demand, construction contributes the most to Kazakhstan’s GDP among the three, accounting for 5.6% of the country’s total economic output, according to the Ministry of Industry and Construction.

This looming shortage poses challenges to sustaining growth in a sector vital to the nation’s development and economic stability.

11 Dec 2024

Central Asia, Environment, Tajikistan Life & Culture, Tajikistan, Tajikistan Environment

Endangered Great Bustard Named Tajikistan’s Bird of the Year

December 11, 2024
By Vagit Ismailov

The great bustard, also known as the red-breasted bustard, has been named the bird of the year for 2025 in Tajikistan. The decision, announced on December 11, followed a vote by the National Academy of Sciences.

The rare bird, locally called dugdogi zebo, is listed in both the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List and the Red Book of Tajikistan, signifying its endangered status.

Since 2007, Tajikistan has annually designated a bird of the year to raise awareness about avian conservation. Previous honorees include an owl, corncrake, pheasant, paradise flycatcher, Tibetan eagle, peregrine falcon, white stork, and oriole. The common turtle dove has held the title this year.

The great bustard resides in Tajikistan as both a breeding and migratory species. Experts estimate that only 23 breeding pairs inhabit the country, though the population temporarily rises to 50-60 individuals during migration periods. Slightly larger than a domestic hen, male great bustards have a body length of 65-75 cm and weigh between 1.8 and 3.2 kg, significantly smaller than the common bustard, which can weigh up to 15 kg.

Omnivorous by nature, the bird’s diet includes fruits, seeds, leaves, flowers, locusts, beetles, and small reptiles. Known for their cautious behavior, great bustards avoid human contact and prefer to hide or flee when threatened. Their average lifespan in the wild is approximately 20 years.

Globally, the International Bustard Conservation Foundation, supported by the UAE government, leads efforts to protect the species. To date, the foundation has bred over 480,000 bustards in captivity and released 285,000 into the wild.

In Kazakhstan, the foundation releases great bustards into the wild while simultaneously issuing hunting licenses for $1,280 per bird, catering to Arab hunters. Uzbekistan hosts an Emirati conservation center in the Kyzylkum Desert, dedicated to breeding and protecting the species, as well as releasing them into their natural habitat.

Despite these international initiatives, Tajikistan has yet to leverage Arab funding or hunting tourism to support conservation efforts. Utilizing such resources could bolster the great bustard population while generating additional economic benefits.