On March 8, 2013 has gifted six facsimiles of the Oxus Treasury to the National Museum of Tajikistan for its Opening Ceremony which is due in coming days.

The leadership of the Museum handed over 6 facsimiles of the treasure to the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Tajikistan to the United Kingdom and Northern Ireland H.E. Erkin Kasymov.

During the meeting, issues related to establishing bilateral cooperation between Museums of Tajikistan and British Museum were discussed, with particular focus on further collaboration on assisting newly established National Museum of Tajikistan with training its personnel.

The Oxus Treasure in the British Museum

"The Oxus Treasure in the British Museum is one of the most important collections of objects of precious metal belonging to the period of the Achaemenid Empire of the sixth-fourth centuries BC and found in the nineteenth century within the modern territory of Tajikistan.

These objects were discovered over the space of three or four years, between about 1876 and 1880, at the archaeological site now called Takht-i Kuwad which lies on the north bank of the Amu dar’ya. This site and traditional ferry-point across the river lies close to the confluence of the rivers Vakhsh and Pyandzh, and the collection soon became known as the Oxus Treasure after the ancient name of the Amu dar’ya.

The objects were sold by local villagers to a group of Bukharan merchants who passed through in May 1880. While they were travelling between Kabul and Peshawar these merchants were attacked and taken prisoner by local robbers. News soon reached the British authorities and Captain Francis Burton, a political officer in the Kabul region, rode in pursuit and succeeded in negotiating the release and safe passage of the merchants. In return they presented him with a magnificent gold armlet with griffin head terminals originally been encrusted with coloured inlays. When the merchants reached Rawalpindi they sold the remainder of the treasure. An unknown number of pieces remain dispersed but many were rapidly bought up by Major-General Sir Alexander Cunningham, then Director-General of the Archaeological Survey of India Department of the Government of India, who presented some and sold the remainder to Sir Augustus Wollaston Franks, a curator in the British Museum. Franks bequeathed his entire collection, including the Oxus Treasure, to the British Museum when he died in 1897. The Oxus Treasure was soon afterwards placed on public display where it remains a centrepiece of the new permanent exhibition in the Rahim Irvani Gallery for Ancient Iran.

The Oxus Treasure consists of over 180 objects, almost all of silver, gilt silver or gold. These fall into several quite different types of object. The largest group, totalling 51 pieces, consists of thin gold sheet plaques with engravings mostly showing male (rarely female) dedicants grasping offerings, flowers or bundles of twigs resembling the barsom sticks of Zoroastrian ritual. All of these plaques appear to have been previously folded or rolled and this is very common for ex-voto offerings left by worshippers, in this case perhaps left in a temple and a small number of fragmentary gold-covered iron rods from the same collection have been interpreted by one Russian scholar as symbolic barsoms. The second largest category consists of personal adornments, including bracelets, armlets, torcs, beads and clothing appliqués. Many of these are incomplete, missing their original coloured inlays of semi-precious stones and glass, or cut and twisted. When the pieces were first published in 1905 it was suggested that this damage was the result of the robbers attempting to divide their spoils, but the possibility remains that some may reflect ancient recycling before the treasure was hidden.

There are some individually spectacular pieces in the Treasure. There are gold and silver tablewares, including bowls, a jug and a hollow fish-shaped flask which resembles a variety of carp still known from the region. There is also a gold chariot model with the front of the chariot decorated with the head of the Egyptian dwarf-god Bes who was very popular across the Persian empire as a protective figure. A decorated gold scabbard belongs to a type of short sword commonly depicted on carved stone palace reliefs at Persepolis (Takht-i Jamshid) in Iran and known in ancient times as an akinakes. There are also a small number of gold and silver statuettes, some in Persian or Median dress, and occasionally clutching barsom sticks as on the plaques. These support the idea that some objects had been made specially to be dedicated as symbols of personal belief to an important temple. The remainder were worn or used as personal items and therefore might have been offered not only because they were private possessions but also because of the value they held by being made of precious metal.

A large number of the objects in the Oxus Treasure have been examined scientifically to see how they were made. The gold items were made using native alluvial gold to which a small amount of copper had been added. Although gold cannot be sourced there is a strong possibility that some of these objects were made in Bactria and the exploitation of gold-bearing sands (as well as lapis lazuli from Badakhshan) from the upper Amu dar’ya is hinted at in the “Foundation Charter” of the Achaemenid ruler Darius I from Susa:

“And gold from Sardis and Bactria was brought, that which was worked here. And the precious stones which [were] lapis lazuli and also carnelian, which were worked here, from Sogdiana were brought”.

However, a few items are of non-Achaemenid style, including a pair of bracelets and a brooch which are similar to the “Animal Style” art of the Scythians and others are likely to have been imported from other parts of the Persian empire. Further research is planned on these and other objects in order to throw more light on this very important collection.

The Oxus Treasure is more than simply a collection of beautiful objects. It is the largest single group of precious metal objects other than coins to be found within the territories of the Achaemenid Persian empire and it provides a wealth of evidence for the high level of craftsmanship and contact at this period."

by Dr St J. Simpson

Assistant Keeper (curator for ancient Iran & Arabia) Department of the Middle East ofthe British Museum

On 17 January 2013 a joint ceremony of presentation of the book titled “The Tajik Golden Heritage” authored by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the country Hamrokhon Zarifi was held at the initiative of the Embassy of the Republic of Tajikistan in the United States of America in the grand hall of the Jefferson building of the U.S. Congress Library in Washington D.C.

The event was attended by the guests and high-ranking representatives of state, private and cultural structures of the United States, including Jeffrey Payatt – First Deputy Assistant of the U.S. Secretary of State, Ms. Roberta Shaffer – Deputy Director of the U.S. Congress Library, Dr. Frederic Starr – Director of the U.S. University named after John Hopkins, Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad – former U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN and Ambassador of this country to Iraq, Dr. Ahmad Karimi Hakkak – professor of Iranology section of the University of Maryland state, Glen Howard – President of Jamestown Foundation, John O’Kif – Executive Director of Open World Leadership Center, Gerard J. Jenko – President of EurAsia Center, Marina Barnett – representative of Carnegie Foundation, Victor Shiblie – chief editor of Washington Diplomat magazine, Dan Davidson – President of American Councils for International Education, John Quinn – ABC TV channel and NewsChannel 8 correspondent, Jen du Plein – head of Cultural Tourism DC company, as well as high-level representatives of Congress, scientists and researchers, ambassadors of Central Asia and CIS countries, leaders of Tajik diasporas, compatriots and U.S. mass media.

The activity was opened by the Head of Middle East and Africa section of the U.S. Congress Library Mary-Jane Deeb, who thanked those present for their participation in the presentation of a new edition of the book “The Tajik Golden Heritage” in the Congress Library.

During her speech the Deputy Director of the U.S. Congress Library Roberta Shaffer expressed joy that the presentation of this unique book is being conducted in the U.S. Congress Library. In her view, the holding of such events allows to strengthen the cooperation with Tajikistan. She noted that the development of mutual partnership is important for enrichment of the Library’s resources, as more than 60% of its material represents the languages, cultures and nations of the world.

Then Roberta Shaffer informed that the library’s materials related to Tajikistan date back to the beginning of the USSR period and the resources are kept in different forms, such as newspapers, tapes, monographs, dictionaries, grammar, maps, photos, audio-recordings, etc. This great collection is accessible to all the people of the world.

She added that the resources of the library include the collection of magazines of Tajikistan’s Union of Writers from 1954 and over 124 works of the Tajik authors, published with Arabic script. “We also have Tajik language-related literature in Russian, English, German and French. Existing manuscripts are exponents of national Tajik traditions and they are very interesting. We believe that we satisfy the needs of scientists and students in this direction”, - she said.

In his report Jeffrey Payatt – Deputy Assistant to the U.S. Secretary of State noted that “I am proud to attend the ceremony of presentation of the mentioned book in the Congress Library. The book reflects the great history of the region and highlights that the Great Silk Road is not a new concept for us. The initiative “New Silk Road” which was proposed by us three years ago proceeds from this historical tradition. I would like to acknowledge that the book by Hamrokhon Zarifi “The Tajik Golden Heritage” is a memory from the rich treasury of Tajiks and merits to be kept in this great house of our cultural heritage – Congress Library”.

He added that today the United States and Tajikistan have strong bilateral relationships. “We take a pride in the fact that the United States were among the first countries to officially recognize the independence of Tajikistan”.

He also stressed that Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad attends the event who is well informed about the history and constructive role of Tajikistan in the region. J.Payatt highly commended the contribution of Tajikistan in ensuring economic progress and stability in the neighboring country and stated that the role of Tajikistan in the development of Afghanistan is remarkable.

Ambassador of Tajikistan to the U.S. N. Shamsov, with reference to achievements of Tajikistan in the domain of development of national culture and art of Tajiks over the independence years, stated that political leadership and the Government of the country taking into account the significance of this subject consistently takes efforts to protect material and spiritual heritage of the Tajik people and to further develop it.

The President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon during his annual address to the country’s parliament highly evaluated the status and traditional role of art and culture among the Ефошлы and stressed its important role in the development of social life of people and formation of national spirituality. Opening of new National Library, continuation of construction of National Museum and establishment of several scientific-cultural institutions clearly demonstrate the care and consistency of the Tajik Government in developing ancient art and culture of Tajiks.

Afterwards, Ms. Jasmine Khan – researcher of the U.S. Congress Library spoke substantively on the process of cooperation between the mentioned institution and the Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Tajikistan in the area of study of manuscripts and scriptural legacy of Tajiks.

Former U.S. Permanent Representative to the UN and the Ambassador of this country to Iraq Zalmay Khalilzad noted during his interview to the journalists that “Today was a good day for me, as a book on the civilization of Tajikistan was presented in Washington D.C. in U.S. Congress Library. I personally enjoyed this civilization and really Tajikistan’s civilization is a golden element of the civilization of the region.

When Europe was in the middle age, this region was the center of civilization of the whole world. But, unfortunately the world’s population does not have enough information about the culture and history of this region. It is a good opportunity for the American people and all those who need this Library for composition and collection of information to use this book. I felicitate this day and this book to H.E. Mr. President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan, Tajik people and the whole region, which share single culture and civilization”.

The Director of the University named after John Hopkins Dr. Frederic Starr during his interview, referring to the book “The Tajik Golden Heritage” said in particular that “Today’s event is a celebration of holiday of ancient civilization of Tajiks. The event is not a part or relation to something, but a strong demonstration of development of national self-consciousness, great treasury of Persian-language people’s civilization and legacy of Eastern Iran which has the history of 3-4 thousand years. The book covers the works of Islamic and Pre-Islamic civilizations and reflects the elements of everyday life and culture of Tajiks. This book is unique and rare and it is worth to be presented, as it is a good symbol of enhancing relations between Tajikistan and the United States in 2013”.

Professor of Maryland University, Ahmad Karimi Hakkak expressed his opinion on the mentioned book in the following way: “I am very glad to witness the holding of ceremony of presentation of a really golden book of Tajikistan today in the Congress Library. It is a very appropriate and suitable place for Tajikistan and Congress Library. I congratulate the entire Tajik people and Mr. Zarifi who worked hard on this book and with whom we have a close friendship. Tajikistan that is newly represented to the world community, has not still occupied its worthy place in the minds of the world population. But those steps, such as this book makes high steps are very comprehensive and I congratulate all Tajiks that have such cultural heritage”.

Ambassador and founder of Open World Leadership Center O’Kif stated that “the book authored by Mr. Zarifi, Minister of Foreign Affairs, is extraordinary. One of the important subjects reflected by the book is the influence of great culture of Ефошлы in the region. Presence of this culture in scientific circles, big museums of the world is an exponent of spread of Tajik culture in the world, which appears everywhere. Tajiks should be proud of their great and rich history”.

After the end of official part of the event, a slide-show and an official ceremony of handing of copies of the book to the U.S. Congress Library have been conducted. The leadership of the Library announced that comprehensive information on the book “The Tajik Golden Heritage” and video film on today’s joint event will be placed in two websites of the Library for the use of numerous readers.

At the end of the event the guests were presented with copies of “The Tajik Golden Heritage” book and a diplomatic reception was held on the occasion of its presentation.

It should be mentioned that this book has been published in Tajik, Russian, Persian, Arabic, Chinese, English, French, and German languages. More than 500 rare items are proposed to the readers in this book, a part of which is kept in historical museums of Tajikistan, another part – in foreign museums and a part at the disposal of private collectioners. 16 ancient exemplars are taken from the collection of the author, which are mainly family legacy, and the author himself has added to this collection some pieces.

The chapters of the book “The Tajik Golden Heritage” are devoted to the Oxus Treasure, the Silk Road, painting, the art of the miniature, jewellery, visual arts in architecture, pottery, national costumes, embroidery, and musical instruments of the past centuries and many other exemplars of the Tajik arts and crafts.

The author of the book also stresses the role of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon in the revival and development of national arts and popular crafts, particularly in their practical use in the training of relevant specialists.

The book by Hamrokhon Zarifi composed of over 400 pages has been printed in 21 thousand copies in the respected publishing houses of the world – The Ethnic Publishing House of China, Wostok Verlag of Germany, Big Media Group of Belgium and IMAK of Turkey. Moreover, up to date the presentation of the book “The Tajik Golden Heritage” has been held in China, France, Belgium and Germany.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Hamrokhon Zarifi has presented the readers with a book titled "The Tajik Golden Heritage" which has gathered the unique exemplars of Tajiks arts and crafts from the most ancient times to the present.

The book has been published in Tajik, Russian, Persian, Arabic, Chinese, English, French and German languages. Over 500 pictures of rare museum valuables presented to the readers are both in the historical museums of Tajikistan and in the foreign museums, as well as a part of them is taken from the gatherings of private collectors. 16 ancient exhibits are from the family collection of Hamrokhon Zarifi.

Although "The Tajik Golden Heritage" has also been published in Tajik, the book is mainly focused on the world community.

Hamrokhon Zarifi, the author of "The Tajik Golden Heritage" highlights in the foreword to his book that this work reflects a deep view on the culture and history of Tajiks and shows the role of Tajiks in the world culture. "I tried my best for the world community to acquire better notion of the ancient Tajiks and the Tajiks of nowadays, I tried to show the links and ties of the world civilization with the Tajik culture".

The chapters of the book "The Tajik Golden Heritage" are devoted to the Oxus Treasure, the Silk Road, painting, the art of the miniature, jewellery, visual arts in architecture, national costumes, embroidery, and national instruments of the past centuries and many other exemplars of the Tajik arts and crafts. The Oxus Treasure is a collection comprising 1300 coins (the most ancient of which dates back to 200 century B.C.), 177 golden and silver items – pottery, statuettes, bracelets and other items which date back to the period of rule of the Achaemenid (Hakhamaneshi) dynasty and Greco-Bactrian reign. These legendary treasures were found in 1877 in the ruins of an old city beside the stream channel of Amudarya river, on the territory of ancient Bactria (current Tajikistan). A part of this important cultural discovery is kept in the British Museum. Several years ago Great Britain passed copies of this unique finding on to Tajikistan, but currently the copies of some exhibits of the Oxus Treasure are being prepared for the National Museum of Tajikistan.

The author of the book also stresses the role of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon in the revival and development of national arts and popular crafts, particularly in their practical use in the training of relevant specialists. According to him, during the recent years a number of colleges and training centers have been established in Tajikistan, which play an important role in the protection of valuable legacy of ancestors and discovery of new styles of handicrafts.

The book by Hamrokhon Zarifi composed of over 400 pages has been printed in 21 thousand copies in the respected publishing houses of the world – The Ethnic Publishing House of China, Wostok Verlag of Germany, Big Media Group of Belgium and IMAK of Turkey.

Last month the UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova took decision to decorate the author of the book with a golden medal of UNESCO for a worthy contribution to promotion of ancient culture of the Tajik people.

Source:

http://www.ozodi.org/content/tajik-foreign-minister-published-book-on-tajik-heritage/24798665.html

WTO: 2012 NEWS ITEMS

10 December 2012

ACCESSIONS WTO approves Tajikistan’s membership The General Council today (10 December 2012) paved the way for Tajikistan’s membership of the WTO by approving its accession package. Tajikistan would have to ratify the deal by 7 June 2013 and would become a WTO member 30 days after the ratification “Once Tajikistan completes its domestic ratification procedures, it will become the 159th member of the WTO family. For Tajikistan, a small and landlocked country, WTO accession is a road leading to the world economy. For the WTO, it is another step towards universality and a sign of confidence in the values and benefits of the multilateral trading system,” said Director-General Pascal Lamy. Tajikistan’s President, Emomali Rahmon declared “Today constitutes a landmark in Tajikistan's history and lays solid foundations for further promotion of sustainable social and economic growth. Applying for WTO membership 11 years ago was the right step forward for Tajikistan as it transforms itself into a market economy. Tajikistan will use its WTO membership as a means of fostering future economic growth and prosperity”. WTO members congratulated Tajikistan for completing its accession process. Tajikistan applied for WTO membership on 29 May 2001 and the Working Party concluded the negotiations on 26 October 2012. Tajikistan’s accession package contains the Working Party report outlining its reformed trade regime and its commitments as a WTO member, its market access schedules on goods and services, the General Council Decision and the Protocol of Accession.

Source: http://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news12_e/acc_tjk_10dec12_e.htm

The President of the Republic of Tajikistan H.E. Emomali Rahmon arrived in Geneva, Swiss Confederation for his working visit.

During his visit he will attend and speak at the meeting of the General Council of the World Trade Organization on the issue of accession of the Republic of Tajikistan to WTO.

It should be recalled that today 157 countries are the members of the World Trade Organization and after the accession of the Republic of Tajikistan the number of its member states will reach 158.

The contribution of the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon to accession of Tajikistan to WTO has been crucial. The Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, with consideration of necessity and significance of membership in this organisation, sent a request letter to the Secretariat of the WTO for membership in the World Trade Organization in 2001. The WTO General Council in its session proposed observer status to the Republic of Tajikistan and a Working Group on the review of issue of accession of the Republic of Tajikistan to WTO was established. Since 2001 the Republic of Tajikistan has been actively participating in the WTO General Council meetings as an observer state.

Historic event – ceremony of accession of the Republic of Tajikistan to the World Trade Organization will be held on the 10th of December current year at the WTO headquarters in Geneva.

It is scheduled that the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon will have a tete-a-tete meeting with WTO Director-General Pascal Lamy in the framework of the General Council session

In his trip Emomali Rahmon is accompanied by the First Deputy Prime-Minister Matlubkhon Davlatov, State Counselor of the President on foreign policy Erkin Rahmatulloev, Minister of Economic Development and Trade Sharif Rahimzoda, the Chairman of the Committee on energy, industry, construction and communication of the Majlisi Milli (upper chamber of parliament) of Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan Amir Kataev and other officials.

Fully-Funded Scholarships to theUniversity of Oxford

WEIDENFELD SCHOLARSHIPS AND LEADERSHIP PROGRAMME

The Weidenfeld Scholarships and Leadership Programme, run by the Institute for StrategicDialogue, provides outstanding graduate students and young professionals with the opportunityto pursue fully-funded graduate studies at the University of Oxford. The scholarship iscomplemented by a comprehensive programme of leadership skills development.

Who is eligible?

• Exceptional graduate students and young professionals with demonstrated leadershippotential and a commitment to public service in their countries and regions of origin

• Students from Europe’s wider neighbourhood including Central and Eastern Europe,the Balkans, the Caucasus, Russia, Central Asia, North Africa and the MiddleEast (for the complete list of eligible countries, please follow the link below)Which courses are covered?

• The Weidenfeld-Roland Berger Scholarships are intended for students focussing theirstudies, in any graduate course of their choice, on the advancement of human rightsand human dignity

• The Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Scholarships are aimed at those devoting their studies andprofessional careers to international development or environmental managementand conservation (a specific list of courses is available under the link below)What does it include?

• 100% of university and college fees and a grant covering living costs• The Scholarships and Leadership Programme also includes a comprehensiveprogramme of leadership development, long-term mentoring and networking

When to apply:

• 4 January 2013 for International Relations, Medical Science and Philosophy

• 18 January 2013 for all other subjects

For more on how to apply, please go to www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/scholarships

For more on the Scholarships Programme, go to www.strategicdialogue.org or 

 email theInstitute for Strategic Dialogue at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

President of the country Emomali Rahmon has paid a working visit to the  Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast  of Tajikistan in order to get familiarized with the situation in the ground and undertake necessary measures for further development of this mountainous region of the republic. 

During this trip the Head of State Emomali Rahmon visited Khorugh city and  Shugnon District  as well as number of other districts of this region. Four modern buildings have been put in commission in Shugnon , which demonstrated the continuation of stable and rapid construction of a new administrative center of Shughnon district: The building of representation of the Service for State Supervision of Pharmaceutical Activities, new branch of State Savings Bank “Amonatbonk”, branch of “Tojiksodirotbonk” bank and a new building of executive body of local state authority of Shughnon district are among them.

On the same day the President of the country Emomali Rahmon also initiated the construction of a number of new facilities in Khorugh city and put in commission a number of other facilities.

In Khorugh firstly the Head of State Emomali Rahmon visited the border detachment and initiated the construction of a number of its new buildings, including administrative building, new educational centre, two six-stored residential buildings with 48 apartments for law enforcement officers, sports field and a park for vehicles and military machinery. Emomali Rahmon highlighted that all these buildings will be put in commission before November 2013.

Moreover, an implementation of water-supply project for Khorugh city has been officially launched. The total budget of this project is 17 million 222 thousand Somoni. With the completetion of first phase pure drinking water will be supplied to Khorugh city from Boghivdara site of Shughnon district which is situated in about 15 km.

A big clothing factory has also been put in commission in Khorugh city, where around 200 persons will be permanently employed. This enterprise has been constructed by the Agency of Special Property Supply under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan, and there mainly sewing of military clothing for law enforcement officers, blankets and other garments will be carried out.

Furthermore, President  E. Rahmon during his visit to the region held a working meeting with leaders and activists of Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast in the central cultural and recreation park of Khorugh city. The issues related to socio-economic and cultural development of the region during the years of state independence of Tajikistan and recent years have been generally considered and analyzed, as well as goals and tasks for future have been defined at the meeting.

During his speech, the Head of State compared the indicators of socio-economic development of the region in ‘90s of the last century and 10-11 recent years. It was noted in particular that from 1992 to 2000 totally 40 million Somoni and in 2001-2012 4 billion 646 million Somoni have been allocated for the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region from the republican sources.

The analysis of criminal situation of the region and ways to improve it occupied an important place in the substantial speech of the Head of State. In particular concerns were raised over the increase of criminality in recent years, especially in Khorugh city. It was said that the number of crimes related to arms smuggling, trafficking of drugs, precious stones, and the number of drug addicted have increased in recent years. The heads of law enforcement bodies have been instructed to establish special structures on fight against trafficking of precious stones in these bodies and strengthen works in this area.

 

Embassy of Tajikistan to the United Kingdom

of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

PRESS RELEASE

July 28, 2012

On the Khorog’s Events

On the 21 July around 17.30 near Navodak settlement of Khorog Head of Department of the State Committee on National Security General Nazarov Abdullo was killed by striking several knife wound to chest and head by unknown armed group of 15-20 people. Accompanying him representatives of Department of the State Committee on National Security O.Aubov, S.Rajabov, I.Huseynov and driver Sh. Davlatbekov were beaten. Attackers under the threat of violence have seized their weapons (1 machine gun and 2 handguns) and disappeared from the scene of the crime. Upon this fact Prosecutors’ office of Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast(GBAO) has instituted proceeding based on articles: “murder committed with severe cruelty in connection with official activities based on mercenary motives on hire, contingent with robbery with a purpose of hiding other criminal action”; “misappropriation of weapons, munitions, explosive agents and devices committed by organized group forcibly action dangerous for life of health”; and “application of force against representatives of the authorities dangerous for life and health”. 

Preliminary investigation showed that this crime was committed by the members of illegal armed group headed by former member of United Tajik Opposition armed unit, resident of Khorog, commander of Ishkashim frontier brigade Ayombekov Tolibbek.

It should be noticed that after cessation of civil war T.A. Ayombekov notwithstanding that he was integrated into government law enforcement structures of Tajikistan, not only did not return weapons belonged to him and members of his group, but secretly formed illegal armed group.

Leaders of other three organized criminal groups headed by Imomnazarov I, Mahmadbakirov R. and Mahmadaslamov Y. has maintained contacts with Ayombekov.

Leaders of those organized criminal groups has gathered around them criminal youth, who under their leadership have committed more than 20 registered heinous and very heinous crimes, as gangsterism, murder, bodily injuries, smuggling of narcotics, precious stones, tobacco, human trafficking, armed opposition etc.

On 23^rd July 2006 there was a skirmish between the armed gangs lead by Tolib Ayombekov and Mamadbokir Mahmadbokirov on the main street of the Khorog city, where a resident of Khorog Dodikhudoeva M.A. was killed by a stray bullet.

After committing the criminal acts, Mahmadbokirov and Ayombekov refused to appear before the investigating authorities. On August 17, 2006, when the officers of Badakhshan’s region Interior Department and the Ministry of Internal Affairs came to arrest Mahmadbokirov M., the latter united with members of the armed group led by Ayombekov Tolib, Mamadaslamov Yodgor and Imomnazarov Imomnazar, and refused to obey the legitimate demands of the Interior Ministry, and his supporters opened fire on the officials, injuring police officers. Later, the leaders of organized crime groups have organized a protest rally of involving women and young people in front of the GBAO regional administration building. Members of organized crime groups attacked a building of the police department, smashing windows and doors. On the same day, Mahmadbokirov Mamadbokir with Ayombekov Tolib, Mamadaslamov Yodgor and Imomnazarov Imomnazar committed an armed attack on the police department building, during which disarmed the police and confiscated weapons of the military officials. They have also attacked the regional government building, causing material damage by smashing windows and doors.

In addition, on March 14, 2008 Ayombekov Tolib together with the armed group consisting of 30-35 people came to Roshtkal’a district and launched an attack on Badakhshan prosecutors who conducted the investigation of a case with regard to tax evasion by commercial companies which have been patronized by Ayombekov Tolib. At the same time, four members of the prosecutor’s office were severely beaten by armed gang, who later destroyed all documents of the investigation and evidences of the case.

According to law enforcement agencies of Tajikistan, the armed gang headed by Ayombekov Tolib is also involved in four cases of trafficking in persons (mainly women and young, underage girls). Three victims of these crimes, including a resident of Khorog, born in 1995 reported still missing. It was impossible to disclose these facts due to the opposition and resistance of this gang.

Along with the abovementioned, on July 10, 2011 Sadamshoev E. – a member of the group lead by Ayombekov Tolib in order to protest a regional court decision in respect of Rahmikhudoev K. held liable under the article "murder", gathered a group of young people consisting of 40-45 people attacked a courthouse of the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region. Upon entering the courthouse, they beat two deputy chairman of the court and three other officials of the court, smashing windows, tables and furniture. They later went to the building of the Prosecutor's Office, where they beat four of its employees. Because of heavy resistance and opposition of this criminal group, Sadamshoev E. was not taken into custody in accordance with the decision of the court.

Moreover, Tolib Ayombekov and Yodgor Mamadaslamov received a loan from the State Savings Bank of the Republic of Tajikistan "Amonatbank" of $ 250,000, and 300,000 U.S. dollars a few years ago respectively, but within five years, refused to return the loan and accrued interest thereon.

These groups are also actively engaged and linked in smuggling drugs from Afghanistan with a turnover of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

However, it should be noted that the actual number of offences committed by these criminal groups is significantly more than officially recorded. This is due to the fact that many victims, for fear of reprisals by these organized crime groups, did not apply to law enforcement authorities.

In addition, often by armed resistance the members of these gangs prevented the courts, prosecutors, police and other authorities in the discharge of their responsibilities to protect the rights and freedoms of citizens.

Thereby, these criminal groups, led by Ayombekov Tolib, Imomnazarov Imomnazar, Mamadaslamov Yodgor and Mahmadbokirov Mamadbokir were united and established a strong community in the criminal purposes of committing grave and especially grave crimes.

The murdering of General Abdullo Nazarov was also committed to demonstrate strength and resisting the work of law enforcement bodies. So, on June 5, 2012 at the customs office post in Ishkashim district, Afghan citizen Naseem and his accomplices have loaded 538 boxes of cigarettes «Pine» worth of 674 850 Tajik Somoni into a car belonging to a citizen of Tajikistan Nodirov R. On his return way to Kulob, Nodirov R. was arrested by National Security Committee Office in Kulob and legal proceeding was instituted against this case under the article "smuggling." The investigation has established that tobacco belonged to Ayombekov Tolib and was detained in accordance with the operational data provided by the Office of the National Security Committee in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region. Ayombekov Tolib with the aim of taking revenge on law enforcement authorities had instructed his accomplices from among the members of the armed group to brutally murder General Abdullo Nazarov

In connection with this incident, a criminal case had been initiated. Prosecutor General's Office established an investigation team consisting of 5 persons headed by Deputy Prosecutor General, Chief Military Prosecutor Mr. Saidova M. H, which has been sent to Khorog on July 22, 2012. However, Ayombekov T.A. and its accomplices have refused flatly the requirement of investigating bodies for appearance and testifying.  

In order to avoid further escalation of tensions in the region, on the instructions of the President of the country a Government Commission consisting of 20 persons, which  included Deputies of the Majlisi Namoyandagon Majlisi Oli of the Republic Tajikistan Oli (the lower chamber of the parliament of Tajikistan), members of the Government, heads of law enforcement bodies, state and public figures, religious ulema and activists of Gorno Badakhshan.  

The commission throughout three days (from July 21 till July 23) has conducted a number of meetings with Ayombekov Т. and its supporters during which unsuccessfully tried to incline them to lay down arms and transfer to law-enforcement bodies the persons who have committed the crime.  

However, Ayombekov T.A. has rejected vigorously this offer, moreover has started mobilisation of criminal persons and mercenaries from among citizens of neighbouring Afghanistan for armed standoff against authorities.  

In this connection, law-enforcement and power structures of Tajikistan in the morning July 24, 2012 began a special operation on neutralisation and detention of members of the organised criminal group and bringing them to book. Special operation continued one day. On the main reasons of the beginning of special operation in Khorog was distribution of 150 units of various fire-arms by Ayombekov Т. and Imomnazarov I. to their associates on July 23, i.e. a day before the beginning of the operation.  

As a result of the special operation, in the city of Khorog 30 members of the illegal criminal group were killed and more than 40 were detained, among whom were 5 citizens of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. About 100 units of various fire-arms were withdrawn from them.  

Unfortunately, during the special operation, the governmental forces also have sustained irretrievable casualties of 17 persons and more than 40 personnel of power structures had got wounds of various severity level. Among the population casualty was a 58 years-old man who lived in the neighbourhood of Imomnazarov I. Criminal cases were initiated against all these cases.  

Since evening July 24, cease-fire had been declared; law-enforcement bodies had demanded from illegal armed groups to voluntary surrender their weapons. However, they have violated conditions of cease-fire and on the night of July 27 committed armed attack on the Department of Internal Affairs of the region and the place of stay of law-enforcement personnel therefore one person has been wounded. 

Negotiations with the leaders of illegal armed formations on surrender of their weapons and the persons involved in murder of the general Nazarov A.S. are continuing. 

During special operation there were no injuries among foreign citizens who were in the territory Gorno Badakhshan. Foreign tourists and employees of international organisations who expressed desire to leave Khorog the relevant help had been rendered, all of them were delivered to country capital, Dushanbe. The authorities of Tajikistan henceforth are ready to take all necessary measures for safety and legitimate interests of foreign citizens in the territory of GBAO.  

Besides, in Khorog a commission was established from among representatives of the authorities and townsmen which has started a household inspection with a view of revealing of citizens who had probably suffered during special operation.

The measures taken by the Government of the country and local authorities, in interaction with public representatives of GBAO in the near future will lead to normalisation of situation in Khorog and its adjoining settlements, to restoration of public order and rule of law in this region.

The persons guilty of murder of General A. Nazarov and instigators of the armed standoff against representatives of authorities will be brought to criminal responsibility.

The President of Republic Tajikistan has charged all state structures to take paramount measures for normalisation of situation in Khorog and realisation of measures for social and economic development GBAO.

The message of His Highness Agha Khan IV to Jamat on situation in Khorog

The national council wishes to inform the Jamat that the ongoing security situation in Khorog involves government action against criminal elements, and is not aimed at the Jamat. Therefore, the Jamat in Badakshan and throughout Tajikistan is kindly advised to remain calm and to follow the advice given by the local authorities - who are responsible for the safety and security of all citizens.

With your families, relatives and friends in Khorog. we understand that this situation must be very difficult. However, the Jamat is requested to conduct itself with responsibility and maturity, and not spread rumours or participate in unlawful gatherings or interactions on the internet, or participate in other discussions. Most importantly, the Jamat is requested not to get drawn into any disturbances, demonstrations or violence.

The national council together with the AKDN is monitoring the situation closely and will communicate relevant developments with the Jamat, as and when necessary. 

Dear compatriots!
Distinguished audience!
Ladies and gentlemen!

Tomorrow we mark the 15th Anniversary of the General Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and National Reconciliation in Tajikistan which is a vital and crucial act for our people and the state.

We will commemorate the fifteen years of national revival, fifteen years of reconciliation, fifteen years of self-building, self-acknowledgment and self-consciousness, fifteen years of peace, stability and most important fifteen firm steps forward towards building up a free civil society that will be written with golden words in the history of our modern statehood.

Thanks to this determining document we could cease domestic violence and armed resistance as well as begin a new stage that is laying down a foundation for peace, ensuring national unity and thus stabilizing socio-economic sectors of the country and provide its overall development.

National unity as a factor of consolidation of the Tajik nation along with internationally recognized values has allowed provide a background for civil society and created favorable conditions for improving living standard and ensuring prosperity of the country and shaping the future of our independent state.
At this solemn occasion, with the feelings of pride and pleasure, I would like to sincerely congratulate all the glorious people of Tajikistan with this holy and crucial event.

I do believe that peace and unity as a major factor, background for national existence and holy national value will stand forever and the civilized Tajik nation will leave inheritance to future generations the peace-seeking and peace-building culture.

Our dear fellow-citizens well remember, that since very early days of Tajikistan’s independence individual groups in the country being under the influence of ideas of radicalism and foreign enemy forces involved our beloved country into a chain of domestic conflicts and further armed resistance that as a result it has been turned into the threat of elimination of the Tajik nation and newly independent Tajik state.

Civil war caused enormous damage and claimed tens of thousands of human lives. Decades are needed to overcome the consequences of those wounds and catastrophes and we will make every effort to bring peace and prosperity to every family”.

With this view in mind, since the very early days of my tenure of office as the head of state, I said that I would start with the establishment of peace and I would bring peace to long-suffering people of my country.

To bring the opposite groups around a table and achieving lasting peace, stability and national accord was not an easy job.

However, thanks to the support by the Tajik people we could succeed to achieve our everlasting dream that was peace and stability in our country and having a strong will we began taking efforts to ensure respect for human rights and freedoms as the country’s priority.

Today we can proudly say, that peace and stability and national reconciliation are the greatest and indeed historical achievements of the Tajik people which become a reality as a result of the unity of the people and efforts undertaken by devoted sons of our nation.
The most important is that due to this peace and stability and wisdom of our people we could eliminate the threat of breaking up our beloved Motherland – newly independent Tajikistan and disintegration of our ancient nation.

That is why, every noble son of the Tajik nation, including all of us – those who attend this festive occasion have to always keep safe this invaluable and sacred heritage, cherish the national unity as well as respect and take efforts to bring up young people in the line with the love to country so that they be able to preserve this heritage in the future.

During the very tough days of independence, the vital role of peace and stability has become clear especially in strengthening and improving pillars of statehood which provided necessary ground for protecting national independence, territorial integrity of the country and ensuring human rights and freedoms.

A number of legal documents has been adopted so far and under the General Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and National Accord, including the Act of Mutual Amnesty, the Resolution of the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan “On Amnesty of Participants of Political and Military Confrontation in the Republic of Tajikistan”, the Resolution of the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan “On General Amnesty”, as well as with the view to encourage active participation of the people in the political life of the country - the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “On Political Parties” and again with the view to boosting the peace process and national reconciliation in the country and taking into account the principles of humanism - the Resolution of the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan “On General Amnesty” were enacted.

Moreover, under the aforementioned historical acts certain amendments and changes were made to the Constitution of the country in 1999 which provided for development and adoption of the Constitutional Laws of the Republic of Tajikistan “On the Elections of the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan” and “On Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan” that in their turns correspondingly set forth regulation of the preparation and holding elections of the legislative and the work of the supreme representative body of the country. Thus, for the first time in the political history of Tajikistan the permanent and professional bicameral parliament has been established in the country. All the above-mentioned legal documents strengthened the economic and social grounds for peace, stability and national unity.
The Constitution of the Republic of Tajikistan as a backbone for strengthening national unity guarantees protection of rights and interests of all citizens regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion and political position and its provisions are reliable preconditions for mutual respect among all members of our society.

Illustration of the state development goals within the Constitution has given a serious impetus to preventing the people from disintegration.

Since the dream of every modern state and nation is relying on sustainable peace and stability to build a society which gives priority attention to respect for and observance of human rights and freedoms as well as guarantees their implementation.

Indeed, adoption of the Constitution of the newly independent Tajikistan allowed establishing a perfect legal and political system and grounds for sustainable development and socio-economic progress in the country.

The supreme legal act provided required legal framework for eliminating the threat posed for national independence, territorial integrity and finally the national unity as well as opened up the way towards peace and stability.

You all are aware from mass media that over the past recent years, thousands of people around the globe including civilians lost their lives and economic development of individual countries has been severely damaged as the consequences of domestic violence.

I in this connection would like to emphasize the following point: Tajikistan has suffered from dramatic civil war and well realizes how devastating it is. Tajikistan always stands for peace and stability across the world and peaceful settlement of any kinds of conflicts and confrontations.

With the view to ending the devastating imposed war and achieving peace and stability in our country, we back since the 16th session of the Supreme Council have launched a series of meetings and negotiations.

It means that the very first steps aimed at halting the bloodshed and bringing the opposite groups during those days of the aforesaid session have been taken.

Then, despite volatile and sensitive situation in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, I visited Kabul and on May 19, 1995 having realized all the devastating threat of political and armed confrontation as well as the great responsibility for the future of long-suffering people of our country, we adopted a joint declaration.

The meeting held in December 1996 in Hosdeh of the Toliqon province of Afghanistan has become a critical point which enabled us to initiate a new phase of negotiations and provided a real ground for signing the General Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and National Accord.

In general, prior to signing the agreement, within 8 rounds of negotiations, we had 21 official and dozens of informal meetings held with former opposition group that eventually took us almost four years.

I in this regard, would like to note that meetings and talks with the opposition were not easy ones, as individual groups and powers did not want our nation get reconciled and peace and stability be established in our country.

The National Reconciliation Commission has been established under the mutual desire of Tajik peace parties as a follow-up to signing the agreement in order to end the civil war, ensure step-by-step establishment of peace, build an atmosphere of mutual confidence, eliminate violence and armed conflicts, promote objectives of national peace and unity, disarmament of parties and practically implement the provisions of the signed agreement and provide favorable conditions for socio-economic development in the country.

The members of the National Reconciliation Commission and group of experts did an outstanding job during the process of ensuring Tajik peace and successfully performed their duties aimed at implementing the signed documents. I extend my deepest appreciation to all of them.
And ahead of this celebration day, I wish to mention the role of influential international organizations, including the United Nations as well as of guarantor states in achieving peace and stability and I am thankful to them.
Distinguished audience!
The history proves that Tajiks always used to promote social unity and the philosophy of tolerance and used to have positive attitude to other nations, religions and cultures.

Back three thousand years ago, this point was written in Avesta - the holy book of our ancestors as follows: «We pay tribute to peace and health so that it can win wars and conflicts… Let be together and cooperate with all those who live across the countries and provide mutual assistance».

The first Human Rights Declaration adopted by the Qurush the Great which still has not lost its sense, is a clear illustration of the philosophy of tolerance of our ancestors and their recognition of unity among nations and religions.
For instance, Jaloliddin Balkhi – a bright example of our national culture and one of the founders of the philosophy of universal unity used to say that he was neither Christian nor Muslim, neither from the West nor from the East, but a cosmopolitan and that was a highest expression of humanism and the factor contributing to eradication of regional, ethnic, cultural and religious conflicts.

It was the result of a promotion of such a universal ideology that his funeral was attended by a great number of people representing various religious and ethnic groups of the Kuniya city reciting prayers for his soul from the Holy Qur’an, the Gospels, the Holy Bible and the Psalter as well.

That means the ideas of Mavlono Balkhi which prefer sharing minds to sharing language prove that the origin of the Tajik nation from the very old times was based on tolerance and the Tajiks always used to live in peace, harmony, cooperation and friendship with other ethnic groups and nations.

Given today’s globalization process which embraces all-over the world and as there is a need for active collaboration among regions, it becomes more obvious that natural desire to have unity is of ever-increasing importance ahead of large-scale challenges.

We can proudly say that our outstanding personalities who used to represent science, literature, culture and morals back hundreds years ago declared the common core of humanity and promoted humanism.

Their admonitions as the light from stars in the sky which throw light upon the darkness, shows the way for future generations and call on mankind for unity and consolidation.

The history of our statehood and state building proves that we can ensure respective development of society based on culture, history and national self-consciousness and that is worth to be proud of as this very self-consciousness being an invaluable and everlasting heritage of the noble Tajik people can be a backbone for all our national constructiveness and development.

We therefore all are to protect its strengthening factors and always contribute to their development.

Today, the nation’s unity has to be the major core and the sense of independence as it is impossible to imagine independence without national unity and national unity without independence.

We can say today that national unity in our newly independent state is recognized as a nation-wide idea along with freedom, independence, peace and stability and the awareness of the people of Tajikistan is considered as a balancing factor for all parties of our public policy.
The ideas of peace, unity and the philosophy of tolerance of the Tajik nation have turned into the sacred values and they are highly appreciated in the development our society’s morals, culture and the life.
Dear Compatriots!
Given the world full of challenges, active global competitiveness to be the owner of your today and future life, to protect true independence and national statehood and thus to ensure security in the country and society and support national interests requires all of us to do even greater jobs.

The outcome of what we all have already done so far, is clear to the people of Tajikistan and the people itself will make the true evaluation of the work.

However, I believe that compared to how fast is the development in the new century and the progress made in the developed countries, our achievements still are not satisfactory.

The desire of peace and national unity requires us to tackle with critical social challenges, including develop all sectors of economy, boost up large-scale infrastructural development, create new jobs, assist orphans and needy people, strengthen rule of law, and improve living standards.

To implement these vital goals, constructive plans and good desires, we all are to do our best and take every effort, be responsible and dedicated, honest and patriot, and perform our tasks realizing our civil duties.

One of our most important goals is to introduce widely cutting-edge scientific and technological achievements to bring up new smart, cultural and educated generations so that make them able to take their fate, national and the country’s future into their own hand.

It is natural that to bring up an appropriate generation especially educated one there is a need for favorable conditions.

At the same time, to support social atmosphere and further improve the efficiency of information campaign and keep the minds of young people safe from the damaging affect by dangerous alien ideas, in addition to strengthening material background of education there is also a need for boosting the work of cultural centers across the country.

With the view to upbringing the new generation in the line with ideas of self-identity, patriotism and humanism, it is of critical importance for this generation to deeply realize the vital role of sustainability of national unity in building a democratic and fair society, as well as in strengthening the pillars of the independence of our beloved Motherland and “Tajik national unity” should be enrolled in university and school curriculum to get the students be aware of the importance of the issue.

That is because a person who forgets his history may make mistakes and cause difficulties.
Development of society requires the work of various governmental bodies as well as non-governmental institutions be boosted up with the view to ensuring further development of the state, educating people and upgrading the political culture in the society.

Particularly, the role of the civil institutions is of utmost importance in social confidence building which is a factor of strengthening the national unity and in this regard, continuous fruitful collaboration should be secured with these institutions.

Today, due to enhancement of constructive cooperation between public sector and civil society we have a favorable political atmosphere for consideration and seeking solutions of the critical and topical issues of the social life and in future it will be the only way we can go through to bring our country in the line with developed nations.

At the same time, the institutions on the civil society including political parties, NGO’s and mass media while realizing the responsibility to the country and people are to take regular efforts aimed at strengthening the pillars of the national unity and political stability.

As much as mutual confidence will governmental agencies and civil society have to each other, more sustainable will be the society and partnerships.

Therefore, more efforts should be taken to upgrade the political culture, strengthen unity and mutual understanding, and improve socio-economic conditions and promote development in the country.

That is because the reality and the experience gained by the world community proves that there will be no unity and mutual understanding in a society where the citizens do not have the high level of political culture.

Major goals set by the Government of Tajikistan on the idea of national unity and ensuring its further promotion at present is a good background for personal, social and national development.
Since addressing critical socio-economic challenges in the country mostly depends on unity and mutual understanding. These are the very factors which given contemporary conditions are of critical importance for ensuring sustainable socio-economic development and standing against modern threats and challenges.

The constructive thought of unity will be fruitful if the sense and core of patriotism, value of state independence, self-consciousness and national identity as well as supreme values of civil society are deeply integrated into the mindsets of all citizens of the country.

Unity being a determining factor for a long life of a national statehood can be further enhanced if only integration and shared position of all the people of the country is ensured in addressing modern threats and challenges and positive relations do exist among different social groups.
Dear compatriots!
The society or a state which does not have an idea of national unity is always under the threat of getting drawn into the whirlpool of political, cultural, economic and social crises.

Appearance of such phenomenon as national unity is mainly associated with the development of national statehood, since it increases within the national state a feeling of political commonality of those people living in a common administrative unit.

Therefore, unity gets and implements its national nature only within the development of a national state.

It means that the role of a state in strengthening national unity increases as it is interested in ensuring economic development, social stability and cultural progress.

I once again would like to stress that it was thanks to the General Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and National Accord that our country overcame an acute crisis, ensured development and provided favorable conditions for peaceful life of the people.

Given today conditions and as our country has decided to go through developed democracy and people seek free thoughts and rights and support various belief and political trends, the pillars of our culture and thoughts are unity, national self-recognition and self-identity, country’s prosperity and further comprehensive strengthening of our statehood.

Therefore, every noble person, everyone who take pride in his or her Motherland and independent Tajikistan, all the people of the country, political parties and movements are to put the national interests of our independent state higher than the all other interests, as state and society will always need paying respect and tribute to nation-wide values.

Every society needs goal and a guidance to determine the way to achieve its sustainable progress.

Such a goal should be developed on the basis of national history, values and self-consciousness and meet reality and the needs of the modern society, bring together the major part of people and strata and lead the people towards progress and constructiveness.

Such an idea and uniting goal is undoubtedly considered as a key of our national unity.
Development of the idea of unity is a major task of every nation which has its statehood, as without sustainable and clear idea of national unity it is difficult or even impossible to identify the historical goals and ensure its realized movement towards worthy political and socio-economic achievements.
Certainly, it is not the first time that our nation is faced with such challenge. Smart and glorious sons of the Tajik nation have several times found appropriate and worthy ways to get the people out of ideological deadlock and used to promote among the people as well as for the next generations new ways to achieve development and progress.

It was national statehood and free, independent and democratic state that provided historical opportunity for the idea of national unity and determined the way the people will go through towards the future.

It allowed creating an everlasting idea for society which is based on social fair, original cultural and moral values of our ancestors, brings the people together, links up the today and future life of the country and is acceptable for the majority in the society.

Through this major and nation-wide idea we can bring various segment of society together and ensure sustainable and strong comprehensive development of the social life.

With this view in mind, safeguarding the favorable atmosphere of peace and stability, mutual understanding, respect for ideas and positions, public reconciliation, tolerance, constructive and sustainable will of political parties and NGO’s are critically important.

Therefore, we have to sincerely love our country, defend it and take every effort to secure its progress and prosperity.

Thus, we can strengthen the confidence of people with the ideas of national unity, independence and national statehood as well as implement great creative plans and facilitate people’s commitments.

Today, thanks to sustainable peace and stability we are building a new state and civil society and, in this regard, social and political relations, mental capacity are getting of a fundamentally new importance.

Given the modern conditions in our country such relations should meet the sense of new democratic values and ideas, way of life and the needs of a fair society which we have determined as our primary goals.

Since an important aspect of this trend is that every citizen and every person has to determine its attitude to the development of the society as his civil position and personal responsibility.
At the same time, I would like to underline that building a democratic and a law-based state requires all the people of the country starting from the President and to a ordinary citizen, to observe and respect law and as a must, ensure rule of law and in general to live up to legislation.

We should also keep in mind that self-recognition and self-identity is not just be pride of scientific, literary and cultural achievements of your nation, but also a strong cultural base which leads noble sons of a nation towards comparison, deduction, creativeness and constructiveness.

Self-identity is a guidance which lights the way up towards national self-consciousness and genuineness and simplifies intricate ways of state-building and statehood and getting to prosperity and modern society.

In this respect, and with the view to paying tribute to unique phenomenon of Tajik peace and national unity, I would like to propose to name one of the squares of Dushanbe which is a city of peace and national unity, or an avenue after the National Unity and install a monument or a symbol for eternal unity of the Tajik people.

I am confident, that the glorious people of Tajikistan and the dedicated sons of our nation who had undergone severe and harsh days of the civil war, with the recognition of a patriotic responsibility, constructive labor and outstanding initiatives will further support the Government policy and will make a valuable contribution to the achievement of good national goals.

Each responsive member of society, every proud citizen of Tajikistan, for whom the Homeland and the land of their ancestors are valuable, should make efforts to preserve peace and unity as the apple of the eye and to strive for progress and development of the country.

I do firmly believe in the creative power of the Tajik people, the stability of the independence, the inviolability of national unity and prosperous future of our beloved motherland.
I am convinced that we, thanks to peace, stability and national unity, have to further strengthen the foundations of the state and its independent statehood, we derive our independent Tajikistan for a decent standard in the world and promote its deserved place in the civilized world community.

If each of us will really make an effort to develop and strengthen the independence, unity, and our other national values ??and be united around a national state, which we got after centuries, then we as a consolidated nation with its own culture, will be able to find its merit place among the civilized nations of the world.

I wish all the people of our beloved country and all of you, distinguished gathering, a strong will, renewed power and every success in this difficult but glorious path.
Let the glorious and the creative people of Tajikistan protect national unity and take steps forward towards a prosperous and peaceful future with a tribute to the peace, stability and peaceful atmosphere of the country and the strength of the independence of the Motherland!

Let the cloudless sky, lasting peace, eternal national unity, supreme and noble aspirations of independence and creative goals give the inspiration for the peaceful life of the people of our country!

I once again sincerely congratulate all the noble and proud people of Tajikistan and honorable compatriots living abroad on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of National Unity Day, and I wish every family of the world, lasting peace, eternal unity, prosperity, happiness and the well-being.

Happy National Unity Day, dear compatriots!
I wish you good health and every success!
Thank you!

President of the Republic of Tajikistan

H.E. Emomali Rahmon

Distinguished members of Majlisi milliand representatives of Majlisi namoyandagon!

Dear compatriots!

This year, the address by the President of the Republic of Tajikistan to the supreme legislative body is being conveyed ahead of the celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the state independence that is holy of holies and the greatest achievement the people of Tajikistan has reached over its modern history.

State independence and sovereignty that was reached at after hundreds years of sacrifices, hard work as well as every effort continuously made by our freedom-loving people, posed very critical historic and, at the same time, honorary task, namely building a modern state that could meet people's interests and provide a foundation for modern Tajik statehood.

Despite all difficulties and obstacles, we have succeeded in providing foundation for our sovereign state and launched great constructive works, we have determined ensuring energy independence, bringing the country out of the communication deadlock and ensuring food security as strategic directions of the public policy. We are successively carrying out fundamental reforms to strengthen socio-economic stability under the conditions that stipulate priority of modern economic relations.

Since the very first days of the independence, the state and the Government have always been focused on ensuring sustainable economic development and thus improving people's living standards in the country.

As our dear compatriots remember, early years of our independence were most difficult but determining for our state. Those years had been urging us to take every effort round the clock to ensure peace and stability, restore constitutional order, revive pillars of statehood that used to be harmed very much and achieve national accord and mutual understanding as well as set up and implement a system of socio-economic management in the country.

Shortly following the General Agreement on the Establishment of Peace and National Accord in Tajikistan in 1997, we have succeeded in halting drop in national economic indexes. The Government could further stabilize the situation and now we have continually growing national economy since 2000.

Over the past three years of global financial and harsh economic crisis that has covered most countries all-over the world, we managed to mitigate to some extent its negative consequences and maintain positive dynamic of the socio-economic development in the country.

Last year, GDP growth compared to 1997 made up 2.6 times with annual average growth at 7.1%. Industrial and agricultural output over this period have increased 2.5 and 2.8 times accordingly, while increase in retail and paid services for people made up 3.2 and 7.8 times respectively. The state budget exceeded 75 times and now we have achieved 36.3 and 38 times increase in GDP and cash income per capita correspondingly.

State budget in 1992-1995 was negligible with more than four-figured mark of inflation rate. Teachers' and state employees' salary was correspondingly at 3-5 and 15-17 Somoni and even that being not paid timely. State budget had been relatively regulated since 1995 and in 1997 and 2000 we had 110 million and 250 million budget income accordingly. This year the budget income amounts 8.3 billion Somoni that is 75 times more against indicator of 1997.

Poverty rate generally is being constantly declined from 72% in 2003 to 45% in 2010.

Over the independence period Tajikistan has launched a number of serious structural reforms in key and vital public spheres, including governance, finance, banking system, various real sectors of economy, education, public health and social protection and established a firm foundation for implementation of immense development plans through adoption and realization of a range of programs on socio-economic development and taking efficient measures.

I have to make special emphasize of the fact that national development is based on development of socio-economic areas and individual regions under adopted strategies and programs and efficient implementation of the aforesaid documents can ensure implementation of priority goals. The state policy on improving living standards is also being implemented as a key factor to sustainable development.

Therefore, to ensure sustainability of national economic development and support for social sectors, we first of all are supposed to provide macroeconomic stability based on strengthening production sector. At the same time, strengthening financial sector, increase in the role that is played by private sector and development of entrepreneurship being most priority areas that can secure economic development in the country and job creation as well as timely implementation of plans and programs aimed at energy independence and break of communication deadlock are among our priorities that we are focused on.

Tax and Budget policies are mainly aimed at efficient utilizing of public funds and achieving socio-economic development goals of the country. In this regard, the budget income has been continuously increased over the past ten years as well as supply for priority areas, particularly, social expenditure has been increased 33 times compared to 2000 and now is at the mark of 3.6 billion Somoni.

Since 1997 and up to now, nominal wage and average pension have been increased nearly 70 and 85 times accordingly. At the same time, according to measures being taken within wage reforms, salary is increased 27-30% on an annual basis that is a remarkable contribution to improving living standards and strengthening social security.

However, we are well aware of the fact that it is not satisfactory yet.

In this respect, tax reforms through simplification of the tax system and decrease in the number of due taxes are expected to be implemented seriously in order to further increase budget income through attraction of tax payers and implementation of complete taxation.

Therefore, the Government is obliged to develop a new edition of the Tax Code by second half of 2012 with a wide range of specialists, experts, business groups and other tax payers being engaged in its development.

The Tax Code has been changed and amended 13 times since 2005 when it was adopted.

At the same time, with the view to ensuring sustainable economic development, the Government is obliged to ensure 6-7% of the GDP growth annually with the inflation rate at 7-9%. Moreover, every effort should be taken to ensure that the state budget revenue will amount 22-23 % of the GDP by 2015.

In this regard, the state budget's personnel costs should amount 8-9% of the GDP. It will provide opportunity to double wages for public employers in the mid run.

Credit and monetary policy is aimed at achieving sustainable economic development, ensuring sustainability of the national currency rate, improving banking system's solvency and reliability, ensuring payment systems' efficiency and security.

The number of banks and small lending agencies has increased to 138 from previous 17 with 2 million and 900 thousand customers being reached compared to previous 524 thousand that means we have 8% and 5.5% of increase accordingly in the figures for the previous decade. Balances on loans over the reported period amounted 3 billion and 270 million Somoni compared to 377 million for the previous period that it is increased 32 times.

Small crediting with three times increase over the past five years has become a new area in lending relations.

There would be no such achievements without increase and improvement in banking system's funds and efficient utilization of domestic resources, particularly savings of households and organizations. Savings have been increased 32 times over the reported period and as of late 2010, savings amounted 3.3 billion Somoni including 1.5 billion that belong to households. As a result, domestic lending institutions have increased their resources thus providing more loans to customers: loans at the amount of 5.5 billion Somoni have been issued by the banking system in 2010 that about three times more in comparison with figures five years ago.

Considerably more customers are being attracted by banking system through rendering various services and we have almost five times increase over the past decade.

We have continued implementing banking system reforms and updating its legal framework over the mentioned period. The Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On National Bank of Tajikistan" in its new edition as well as other sectoral laws and regulations are being considered by Majlisi Oli and other laws that belong to banking legislation are expected to be improved as well

However, there are still some certain gaps and difficulties in banking and lending systems and therefore, following measures are to be taken to remove these obstacles and manage with challenges which banks face with:

- Ensuring efficiency of credit and monetary policy aimed at containing inflation rate at the mark determined by the Government of Tajikistan;

- Ensuring sustainability of the national currency rate and further foreign exchange market development;

- Better attraction of credit resources, thus increasing loans issued for small and medium business development, particularly in manufacturing sector;

- Further ensuring credit institutions' sustainability and their development through providing better conditions for attracting surplus funds of households; improving banking services' quality, and simplification and transparency of banking procedures;

- Credit system simplification aimed at loans availability to more customers and increasing long-term loans for domestic manufacturers.

To support real sector of economy and contribute to small and medium business development, the National Bank as well as commercial banks have to increase loans in this field and take efforts to make credit resources available to more customers.

In this regard, corresponding legal framework should be reviewed and better conditions should be provided to increase the number of banks and other lending institutions in the country as well as to provide best quality services. At the same time, additional measures should be taken to increase small crediting in remote mountainous districts of the country.

Dear audience!

Carrying out the policy of the Government of Tajikistan on implementation of programs on economic reforms and improvement of state governance as well as on mutually beneficial cooperation with the international community has boosted investing funds in the national economy and attraction of foreign assistance.

63 joint projects at a total cost of more than 10 billion Somoni are being implemented now to achieve strategic goals of the country. An amount of 2.5 billion Somoni has been attracted in 2010 under 27 new investment projects concluded with international financial institutions.

More than 150 projects at total cost of 12 billion Somoni and 200 projects based on direct investments have been implemented over the past 10 years. In general, 30 billion Somoni has been allocated over the reported period from various sources including state budget for ensuring development and constructive works in cities and districts of the country.

Procedures on attraction, utilization, coordination and monitoring of foreign assistance as well as tender procedures under state investment projects have been implemented in 2010 to regulate utilization, attraction, coordination and monitoring of foreign assistance, removal of existing obstacles, prevention of misuse of funds and ensure of tenders' transparency.

In this regard, heads of ministries and agencies are to establish cooperation with international donor organizations within accepted procedures as well as to coordinate their further activity with the State Committee on Investments and State Property Management as a state agency authorized for attraction, mobilization, coordination, monitoring and utilization efficiency assessment of all kinds of foreign assistance.

Despite the fact that we have made significant progress in implementation of state investment projects, there is still a potential that has not been used yet. Disbursement of funds and carrying out measures planned within projects implementation are not always ensured in time.

Therefore, the State Committee on Investments and State Property Management, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, Centers for Implementation of State Investment Projects are obliged to improve project management and ensure efficient and timely utilization of funds.

Dear audience!

Now I would like to draw your attention to a topical issue. Consumer market development in the country that is tied up with socio-economic situation is influenced by production factors and trade turnover through respective economic sectors.

Major part of the domestic consumer market is made by imported goods and it is natural that rise in price of imported goods negatively impacts on domestic market.

The Government of the country is taking necessary steps and continuously implements efforts to ensure moderate inflation rate.

We need to continue our efforts on developing real economy and regulating consumer market through economic means to stabilize commodity prices.

Moreover, to ensure healthy competition and stabilization of consumer market in the country, the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade along with corresponding ministries and agencies is obliged to develop the draft law "On Fundamentals of Trade Activity and Personal Service Rendering for the People" and submit the draft law to the Government of the country.

Real sectors of economy, namely manufacturing is being developed constantly.

Industrial production has been developed at average rate of 9% annually in 1997-2010 and more than 90 thousand jobs have been created or reestablished over the past ten years.

To ensure further industrial growth and increase in manufacturing competitive industrial, technical products and commodities, the Ministry of Energy and Industry is obliged to take efficient measures on introducing structural changes to industry and adoption of new priority programs.

There is a need for new industrial capacities to be set up and competitive products that meet domestic standards and international market conditions be widely manufactured.

It is also notable, that improvement of production competitiveness can be ensured by introducing technological innovation and providing manufacturing with cutting-edge technologies and equipments.

Structural reconstruction of the industry should be aimed at close ties between science and production, utilization of power-saving technologies, establishing export-oriented and import-substituting production and use of rich resources of local raw materials should introduced to achieve the goal.

Further economic development in Tajikistan mainly depends on efficient utilization of rich natural resources of the country and boosting industrial reforms. It requires serious legislation and regulation policy reforms, since existing laws of the country do not meet modern requirements and need to be updated taking into account modern achievements and protection of the state's interests in utilization of subsoil areas.

The reform should provide a firm foundation for a new management system in this field that specifies authority and responsibility of stakeholders and provides transparent and sustainable relations between the state and subsoil users as well as accessibility to natural resources.

At the same time, we need better attraction of investments provided by foreign and domestic companies, import of modern facilities and technologies, step-by-step enhancement of domestic production, particularly, in processing agricultural products, precious stones and metals, as well as development in nonferrous metallurgy, chemistry and production of construction materials.

Therefore, to ensure industrial development based on utilization of domestic mineral resources, Department of Geology is obliged to develop a new state program on exploration of minerals and submit it to the Government.

At the same time, the State Committee on Investments and State Property Management, the Ministry of Energy and Industry and the Department of Geology are obliged to draft a program on improving the attractiveness of investments in utilization of subsoil areas as well as reasonable proposals on reform of legislation in utilization of subsoil areas and submit to the Government.

Implementation of the aforesaid visions would increase the share of domestic production in GDP and contribute to creation of new jobs and sources of income as well as strengthen export capacity of the country.

The policy of our country carried out in economy should be focused on providing comprehensive support to private enterprises and entrepreneurship.

Elimination of artificial obstacles and ensuring transparency and accessibility of legal framework is of vital importance. Consequently, we at the outset should focus on simplification of administrative procedures for business entities. I mean we have to change both legislation and bureaucracy mentality.

We have to realize, that enhancement of small and medium business, particularly production leads to constant tax flows into budget and job creation as well.

More than 800 thousand jobs have been created and restored by business entities over the past ten years.

We made significant progress in reforming and developing entrepreneurship over the past few years. Our reforms were highly appreciated by the world community and it is the second year that Tajikistan stands among top ten reformer countries that considerably succeeded in imposing reforms.

However, the Government's economic policy will continue strategically focusing on further improving business and investment environment including through removing artificial administrative barriers and fighting corruption.

In this regard and with the view to ensuring further promotion of entrepreneurship in production sector taking into account an application of up-to-date equipments and technologies as well as constantly increasing domestic production it is proposed to announce a moratorium during the first three years for all newly established manufacturing companies.

At the same time, to ensure better support for entrepreneurship, all respective ministries and agencies are obliged to develop a draft law "On Public-Private Partnership" and submit it to the Government of the country.

Distinguished members of Majlisi milli

and representatives of Majlisi namoyandagon!

A complex of economic and structural reforms in energy sector is expected to be implemented to ensure energy independence and make Tajikistan safe and economy-power exporting country. Namely, under the Energy Development Concept of the Republic of Tajikistan industrial, fuel and energy complexes are expected to be set up.

A total amount of 3.8 billion Somoni has been allocated for energy sector, including joint investment projects over the past three years that were aimed at ensure of practical implementation of the aforementioned Concept and as of this year, an amount of 1.8 billion Somoni is planned to be allocated for these goals. Development, review and construction works on domestic and international power transmission lines are currently under way under 13 investment projects being implemented in the country.

241 small hydropower stations have been constructed and put in commission over the independence period in order to provide electricity for remote mountainous areas of the country. Under the Long-term Program of Small Hydroelectric Development for 2009-2020 it is expected that 190 small hydropower stations will have been constructed and put in commission in the country by 2020.

Along with putting Sangtuda-2 hydropower plant in commission that is planned by the end of the year, there are a number of other works, namely, continuation of completion works on Rogun hydropower plant, reconstruction of existing hydropower plants including Norak, Kayrokum and a number of others in the Varzob and Vakhsh rivers basin are scheduled to be conducted and we expect to be fully able to meet our domestic power demand.

An amount of 6 billion Somoni is expected to be allocated to achieve the goals.

Measures that we take on construction of water and power facilities first of all are aimed at overcoming our most urgent challenge, including providing constant power supply for people and companies of the country. They also provide foundation for efficient utilization of water resources for ensuring sustainable development that takes into account managing with social problems and job creation.

Therefore, based on the appeal made by the Government of Tajikistan, the World Bank is undertaking a feasibility study and socio-economic impact of the completion of Rogun hydropower plant with global influential and independent companies involved.

It is notable that under existing global conditions and global warming, population upsurge in the world, steady increase in fuel prices on the global markets, taking into account scanty and decreasing resources we have to be concentrated on utilization of domestic opportunities and resources.

Decline in imported gas and increase in the fuel prices on the global markets urge us to make natural gas and coal as priority sectors of our economy.

A number of priority measures are being taken by the Government to ensure domestic natural gas supply for industrial companies and the people of the country.

We cooperate with 15 local and foreign companies to ensure exploration works on 87 oil and natural gas deposits.

For instance, in cooperation with Russian Gazprom, works have been launched on Sariqamish and Sargazon promising oil and gas deposits with unique and modern facilities and technologies being used. Specialists expect that natural gas from these deposits can ensure supply for existing domestic industrial companies in coming decades.

However, in regard to utilization of energy sources we are to be focused on implementation of economic and administrative measures that lead to promotion of efficient use of energy sources and working out the mechanisms of implementation of power saving technologies.

Increase in fuel prices and downsize in their available amounts, has become a reality as we cannot stand apart of the global market. It means that, anyway we have to use modern technologies to reduce power consumption and make our country less dependent on imported fuel.

In this regard, there is a need for boosting introduction of modern technologies in manufacturing sector and structural improving in energy sector to update their economic and technological activity.

We are still going on improving legislation and power saving and we see a need for further contribution made by every citizen of the country to power saving.

At the same time, it is notable that to ensure constant and efficient operation of energy facilities and full utilization of available and potential that has not been used yet, special measures should be taken as follows:

- Necessary measures taken by the Government aimed at further strengthening of development in this area and implementing priority projects for 2010-2015 as well as timely implementation of the measures provided under respective programs;

- The Ministry of Energy and Industry has to identify the procedure for energy assessment and issuing energy certificate of the object as well as certification of imported industrial products taking into account power consumption.

Generally, I would like to stress that given the post-crisis situation in the global economy, maintaining sustainable development and competitive economy has become of vital importance.

Therefore, we have to take following measures:

First, structural reconstruction in industry aimed at identifying development priorities and boosting export-oriented and diversified manufacturing companies of the national economy;

Second, step-by-step decrease in import of raw materials and targeted development of companies that produce high quality goods;

Third, establishment of nation-wide support and promotion system for export activity and setting up modern export crediting and insurance network;

Therefore, the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade in cooperation with relevant ministries and agencies is obliged to ensure practical utilization of simplified and regular relations among foreign economic actors and the state while registering export, import and transit operations.

As it has been already mentioned, due to the gaps in domestic production, the local market of the country is mainly supplied by import.

Therefore, impactful measures should be taken to provide domestic consumer market with domestic products that could be produced in the country based on available industrial conditions and raw materials.

In this regard, respective ministries and agencies are obliged to ensure timely and full implementation of the State Program on Export Capacity Development in the Republic of Tajikistan for up to 2015.

The Government's policy on ensuring sustainable economic development is mainly aimed at increasing export capacity through final processing of raw materials that are produced in the country, manufacturing of competitive products, creating jobs, implementing social objectives of the state and improving living standards of the people.

Therefore, it is important to secure timely implementation of the state programs on light industry development for 2006-2015, complete domestic cotton processing for up to 2015, and development of agricultural processing for 2007-215.

Dear audience!

Agriculture is an economic sector of utmost importance in the country as it is a major source in ensuring food for people, raw materials for industry and jobs for employees. At the outset, agricultural development contributes to improvement of economic condition in rural places.

A range of important and serious reforms has been implemented in agriculture over the past years that are mainly aimed at increasing export of agricultural products and ensuring food security in the country.

As a result of the taken measures and hard job made by the noble people of the country, gross agricultural output has been ensured over the past years and the increase in figures has made up 2.8 times in 2010 compared to 1997. Grain crops, potato, vegetables and fruits production has increased 2.3; 6; 3.3; and 2 times accordingly.

A number of specialized programs are being adopted and implemented to ensure agricultural development and we are undertaking additional measures aimed at managing with financing challenges in cotton production, developing fruits and vegetable processing and promoting agricultural producers and export of agricultural products.

Amount of funds allocated for agriculture over the past five year including within joint investment projects and bank financing has made up to 5.2 billion Somoni and an amount of 1.3 billion is allocated for agriculture this year.

The Government is implementing 14 investment projects aimed at supporting agriculture, its infrastructural renovation, irrigation and new land development, providing financial support to collective farms and ensuring sustainable development in cotton production.

Moreover, amount of 430 million Somoni has been issued as lax (preferential) credits over the past three years to support agricultural farms.

To ensure achieving food security that is a strategic national goal, it is necessary to boost implementing programs of agricultural reforms and ensure increasing agricultural output. At the same time, it is required to introduce two-times harvest cropping of land resources, particularly in irrigated lands and the Government of Tajikistan is obliged to work out and adopt a state program on long-term development and irrigation of new and unused lands within the attraction of investments.

At the same time, corresponding ministries and agencies are obliged to take additional measures to implement specialized programs, including on cotton production development, gardening, cattle-breeding, poultry-keeping and etc.

Bringing the country out of the communication deadlock and making it a transit country equipped with all required transport facilities that meet international standards is a strategic goal of the economic policy of the Government in the short-run.

Over past years, we have continued useful works on construction of roads and bridges of national and international importance and of automobile tunnels.

An amount of 3.9 billion Somoni has been allocated to transport and communication over the five past years including within joint investment projects and it is expected that 1.4 billion Somoni will be allocated to the sector this year.

We are implementing 11 state investment projects on automobile roads reconstruction, improvement of automobile transport services and transport development at large that all are aimed at providing better access to market, enhancing regional trade, decreasing transportation costs and improvement of living standards. Three new projects at total cost of 4.5 billion Somoni will be launched in 2011 including on construction of Kulob-Kal'ai Khum and Shogun-Zigar automobile roads, as well as reconstruction of Dushanbe-Tursunzoda automobile road. Construction of two tunnels, including Chormagzak and Shahriston with total length of 10 km is under way.

At the current stage, the Ministry of Transport is obliged to take efficient measures aimed at ensuring further development in the sector, working out and implementing projects on construction of new railways, improving railway transport and services, strengthening transport links of the country and boosting construction of Dushanbe-Kurgonteppa railway as well as timely managing of other existing issues.

At the same time, the State Service for Communication is obliged to take measures on improving telephone communications in remote mountainous districts and providing access to Internet.

Grand constructive and creative works have been launched and hundreds of small and large socio-economic facilities have been put in commission in the country over the independence period.

It is pleasant, that municipal management and building which is a significant heritage of our ancestry, is now being revived.

The Government in its turn also takes constant efforts to boost construction of houses, administrative, living, educational and cultural and public health buildings.

House construction over the independence period has made up 8.4 million km2 for 141 thousand families. At the same time, 120 thousand hectares were allocated for construction of houses to 900 thousand families, including 21 thousand hectares provided for 150 thousand mainly for young families over the past two years and we still allocate new land spots for these purposes.

In this regard, respective ministries and agencies, local authorities, design and construction companies and citizens are expected to comply with rules and standards of municipal building and construction and use national architectural traditions as well as ensure the quality of construction materials and the buildings as well.

Dear friends!

The Republic of Tajikistan being declared by its Constitution as a social state is responsible for providing decent environment and conditions for free development.

Therefore, managing with socio-economic challenges in the country is a priority of our domestic policy.

When we talk about ensuring social protection, development of public health, enhancement of information technologies network, promotion of health life style, youth education and training modern specialists, we have to keep in mind that these all measures require providing favorable conditions.

Therefore, we have announced educational development as a priority in our social policy.

It is call of the time, that quality of education should be improved constantly and should comply with education in foreign countries and meet requirements posed by global and domestic labor markets.

That is our next strategic goal and we have to take joint efforts to achieve it.

The Government places a particular emphasis on introducing computer technologies to educational institutions, as, the 21 century is a century of information and communication technologies. Introduction of cutting-edge technologies and computerization of educational institutions gives us opportunity to improve education and introduce modern educational techniques.

Therefore, the Government is obliged to fully implement the state program on computerization of comprehensive secondary schools of the country by the end of this year.

Study of national language should be on the top within all educational levels, however, we should ensure studying two additional languages, including Russian and English.

Adoption of the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On the national language of the Republic of Tajikistan" has been followed by fundamental change in approaching the official language and the law is now being successfully implemented.

The Ministry of Education, the Committee on language and reforms, the Academy of Sciences, the Academy of Education of Tajikistan are all obliged to attach special attention to studying native and foreign languages and fully ensure education with teaching materials.

Despite the fact, that last year, the Year of Education and Technical Culture was successfully declared is finished, we should not overlook the issue. On the contrary, we have to take practical measures with each passing year and hold events aimed at developing education and technical mentality of children and rising generation, studying sciences and mathematics, utilization of information and communication technologies.

Development of technical mentality of children and rising generation should be the important task for head of all educational institutions at all levels as well as local authorities, corresponding ministries and agencies.

Primary professional education, also being one of the important stages of education sector of the country, provides the national economy with qualified specialists and adequately contributes to the development of economic, social and cultural life of Tajikistan.

In this regard, the Ministry of Education is instructed to develop "The Program of reforming and improvement of the primary and secondary professional education establishments for 2012-2020" and submit it to the Government.

The relevant state bodies are obliged to pay attention to the training of youth and adults and organize short-term skills-improvement courses on the basis of primary and secondary education institutions and educational centers for adults according to the requirements of labor market and national economy.

In recent years, the state of higher professional education institutions has been improved and their material and technical basis is strengthening. Such progress caused that along with the national citizens, foreign citizens pay more attention to the educational institutions of the country. Today, nearly 3500 foreign students from 28 countries of the world study in the higher educational institutions of our country.

At the same time, heads of secondary and higher professional education institutions are obliged to enhance the material and technical basis of their institutions and take measures to adjust the test centers and scientific and research centers in accordance with international standards.

The state financing of this field, especially for the construction, renovation and reconstruction of educational buildings is increasing year by year.

The Government of the country in 2008 has adopted the State Program for construction, renovation and reconstruction of schools for 2008-2015 with the view of education of the young generation and ensuring favorable educational conditions, whose total budget is more than 600 million somoni and in the framework of program's implementation more than 1000 schools will be gradually renovated and reconstructed.

Meanwhile, accession to the global education system, namely transfer to the compulsory 10-year education from 2012 and to the new system of comprehensive education in the following years, as well as increase of country's population, requires construction of schools and additional classes.

Only last year, 200 schools for 40 000 seats have been constructed and put in commission in the territory of the country at the expense of all financing sources.

A lot of changes have occurred in the educational sphere with the view of constructing new educational institutions and reconstruction of existing educational institutions over the independence period and 1200 modern school buildings for 311 thousand seats have been constructed and put in commission immediately by the support of state in the country.

14 investment projects with an aggregate amount of 720 million somoni are under implementation since 1998.

As you know, draft Law "On parental responsibility in education and upbringing of children" has been elaborated and put on public discussion with the view to intensify relations of family with schools and enhancement of the responsibility of parents in training and educating children.

Along with an adoption of this Law, we need to work out a science-based program for society, aimed at education of the rising generation and seek ways of an implementation of the Law as well as clarify a philosophy of training and education in the Republic of Tajikistan.

Therefore, the Ministry of education and the Academy of education of the Republic of Tajikistan are obliged to develop and submit the program to the Government.

The program should embrace all aspects of a life of children and be a guide for the activity of any family, kindergartens, schools and other educational establishments in future. Since, today's young generation will be parents in future they should learn modern methods and principles of child training through tutorials, recommendations and methodological manuals. In this respect, there is a necessity for the publication of textbooks for secondary schools and high educational institutions of the country on morality and behavior, taking into account national spirit and peculiarities.

The Academy of sciences and the Academy of education of Tajikistan has to carry out this work in coordination with the staff of education sector.

We evaluate Law "On parental responsibility in education and upbringing of children" as one of the most important acts regulating a behavior and morality in the modern Tajik society. As, political, social and moral process of modern human society evidence that today a level of progress and development of a spiritual life of the mankind is not determined by a huge number of population and abundant material reserves, but only exemplary behavior, good breeding, development of science and education and modern technology progress can identify spiritual welfare of nations.

An implementation of this law shall not only oblige parents, however it instructs the management of educational establishments, schools, teachers, society and state to attach a particular attention to the training and upbringing of children. It will also play a pivotal role in agitation and promotion of ethics of communication, observance of national and universal values as well as upbringing of schoolchildren and students in the spirit of patriotism, self-knowledge, courage and exemplary behavior.

Recent years, despite the improvement of material and technical bases of education institutions on the expense of the Government and other sources, a quality of study and education still remains negligible and does not meet modern requirements. In this connection, teachers and heads of educational institutions should place an utmost importance to the quality of training and education, use effective methods of teaching and meet the requirements of schoolchildren and students in studies.

The Government of Tajikistan gives a primary importance to the development of science since the early days of independence. Given the crucial substance of the subject, the leadership of the country pursues a reform of the Academy of sciences.

Rapid grow of science and modern technology requires adoption of laws and new legal-normative acts. Hence, the Government has developed and approved a range of important documents related to science which facilitated an intensification of activity of educational institutions in the country.

With the view to enabling the Academy of sciences to make a worthy contribution to the resolution of critical scientific, economic and technological issues, first of all the following tasks should be fulfilled:

1. Undertaking measures for the involvement of young and qualified specialists to academic institutions and postgraduate studies of the Academy of sciences and training of highly qualified scientific personnel.

2. Elaboration and submission of a draft Resolution of the Government "On Innovation Development Program of the Republic of Tajikistan for 2011 – 2020".

3. Taking actions for the introduction of technologies to the manufacturing which are envisaged at the "Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan in the field of science and technology in 2010 - 2015" and the "Program of an implementation of scientific-technical achievements in industrial manufacturing of the Republic of Tajikistan in 2010 - 2015".

Culture as a great, an invaluable and impactful phenomenon of social life consistently plays a remarkable role in the history and spiritual development a modern society of Tajikistan.

Different aspects of the national culture have been renewed and developed over the independence. Owing to continuous care of the Government, hundreds of cultural entities – theatres, concert halls, museums, libraries, unique historical monuments are renovated and dozens of modern cultural facilities are erected.

National conservatoire was established which makes a valuable contribution to the music art development and highly qualified personnel training.

Construction of National Library and National Museum in the capital of the country as great centers of science and culture are among the important events and achievements of independence era which will serve today's and future generations.

Alongside with this, it should be noted that a wide range of laws and state programs, legal and normative acts and regulations related to further development of culture – theatre, library, museum, mass media as well as preservation and use of historical relics have contributed to the strengthening of material-technical basis of cultural institutions, establishment of modern cultural infrastructure, implementation of constitutional citizen's rights and freedom in using the achievements of a national and universal culture.

Moreover, there are a number of issues remain, which we still need to solve.

Today, over 40 historic and ethnographic museums function in the country, which have a huge number of unique items and findings.

However, executive bodies of state power in cities and districts do not allocate sufficient funds for the reconstruction, renovation, upgrading and strengthening of resource-and-technical base of these entities that in result, a big number of high-valued scientific, historical and cultural monuments remain in poor condition.

The Ministry of Culture and the Academy of sciences are instructed to elaborate and submit to the Government a Specific Program aimed at reconstruction and renovation of historic monuments.

Mass media in society is the powerful and effective information force which promotes new opinion. They play extremely big role in the process of democratization and development of society.

It should be stated, that a number of mass media agencies is significantly increased over the years of independence.

For instance, 139 newspapers and magazines had been functioning in the country in 1991, among which only 4 were private. There was an only national (state) information agency. To date, 404 newspapers and magazines are published in the country, including 250 private owned media. There are eight information agencies registered, 7 agencies among which are non-governmental. It can be evaluate as a positive phenomenon in the formation (generation) and development of civil society in the country. Along with public radio, non-governmental radio channels also contribute to the development of information space of the country. Currently, 44 radio-television channels works in the country, including 28 state radios and television and the rest are private.

A process of the generation of civil society coincides with the independence of our Homeland. Political parties and non-governmental organizations which are important elements and institutions of civil society have emerged mostly in the independence era. These institutions have obtained a special status in the establishment of civil society, democratization of society and expansion of a culture of tolerance in the country.

If in 1992 there were 141 such institutions, today their number accounts for 2364. Eight political parties are freely working, while five of them have seats in the Parliament. The Government of Tajikistan will further promote the development of civil society.

With the view of improvement of a morality in the society, the Government of the country supported the publication of 600 works of classics and contemporary writers, supply of public libraries with newly-published literatures has improved to a certain extent and a number of state book shops reached 100.

It is a matter of pride that in 2010 on the initiative of Tajikistan and a number of other countries, in accordance with the special UN Resolution grand holiday – Navruz has gained the international status.

Another historical and cultural event is that on the decision of UNESCO, unique historical and archeological five-thousand years old monument proto-urban site of "Sarazm" was included to the World Heritage List which protected by this Organization.

Research works are under way in order through transnational program of "the Great Silk Road" to include 8 more historical and cultural sites to the List, including "Ancient site of Panjakent", "Bunjekat city", "Hisor Fortress", "Buddhism Monastery Ajinateppa", "Hoja Mashhad Medreseh", "Takhti Sangin" town, "Hulbuk" and "Yamchun Fortress".

Culture and high mastership at all times and era was recognized as a key mean in representing country and nation to the world. It is pleasant, that today, our fellow citizens perform their mastership in the best world arenas. Under the support of the Government, over the years of independence, our cultural teams have traveled (toured) to more than 50 countries of the world. Only in 2010, Tajik art and culture masters have attended commemorations, competitions and festivals of 20 countries around the globe and represented a culture and supreme art mastery of the Tajik nation.

Health care sector is one of the priority fields in social policy of the state. A range of works and arrangements have been carried out in this sector by the support of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan. These works include, the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On family medicine" was adopted and moreover, the Government has approved a National Strategy of the health improvement of the population of Tajikistan for terms 2010 – 2020 and a Strategic Plan for the reconstruction of medical institutions of Tajikistan for 2011 - 2020.

With the view to improving a health condition of the people, the Government is annually increasing financing of the sector which is grown by 20 times for the last ten years.

Along with this, 31 investment projects worth of 1 billion 200 million somoni are being implemented in the country in the health care sector.

Personnel training and providing medical establishments with highly qualified personnel is one of the crucial issues.

A number of physicians in the country today equals 14 500. However, today, according to the general standard requirements we lack of 10 thousand doctors in districts.

Consequently, the Ministry of health is obliged to strictly oversee an implementation of a "Program on medical personnel training for 2010 - 2020" and ensure its comprehensive fulfillment timely.

Sanitation – epidemiological security is one of the major challenges of the health care sector, which covers the issues like improvement of safe drinking water supply of the people and medical institutions, renovation of water and sewage network system in cities and districts, quality control of foods, consumer commodities and imported construction materials.

In this connection, it is necessary for the Ministry of health, "Tajikstandard" Agency, Customs Service and other relevant authorities to thoroughly monitor abovementioned issues.

Last years, new methods of diagnostic and treatment have been introduced to medical establishments in the country using modern technology and it enabled to reduce a number of people needing treatment abroad by 70%.

Despite measures undertaken, situation in the sector, quality and accessibility of medical treatment still need to be improved.

With the purpose of further development of health sector, improvement of medical services, regulation of medical and sanitation services by the medical institutions of the country, betterment and accessibility of services to the people, particularly those poor segments of population, the Ministry of health in cooperation with other ministries and departments concerned has to take timely and impactful measures and ensure their implementation.

Distinguished participants!

Ensure of a level and quality of social protection of the population is one of the major principles of sustainability and stability of society in any independent state.

To this end, most important legal acts on the regulation of labor relations, improvement of material condition of the people, increase of a size of minimum legal wage, growth of a rate of salary of budget-funded agencies and organization, pension and scholarships were adopted and came into force.

In this course, a salary of social sector employees, like education, health, culture, institutions of social security and science will be increased two times within next three years, including shall be raised by 30% from September 1, 2011.

At the same time, within the frames of reforms of salary and transition to single tariff schedule, a rate of salaries for statesmen, law enforcement authorities' personnel and soldiers, as well as pension will be increased.

Late last year, a single tariff schedule was applied for the salary payment reforms of five ministries and agencies that brought positive results. Therefore, this practice will be introduced at all ministries and agencies of local executive bodies of state authorities from 1st of September which will ensure an increase of a salary of specialists by 100%, leading or chief specialists by 70%, chief of sections and heads of departments by 30 and 50% accordingly.

To that end, the Ministry of finance is instructed to ensure an implementation of these measures within the bounds of approved current budget and take stock of necessary amount of funds in the course of drafting public budget in years to come for the execution of this task.

It has to be highlighted that at the process of pursuance of a policy aimed at the social protection of the people, the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan places a particular emphasis on three major aspects of labor relations, i.e. promotion of providing capable population with adequate and deserved jobs, regulation of relations between employer and employee and increase of the salary rate.

With the view of providing labor-capable population with appropriate jobs, new jobs have been created through state programs aimed at promotion of social employment and currently situation in a labor market is gradually improving. Nearly 1 million new jobs were created during last 10 years. With the purpose of more visible support of the people in training and learning profession and skills which are in demand in labor market, the Government within short period of time has established a network of training centers for adults, that these institutions today train personnel on 48 professions and specialties in compliance with international standards. 70 thousand unemployed people have been trained in these centers and got jobs on the expense of state budget.

In order to intensify people's employment, in co-operation with other relevant ministries, agencies and executive bodies of state authority, the Ministry of labor and social protection of population should persistently take actions for providing graduates of these training centers, especially vulnerable parts of society – orphans, children of poor families, disabled persons and etc. with permanent engagement.

It should be stressed that, under the programs on promotion of population employment, 27 million somoni of small preferential credits have been given to over 20 thousand unemployed people for the organization of individual business, which it is a part of important measures of the state policy in unemployment rate reduction.

Along with an implementation of these actions, the government strives for to ensure social guarantee to temporarily unemployed citizens. 242 thousand people have been paid state unemployment compensation from the state budget for the period of up to 6 months.

Orphans and homeless children are the most vulnerable and indigent groups of society. Currently, 84 boarding schools function in the country which is 43 more against the number of such schools existed at pre-independent period and enrolled 8300 pupils, including 2000 girls.

Financing of these establishments and institutions is increasing annually and favorable conditions are created at these boarding schools.

In this regard, it is proposed to ease a procedure of adopting child and create more favorable conditions and opportunities to those who wish to adopt orphans. I am convinced that there are many honest and decent persons in our country who wish to perform this noble deed and bring up orphans and homeless children as their own.

The Ministry of education, other ministries and agencies, organizations and committees, executive bodies of state authority and educational establishments are instructed to create all necessary and favorable conditions for support, tutorship and education and upbringing of orphans and homeless people, facilitate their further education at primary schools, secondary schools, high educational institutions and abroad, as well as provide them with jobs after graduation from all these links of education.

The problem of the improvement of women empowerment was in the spotlight of the Government since early days of the independence.

A Decree of the President of the country "On measures of improvement of a status of woman in society", as well as the Resolution of the Government from 2010 "National Strategy of reinforcement of women's role in the Republic of Tajikistan for 2011 – 2020" play important role in upgrading a status and a dignity of women in the establishment of democratic society.

Involvement of women of the country to government administration business and economic and social sectors management is very visible while women consist 25% or 6 thousand of public servants.

Nearly 110 thousand teachers work at the educational institutions and schools of the country 70% of which are consisted of women and make significant contribution to the overall progress of society.

Over 10 thousand young students have been enrolled to high and professional educational institutions of the country under the Presidential quota during 1997 – 2010, 7500 of whom are consisted of girls from remote mountainous districts.

In spite of the realization of a range of effective measures in the life of women, a lot issues and challenges still remains so far. Shortages of job, including insufficiency of enterprises which mostly need women's engagement are observed at almost all districts of the country. Lack of necessary and adequate infrastructure hampers women in obtaining qualification, profession and job. Taking into account all these aspects, the Government consistently takes efficient measures for creating more new jobs.

From 2006 to present, more than 3 million and 300 thousand somoni of Presidential grants have been allocated to the support of women's entrepreneurship.

The Government of the country is committed to further increase a volume of grant funding, thus grow a number of women and girls engaged in entrepreneurship business.

Youth plays a remarkable role in policy and development of social, economic and cultural sectors. Along with gaining state independence, public youth policy has been identified as priority directions of the Government which today is being pursued through adoption of mid-term sectoral programs.

Young generation should deeply recognize that they are entrusted a fate of the future of state and nation. Protection and leave in inheritance a prosperous and flourishing Homeland to coming generations has a supreme responsibility and urges every young people to always make aspirations to the cause of strengthening national unity, state independence, intensification of self acknowledgment, self-identity and patriotism.

Sport in the life of the people, in particular in the life of young generation is the important school of world view and promotion of supreme human values, like friendship, brotherhood, peace, freedom, respect for other nations and mutually beneficial cooperation among countries.

I recently expressed my point of view in regard to the prospect and development of the sector at my meeting with the sportsmen of the country.

I therefore, it is important, that the Committee on youth, sport and tourism, National Olympic Committee, ministries and agencies, organizations and associations, as well as sport federations take necessary measures for timely implementation of a Plan of actions specified at that meeting. I am confident, that adoption and realization of a Program of physical training and sport development for 2011 – 2015 will give a powerful impetus to overall development of sector.

It should be emphasized that in terms of challenging globalization processes, independent countries and nations have to protect a moral image of the nation, including own cultural and moral values.

In this context, Tajik nation, particularly, our young generation should also be conscious of roots of ancient civilization, language and national culture, customs of governance of its nation and depending on changes and challenges of beginning of the third millennium have to make every efforts for the reinforcement of a ground of new statehood and the basis of Tajik national thought and culture. This is a requirement of life and a duty of every self-acknowledged nation with high culture.

With the view of protecting from negative impact of comprehensive globalization process which inevitably changes a gap of time and era, moral boundaries and cultural provenance of national state governance, improvement of healthy national thought in the intellect of young generation, protection of national values from destructive threats and challenges of violence, strengthening national unity, reinforcement of security and stability in the country, raising the awareness of the people, especially among youth are permanent and effortful actions of the governing and cultural policy of our nation. Along with this, I'd remind that national pride should not blindfold us in reaching progress and achievements of the modern world, flight of thoughts of humanity and ever-increasing development of civilized nations around the globe.

On the contrary, as much we love our Homeland and nation, we as much should exert efforts to learn and adopt in practice scientific and cultural values of mankind, achievements in modern technology and newest discoveries.

At present, along with recognition of supreme universal values we need to introduce ourselves to the world community in a specific face and as civilized nation take steps forward towards democratic, secular and civil society system.

Distinguished participants!

Human and human rights and freedom are the major essence of public policy in any developed countries and civilized society throughout the world. Recognition of human and its rights and freedom by the international community as supreme values is a vivid evidence of this reality. However, it is impossible to perform these supreme goals without contemporary laws which are in compliance with democratic society's requirements and regulate systematic activity of state authorities.

The people of independent Tajikistan during the adoption of the first Constitution as a sovereign nation have declared freedom and human rights sacred and proclaimed formation of fair society as their own duty and identified main principles of civil society as well as a system of competent authorities in this direction.

Legal regulation of all relations which emerge in the process of building democratic, constitutional and secular state that means ensure of legal framework of activity of various state sectors and public life is a mission of legislative body of the country and this branch of state authority considers and adopts laws which are in compliance with universally recognized principles and those which meet the requirements of civil society.

Laws adopted, first of all focused on ensuring human rights and freedom, strengthening public ties and legal order, people's healthcare, development of education, culture and economic prosperity of the country, including favorable business environment.

Judicial bodies as independent branch of state authority are the major elements of democratic society and of executor of judicial justice.

Activity of judges should be stainless as mirror and they have to recognize with high responsibility that state entrusted judicial authorities the execution of legal justice which is directly linked with protection and respect of the most sacred and top-priority value that is human rights and freedom and careless and irresponsibility are inadmissible in the performance of this mission.

With the view of implementing provisions of the annual address of the President of the Republic of Tajikistan to Majlisi Oli from April 24, 2010, we have drafted and approved a Program of judicial and legal reforms for 2011 – 2013.

It represents concrete measures in regard to further improvement of judicial authorities, strengthening independency and responsibility of judges, betterment of social status of judges, development of the legislation of the sector and other directions of the activity of judicial power.

Another most important issue which is set in the program is ensure of people's access to qualified legal aid. In order to achieve this goal, it is necessary to review existing advocacy system and elaborate and adopt legal normative acts of the sector, first of all the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan "On advocacy" in a new edition.

The Constitutional Court, Supreme Court, Court of Arbitration, Council of Justice, the Ministry of Justice and other relevant state authorities have to take necessary measures for ensuring transparency and openness in the activity of judges, including advancement of responsibility of judges in adopting legal and justified resolutions, securing an execution of adopted judicial acts, prevention of abuse of the law in the activity of judges and barristers, as well as prevention of corruption practices which are the subjects of public deep concern, right placement of personnel, improvement of skills and professional development of judges, particularly young judges.

Observance of requirements of the Law "On the appeal of citizens" and consideration of their petitions and complaints by corresponding state authorities, including executive bodies of state authorities of regions, cities and districts needs to be seriously improved.

Strengthening legitimacy and legal order, reinforcement of fight against crime and ensure of supremacy of law are among priority directions of activity of the Tajik Government. Since, a progress of all sectors of the life of the country inseparably linked with stability of society and supremacy of law.

The Government of the country has executed tremendous work with the purpose of social support of military servicemen and law enforcement agencies staff and of creation of favorable living conditions for this group of the people and is committed to gradually build cantonments and houses, including allotment of plots of land and conduct of structural reforms.

Current security situation in the region and whole world urges the law enforcement bodies and security agencies of the country to intensify activity and establish work in compliance with the modern security and defense requirements.

With the aim of improvement of professional skills and knowledge of personnel, heads of law enforcement bodies and security and defense authorities are obliged to take necessary steps every day and in order to raise their activity to a much higher level have to introduce modern methods and ways of prevention and fight against crime.

Moreover, they need to attach a particular attention to combat readiness of the military units of Armed Forces and to equip training bases and centers where military staff is trained with up-to-date defense and information technology.

Today all legal and organizational framework is created in the country for fighting against illegal drug trafficking which is one of the major global challenges.

The statistic analyses show that despite reinforcement of activity of relevant authorities, situation in reveal and prevention of illegal narcotics still remains unsatisfactory.

Therefore, law enforcement authorities and other relevant agencies of the country have to seriously intensify their activity in the cause of prevention and fighting illegal drug trafficking and to mobilize all efforts in reveal of organized crime groups, as well as detection of and bringing guilty persons to trial.

I'd reiterate that activity of law enforcement bodies and security and defense authorities, courts and public prosecutor offices should first of all focus on ensuring national security, supremacy of law, fighting crime, counter terrorism, extremism, corruption, trafficking in human beings and strengthening lasting peace and stability in the country. Law enforcement, security and defense authorities staff, public prosecutor offices and courts personnel must be an exemplary model for others with their genuine conduct, kindliness, good actions and patriotism.

Unfortunately, upsetting cases of committing crimes by some personnel of these authorities, including corruption practices still remain which this factor stains a good image of state bodies and disgraces reputation and dignity of their staff.

In reference to this subject, I would like to highlight a point that the Government has undertaken all legal and organizational measures for prevention and detection of corruption practices. Reveal of corruption crimes in 2010 increased by 2,5 times. In this regard, it should be reminded that Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development has positively evaluated Tajikistan's efforts in carrying out obligations arising out of the United Nations Convention against Corruption.

Given the importance of this issue, additional measures in reinforcing fight against corruption have been adopted last year via resolutions of the President of Tajikistan and the National Council on Fighting Corruption was established that based on abovementioned acts, heads of ministries and state authorities assume the responsibility of prevention and fighting corruption in various sectors.

Now, it is important to ensure timely implementation of these documents and other measures foreseen in this direction in order to enable the people of the country to feel the result of these arrangements. In addition to this, I'd point out that besides state authorities, every member of society should also contribute to fighting corruption.

With the view of timely and effective solution of aforementioned issues, heads of all law enforcement, security and defense authorities should take firm and impactful steps for defense capacity building of the country, reinforcement of fight against modern threats and challenges, prevention of terrorist and extremist acts, relentless struggle against all kinds of crime, including corruption practices, first of all among their own staff, right deployment of personnel, training of mentally and physically qualified personnel, heighten the sense of responsibility and political vigilance as well as professional preparedness of personnel.

Distinguished delegates!

Twenty years of the independence which is historically extremely short span of time, however is abundant of important and determining events of our nation, along with in-depth assessment and review of our past and present, it also needs thorough and right analysis of pursuance of foreign policy of the country.

Today we can confidently say that mission and essence of this policy was a comprehensive protection of national interests, ensure of freedom and the independency of the country, security and stability in society, guaranteeing a progress and prosperity of the country, as well as the reinforcement of Tajikistan's specific position in the newest system of international relations.

At present, it should be mentioned that rapidly changing state of international relations system following the collapse of bipolar world and lack of new and durable system inflicted a serious damage on the sustainability and invariability of this system, that last unrests and uprisings and conflicting events in Middle East and Arab countries testify these arguments.

Tajikistan in this situation remains a strong advocate of constructive cooperation with all parties and pursues balanced, peaceful, reliable and comprehensive policy which is aimed at increase of a numbers of friends of the Tajik nation. The substance of a policy which we pursue and introduced it to the world community as "open doors" policy namely represents our willingness for impactful cooperation with all international organizations and countries.

In this respect, analysis and recognition of the major factors of modern international system which is being globalized is not an easy work and our daily life reality proves it. The international peculiarity of economy, unprecedented development of communication and other means of communication, aggravation of problems and universal challenges, an expansion of activity of transnational institutions have become the reasons for drastic changes in our life principles. This process, if on the one hand have become a cause for the intensification of relations of different parts of today's world, on the other hand globalization of challenging and dangerous phenomena, like terrorism, extremism, radicalism, drug trafficking, transnational organized crime, as well as such anthropogenic challenges of the planet, as climate change and etc. made a situation more intricate and complicated.

Tajikistan does not stand aside of this process, but on the contrary, it is in the front line of combating some of challenges and in the centre of emergence of other phenomena. Naturally, such circumstance and the need for the settlement of these issues require our broad and effective multilateral cooperation with the world community, international organizations and promotion of bilateral cooperation with individual countries.

The people of the country and you all are well aware of efforts and aspirations which the Government is making towards the addressing water challenges both at regional and international levels. Our endeavors and extensive efforts are focused on the one hand at playing the leading role in the solution of problems which the humanity faces with. On the other hand, we kept the spotlight on some issues which exist in the region and every citizen of our country clearly feels their effect.

High Level International Conference which has been held under the support of the United Nations in June last year and devoted to the summary of the first half of the Decade "Water for Life" which is a yield of Tajikistan's initiative was very useful and effective conference that brought a huge number of representatives from all over the world together and acquainted the peoples of planet and experts with challenges existing in this direction and introduced our constructive position to the whole world.

A lot of proposals have been voiced at this conference as the outcomes of efforts and on Tajikistan's initiative the United Nations General Assembly has declared 2013 as the International Year of Water Cooperation. The main notion and a key word is "cooperation" which reflects our goal and intention. Tajikistan is always a strong advocate of cooperation and all of its proposals made on the regional or international arena are consisted of cooperation.

We have reminded this issue from the high rostrums several times and today state that there is no any issue in Central Asia which could not be solved by benign intentions and constructive cooperation among neighboring countries. This position, first of all, related to the addressing water and energy challenges in the region, which are always on the centre of discussions and we can designate a key for the solution of this problem by a word: cooperation!

In this course, Tajikistan has offered numerous constructive proposals over recent years and remains committed to their contents and purport that supply of pure drinking water to the peoples in the region was one of examples.

In general, in reference to this issue and other sectors of regional cooperation, more integration of Central Asian countries, free movement of peoples, movement of goods, capital and services, intensification of relations in the spirit of historic and cultural affinities and good neighborliness of its nations have been and remain the major objective of the Republic of Tajikistan and strengthening constructive regional cooperation with close neighbor countries is among paramount dimensions of our foreign policy.

If we take look at broader space and region, we observe position of our country in relationship with the post-soviet nations, who are affiliated in the Commonwealth of Independent States, Eurasian Economic Community and the Collective Security Treaty Organization.

Relations of Tajikistan with the CIS member states last year have been cemented. This year, during our chairmanship at the CIS we will make efforts to widely apply and expand the opportunities for integration in the Organization. This particularly applies to our relationship with the Russian Federation which is our strategic partner. Putting in commission the biggest cooperation object in the post-soviet area – "Sangtuda-1" hydro-power plant, opening of the branches of the most famous Russian universities in Dushanbe, an inauguration on the reciprocal basis information and cultural centers and training of experts and specialist who are in demand of our national economy are the striking examples of fruitful cooperation. It is not for nothing that Russia is topped in our trade relations in terms of commodity turnover.

We have good neighborhood relations, mutual understanding and mutually beneficial relationship with the countries of region and neighboring states and are sincerely keen in the expansion of a scope of these relations and their further enhancement. Consequently, cementing relations both on multilateral and on bilateral frameworks with the friendly countries of Iran, Afghanistan. India, Pakistan, Turkey and others remains as one of the priorities of our foreign policy.

As we commence talking upon the situation in the region, we indispensably recall the greatest organization of the region – Shanghai Cooperation Organization, since, from the early days of its foundation, it has made a lot of works in resolving regional issues, establishment of economic cooperation among member states based on new principles and other areas of cooperation which gradually embraced all sectors of our everyday life. A great number of national projects are implemented in our country within the framework of this organization. We therefore, are committed to further intensify our work within this institution and strengthen relationship with its member states, first of all, with the People's Republic of China, which certainly will enrich and widen a content of our bilateral ties.

We maintain active and fruitful collaboration with international financial institutions, donor countries and development partners in implementing principal socio-economic projects.

In addressing both domestic and regional challenges and on Afghanistan, we enjoy constructive cooperation with the members of antiterrorist coalition, including United States of America and European Union member states. Establishment of peace and stability in the neighboring and faith brother country meets national interests of Tajikistan and at present, our country makes a remarkable contribution in joint fighting against terrorism, extremism, illegal drug trafficking and transnational organized crime. Bilateral cooperation with the United States of America, as well as contribution to the realization of the EU Strategy for Central Asia will remain the most critical subjects of our foreign policy which in terms of its implementation, we shall develop and enhance our constructive relations with the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

Speaking on partner country of the Organization – neighboring Afghanistan, I would like to emphasize, that security and stability in this brotherly country is necessary for Central Asia, particularly for Tajikistan as much as the air we breathe and we as always will further make every efforts possible within both the frames of international organizations and of our bilateral ties to achieve this noble goal. Addressing modern threats and challenges and joint struggle against other negative phenomena, as well as helping and promoting Afghanistan's efforts, training necessary personnel for Afghanistan in our country and other areas will always be in the spotlight of the agenda of our cooperation with this friendly country. Moreover, it should be mentioned that last years, our political, security, military and trade cooperation have been shifted to a much higher level and are being further enhanced on the basis of a solid ground and mutual trust between our nations.

In this respect, a leading role of the United Nations, beyond doubt is extremely important and our cooperation with this authoritative international organization will be boosted. In the meantime, we are convinced, that developments recently happened on the world arena have once again cleared the necessity of the UN reform and particularly Security Council, as far as these institutions have been emerged following the World War II, however state of political situation of those days drastically differ from current reality.

I would like to explain another point, though it does not need an interpretation. The matter is on last developments and events happened in some Arab countries which internal challenges and clashes of those countries became a centerpiece of discussions and negotiations throughout the world. Since much has been said and written about the possibility of a rise of such events in Central Asia, I would like to emphasize that: self-aware Tajik nation, who had once been a victim of such intrigues, deeply acknowledges the essence of peace, stability and value of welfare and harmony and as the people who survived the imposed civil war, excludes military solutions to problems and conflicts and is a strong advocate of the peaceful solution of all problems and difficulties, reconciliation, tolerance and adhere to safety and stability in its country.

Distinguished members of Majlisi milli and representatives of Majlisi namoyandagon!

Dear compatriots!

This year is a sacred and historic period for the noble and glorious people of our country – the twentieth anniversary of the state independence of Tajikistan which we together solemnly celebrate this festive event.

Owing to this gift of God, that is state independence, we were able after thousand years to revive a national origin and mentality, history, language and national culture, benign traditions and national values, in general regenerate our national being with the view to perform responsible and honorable mission – building democratic, constitutional and secular state, like our newest sovereign and free state today is and ensure deserving and happy life for today and next generations.

Within this short period of history, we could reinforce the bases of newly-built and young state, outline needs and national expectations of our people within the frames of major objectives and key directions of internal and foreign policies of the state and today, on the threshold of this grand celebration we can proudly say, that we gradually overcame problems and hardships and eliminated shortages through constructive labor and unstinting support of the glorious people of the country and reached visible achievements.

Alongside with it, we taking into account all constructive and helpful opinions which facilitate a progress of socio-economic sectors of the country, have concentrated all existing opportunities and resources to the cause of only improvement of the living standard of the people and created favorable conditions and friendly environment for sustainable and steadfast development of all sectors in the country.

As you all are aware, we in the country have set a process of constructive and upgrading policy and make consistent efforts for the implementation of important and strategic goals of Tajikistan. Today, we can confidently say that we are close to the realization of these noble goals.

However, along with this, a situation of the modern world urges us within the bounds of adopted dimensions of domestic and foreign policy of our independent state to ensure timely and effective implementation of instructions, orders and aforementioned issues which are related to the constructive activity of the Majlisi Oli, the Government of the country and of executive bodies of state authorities.

In this sensitive and rapidly changing condition of the planet, a human duty of every self-aware and compassionate citizen and every glorious and honest Tajik person should be consisted of a promotion of national vigilance, political intelligence, high sense of patriotism and strengthening national unity.

Only in this case and via unceasing, devoted and honest labor we can overcome existing challenges and hardships of our society as united and strong power, to devotedly fulfill plans and our good visions for the welfare and prosperity of our Homeland and socio-economic development of independent nation and shift the living conditions of proud and glorious people of Tajikistan to a much and qualitatively higher level in near future.

This responsible, challenging, but at the same time noble and honorable way requires every ordinary citizen to a high-ranking public servant, that is, all the glorious, honorable and patriotic people of Tajikistan, first of all from us – those presented in this hall to continuously make extensive efforts for the strengthening and reinforcement of the state independency of Tajikistan, cementing the foundations of the newest Tajik state, protection of national and public interests and raising an authority of our beloved Homeland.

I wish all of you every success in achieving these noble goals and pray to God to abound in prosperity and welfare of every Tajik family, to perpetuate security, stability lasting peace and our national unity and keep our independent and sovereign Tajikistan in Goodness.

Thank you!

STATEMENT by the President of the Republic of Tajikistan at the Fifth Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan

Excellency Hamid Karzai, President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan,

Excellency Mahmud Ahmadinejad, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran,

Excellency Asif Ali Zardari, President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan,

Distinguished participants of the Conference,

Honourable guests,

Dear ladies and gentlemen,

Allow me first of all to warmly welcome you all at the Fifth Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan.

It is an enormous pleasure to once again extend my heartfelt felicitations to you on the occasion of the International Navruz Day and wish you good health, happiness and every success.

Our today meeting under the title "A result-oriented Partnership for Promoting Regional Integration, Stability and Prosperity (Integration, Stability and Prosperity", relies on the outcomes and the goals set at the previous conferences on Afghanistan and it opens up a new page in the history of international community's efforts aimed at re-establishing peace and stability in Afghanistan.

We are confident, that your statements and remarks at the Conference will bring clarifications to ways and means of coping with the challenges in Afghanistan as well as promote our aspirations toward creating conditions for the establishment of a staunch basis of its sustainable development.

A great number of international and regional forums have been held at different levels over the past years which were focused on seeking ways of addressing challenges in Afghanistan. A large number of constructive proposals and suggestions have also been made and decisive documents were adopted on the sidelines of those events. Unfortunately, we have gaps in implementing all those agreements reached earlier and therefore there is a strong need today for creating improved mechanism for the fulfillment of those commitments.

We therefore believe that along with determining ways and means of economic cooperation on Afghanistan, practical steps will be also taken at the Conference for the implementation of the outcomes.

Tajikistan has always been expressing its interest in establishing genuine peace and stability in Afghanistan and commitment to rehabilitating diverse aspects of life in this country. We have always been frank and reliable advocate of strong and lasting peace, stability and reconciliation in friendly and brotherly country with whom we share common language and culture. We do strongly believe that peace in Central Asia is inseparably associated with the situation in Afghanistan.

Today, we are increasingly confident that it is indisputable more opportunities will come out to manage economic issues following the strengthening of the role of the Afghan government and gradual transfer of security responsibility to government forces.

Tajikistan in this connection strongly supports an implementation of the Comprehensive International Strategy for Security and Post-conflict Restoration of Afghanistan and believes the international community should make increased contribution to socio-economic aspects of this country.

International allies and the Afghan Government have agreed during previous conferences and forums on capacity building for security agencies, regional cooperation and improving initiatives aimed at achieving peace and stability. However, there is still a need for better coordination of the arrangements and engagement of international community in an implementation of specified projects and progress in Afghanistan.

We do also believe that such approach could mobilize constructive potential of the Afghan people as well as promote their gradual involvement in overall management in Afghanistan.

In this context, it is a very time for the international community to support this process which ultimately could contribute to implication of different segments of the Afghan society in the peaceful coexistence.

I wish to particularly emphasize that the Afghan people and the Government as its legitimate representative play a pivotal role in addressing challenges in Afghanistan. In this respect, Tajikistan advocates initiatives and commitments made by the legitimate Government of Afghanistan aimed at achieving reconciliation and establishing lasting peace and stability in the country. There is no doubt that at the current stage the international community should play more vigorous role to help the situation.

Distinguished participants of the Conference,

Phased transfer of security responsibility to Afghan authorities needs well-trained forces to counter terrorism, extremism and organized crime. Along with technical assistance, there is a need for the Afghan law enforcement agencies and military authorities in human resources capacity building as well.

Tajikistan is ready to further extent the scales of training programs which are currently provided within its training centers for the Afghan border-guards, military forces and law enforcement agencies.

However, today it is clear that peaceful life cannot be secured in the country by only military means. Development and implementation of comprehensive large-scale commitments and programs aimed at eliminating socio-economic roots of terrorism, extremism and other crimes are needed to establish peace and stability in the long run.

I believe realization of a joint Counter Narcotics Program could be a priority task for international allies to achieve this supreme goal. An increased focus should be made on the most active and improved involvement of the Afghan farmers while implementing the program.

In this circumstance, replacement of not only narcotic crops by other agriculture, but vehement prevention of import or smuggling of precursors to Afghanistan would have decisive importance.

Tajikistan, on its own part, could make a comprehensive contribution to the rehabilitation of irrigation system in Afghanistan and facilitate irrigation of arable lands in this country effectively. Establishment of a series of hydro-power plants and water reservoirs in Tajikistan and Afghanistan as the sources of water and discounted energy would be the most important factor in a reclamation of unused (uncultivated) pieces of land in Afghanistan and the revival of agricultural sector.

Rational use of agricultural potential of Afghanistan with the view of promoting agricultural and food suply for domestic needs and the export of commodities to markets of the region, in the long run will encourage a rebirth of this sector and a partially resolves the unemployment in the country.

Restoration of peace and stability in Afghanistan in the current state very passionately (particularly) needs development of human resources. In this connection, efforts towards establishment of regional cooperation with the aim of providing different sectors of the Afghan national economy with qualified and desired experts should be recognized by our international allies as one of the key guidelines of their engagement.

We urge the international community to widely use existing facilities and opportunities of Tajikistan to meet these ends. As far as this point is concerned, Tajikistan in this direction has already established cooperation in training military and security personnel and border-guard troops of Afghanistan. Experience learnt in this field proves, that cultural and linguistic affinities which our people share facilitate the effectiveness of this process.

In this regard, we call on our international partners to render their most active and impactful assistance to Afghanistan for the purpose of strengthening this experience and using the opportunities of our country and all other Central Asian states in building human resources and training personnel for other sectors of the national economy.

Establishment of Multi-disciplinary vocational training center in Tajikistan under the international patronage can be a real step forward in this direction.

Excellencies, distinguished guests, dear participants,

Expansion of Afghanistan's involvement to the regional integration process via increasing trade-economic links with neighboring countries is of the core elements of sustainable socio-economic development of this next-door neighbor nation. Tajikistan, refers to the necessity use of most of all economic potential and domestic natural resources of Afghanistan with aim to addressing multiple challenges which the country faces.

We feel convinced, that the Fifth Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan will make its valuable contribution to our collective endeavors through the expression of pledges and concrete commitments.

At present, countries of the region should give a particular importance to integration initiatives, as well as to revival of historic trade routes and intensification of trade links. Materialization (an exercise) of these commitments will bring new favorable opportunities in peaceful resolution of Afghan conflict and cementing collaboration and regional solidarity.

Tajikistan – Afghanistan rail road with connection to Turkmenistan – Afghanistan railway branch lines and other parts of this route is already been studied by international experts. In future, this route will be interconnected with Kyrgyzstan and China and as regional transit artery would bring significant incomes every year to the Afghan budget at the expense of increase of trade turnovers among countries.

CASA – 1000 project could considerably eliminate power shortcomings in Afghanistan and Pakistan for account of energy transfer from Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Along with this, construction of gas pipeline from Turkmenistan to Pakistan and India through the territory of Afghanistan and further connection of Tajikistan to this project can meet the natural gas needs of countries in the region which in the long run would undoubtedly be in the favor of the Afghan nation.

At the same time, we should take into account that implementation of these large-scale projects will encourage an exercise of dozens of other economic and commercial commitments by creating thousands of jobs not only in Afghanistan, but throughout the region.

In this context, we explicitly extent our full support of these and other projects aimed at expansion of transport and communication network through building railroads and highways via Afghanistan's territory, including setting of power transmission lines, oil and gas pipelines.

We do strongly believe, that these initiatives in general correspond to integration processes and our collective coherent objective which consists in building lasting peace, reconciliation and progress in Afghanistan and the region at large.

Distinguished gathering,

We today have submitted to you a minor part of our opportunities which are critical for restoration of peaceful life in Afghanistan and its further development by exercising mechanisms promoting regional cooperation. Specifications and description of Tajikistan's view in regard to this agenda and parallel items will be submitted by our delegation to your kind consideration during the Conference.

As it was mentioned earlier, today's conference is a beginning of a new chapter in a noble commitment to rebuilding Afghanistan. Since, international community, individual countries and institutions concerned should duly respond to evolvements which happen during the last several years in the process of peace and stability and foster relations which would meet new realities in Afghanistan. A substance of these relations places a greater responsibility on all of us to securing bright future of Afghanistan and the region.

Only an exercise of such comprehensive and encompassing relations allows to ensure viable, sustainable development in Afghanistan and overall stability and security in the region.

We are hopeful, that the results of the Conference will make an invaluable (strong) contribution to address the challenges Afghanistan and the region are facing and promote lasting peace and strengthened stability, economic rehabilitation and the restoration of all aspects of life in this friend and brotherly country.

In conclusion, I wish the Conference and all those involved every success and very pleasant say in Dushanbe.

Thank you for your attention.

From Nurek to Rogun (Tajik scholars argue Leonid Papyrin)

Lately, some sites and in the media can find articles and statements by Leonid Papyrin, which calls itself an international expert and is trying to impose their conclusions about the water problems of Central Asia. Particularly, it addresses vital issues for each of Tajiks - the problem of Lake Sarez and Rogun. As a geophysicist and worked several years in Tajikistan geologoupravlenii head of the Party, he spent several months conducting research at Lake Sarez. But his geophysical surveys in 2004 were rejected by the International Commission of Experts of the World Bank. His article, "Water problems of Central Asia", which appeared on the website "Central Asia" was, unfortunately, without critical commentary is reprinted in our central government newspaper "Narodnaya Gazeta» (№ 45-46 dated 9 and 16 November 2011). The paper consists of numerous indications of the author, how to build one or another of the reservoir and dam, many copied pages from a draft prepared by the "Tashkentgidroproekt" and passed off as their own conclusions. J1. Papyrin very dwells on the construction and safety issues Rogun. Not understanding the essence of the issue, not being an expert on hydropower, makes numerous erroneous conclusions. We decided not to hear and not to discuss this article. And to our readers are not mistaken in his innumerable inferences, the present paper, which is based on the opinions of leading Tajik scholars, X. S. Negmatullaeva, an expert on seismology and seismic construction and Sirodzheva B., a prominent electrical engineer, behind which the construction of the Nurek hydroelectric dam elevation. Also takes into account the view known political figure, an expert on energy, a member of the Committee of the Parliament of the Republic of Tajikistan on energy, industry, construction and communications, a member of the Tajik energy Association of Shodi Shabdolov. Without going into details of erroneous inferences L.Papyrin, consider it appropriate to provide readers with information that correspond to the truth based on the findings of the brain center - the Moscow Institute "Hydro project", which currently carries out maintenance of the proceedings of Rogun.

Our nation has been for many years with interest the controversy surrounding the development of Rogun. Each member of our society, every citizen interested in the question and everyone is waiting for a positive decision. A question has arisen this is not today and not yesterday, but many decades ago, when the greatest scientists of the Soviet Union on the instructions of the Government of the USSR participated in the Pamir-Tajik Complex Expedition in the early 30s.

The famous Soviet engineer N.A. Karaulov in 1932, considering the hydropower resources of Tajikistan, the Republic has shown great opportunities for power generation. I think readers will be interesting to present an excerpt from an article by N.A. Karaulov, published in 1932

"... installation, scheduled for rivers in Tajikistan, give the total power that is distributed as follows: the Panj River system - 26%, the system Vakhsh River - 53%, Kafirnigan - 3%, Karatag - 3%, Zarafshan - 16%. The total amount of energy generation given up all of these plants is 22 billion kilowatt/hours."

This fantastic technological advance- hydropower construction work, that time has long passed in Tajikistan. The country now produces annually more than 16 billion kilowatt / hours. And according to B. Sirodzhev, only the river Vakhsh technically can generate 45 billion kw / hours of electricity per year. Vakhsh River basin with a catchment area of 39 thousand 400 square kilometers located in the highest part of Tajikistan, in the foothills of the Pamir-Alai mountain system.

Through the work of N.A. Karaulov from early 30's Vakhsh River became a major focus of attention of scientists, researchers and engineers, hydropower, which led to the construction of the cascade of hydropower plants on the Vakhsh River. Currently, seven hydroelectric power plants have been successfully operated with a total installed capacity of 4670 MW. They provide the issuance of 93% of electricity of the country. Nearly three-quarters of the electricity produces the most hydroelectric power station Nurek, with the highest dam in the 300 M, which produces electricity per year - 11, 2 MAWP. kW / h. Design of the station began in the 50s, the building - in 1961. The operation of the station adopted in 1972, the last nine unit commissioned in 1979. The area of the reservoir 98 km 2, volume - 10 km 3, length - about 70 km. As a former chief of "Tadzhikglavenergo" B. Sirodzhev in response to journalists shows: "During the construction of the Nurek hydroelectric power station was the most stringent quality control. There were special units that monitor the quality of construction works and commissioning of equipment and other works. Not allowed to even minor deviations from the design decisions. With the acceptance of each phase of contracting organizations have their work as a customer and project organization. And only then, received payment for work performed. Thus, excluded are any irregularities in the construction process. Such a high dam was built as a rock fill that has improved its stability and reliability. During its existence, that is 37 years old dam "set" of about three meters, which means it has stabilized, and filtering the water through the dam is lower than the design in half - 37-67 l/sec, instead of the design of 80 l/sec. That is why our scientists have advocated it for the rockfill dam from local materials. All these years the Nurek hydroelectric power station caused no concern. You only need to carefully monitor its correct operation. Installed seismic sensors is heightened seismic activity during the filling of the reservoir water. However, the tremors were weak and shaking are constants only tightens the dam without causing serious accidents.

Attack of the Uzbek ecologists and opuses of Soviet Writers

The current large-scale attack on our neighbors, environmentalists Rogun reminds me of the accidental appearance in the newspaper "Pravda" in 1962, a number of major writers, led by Marietta Shahinian against the construction of High Dam at the Nurek hydroelectric power station on the rock-fill basis. Was printed in response to well-known scientists from world-renowned academics M.V.Keldysh, A.N. Nesmeyanov, A.M. Sadowski, A.P. Alexandrov and others, who asked journalists and writers do not interfere in a purely scientific and engineering projects. This article was published on the front page of the newspaper "Pravda".

After reading a number of statements of our opponents that in 100 years in the Rogun, with 20 earthquakes of 9 points, we turned to the well-known seismologist, Academician S. Kh Negmatullaev asking for help on seismic condition of the construction area of Nurek and Rogun. Scientist, presented a table of all earthquakes that have occurred on the territory of Tajikistan for the period from 1895 to 2010 and the strongest (M> 6,1-9,0) deep earthquakes in the period from 1906 to 2010. A thorough review of the data showed that in the construction of these high-altitude dams have never been recorded earthquakes with an intensity of more than 6 points on the scale MSK. During this period there were directly on the territory of Tajikistan 30 earthquakes and 38 earthquakes in the Hindu Kush-Pmiro area outside Tajikistan. All figures are in different directories, which are available to our adversaries and are available to all interested people. B. Sirodzhev claims "accident, which occurred in August 17, 2009 at the power plant Sayano-Shushen in Russia, recalled the need for a more critical approach to the safety of existing and constructed hydraulic works." Discussion on this topic was a lot and they continue to this day. In fact, the giant Soviet hydropower - the Nurek hydroelectric power station, working 37 years without an accident. But this is no indication that this will continue indefinitely. Of course, there is a need to convene a competent expert group to identify pockets of deformed the station. Necessary to complete the station by qualified personnel and to attract competent repair work, proven specialized organizations so that we do not happen that happened in Russia. Indeed, one of the causes of the crash sounded exactly where the shortcomings in the operation and maintenance of the technical control." It should be emphasized that the Nurek hydroelectric power station was not the last in the cascade of hydropower stations on the Vakhsh River. The next was to be built Rogun, which extended to the life of the Nurek hydroelectric power station. The fact that the Nurek reservoir is gradually silting due to deposits, which are applied with water. Rogun reservoir takes the protection of the siltation of the reservoir Nurek hydroelectric power station. There is another problem for the storage of large volumes of water with a high dam - the so-called "dead volume", that is, the amount of water that eventually must be replaced siltation.

"The dead volume" is usually at least half of the total volume of the reservoir. For example, in the full content of Nurek reservoir of about 10.5 billion cubic meters of water to the "dead volume" of less than 6 billion cubic meters, or about 60%. Silting of the reservoir Nurek hydroelectric station and the existence of "dead volume" of water begins to seriously affect the production of electricity, especially during the winter months. All of these issues put before the Government issues the resumption of Rogun. Rogun was renewed in 2000. At present the task in the coming years to commission the first phase, consisting of two hydroelectric plants. To do this, there are all prerequisites. Thus, almost two units are mounted on the stock plant. Turbine equipment has the expertise of specialists "Turboatom" Russia and found suitable for the installation and operation. Certainly, in the course of construction and other issues arise. Further construction will require, as a rule, support the design institute. And our hydro in this matter denied our Chief designer in Tashkent. Government of the Republic had to appeal to the Moscow Institute "Hydroproject", the former head office in Tashkent "Hydroproject." One of the items, according to which work from Moscow, is: "Hydroproject" shall have the right to correct technical solutions for the construction of waterworks, if their further implementation of the required level of reliability, as well as in the case of unjustified optimize to harmonize the customer. " Thus, the question of limitation of the project. At present there is ability to quickly recover seismological monitoring based on advanced technologies. A regional network of seven broadband digital seismic stations with satellite communication company "Nanometrik." Established geophysical service AN RT. Preparatory work is underway to create a local area network based on modern digital seismic stations to monitor the territory of the Rogun hydroelectric. It should be noted that observations of the slight shift engine room never stopped and positively noted the fact that over the past fifteen years, with deviations were within the specified project.

Now the construction of Rogun Tajikistan has become the most urgent and pressing task, and preparing for the overlap of the Vakhsh River is necessary pace. Rogun is part of the Vakhsh cascade. As its upper stage, it is a hydroelectric dam type with high (335 m) rock-fill dam. The design capacity of hydropower -3,600 MW, the average annual output - 13.1 mlrd.kVt / h. The building must be installed hydropower six radial - axial hydraulic units with a capacity of 600 MW. Dam will form a major Rogun reservoir with a total volume 13.3 CMH and useful volume of 8.6 CMH. The reservoir will be used in both energy and for irrigation purposes to irrigate arid land area of 300 hectares. Construction of the hydropower plant is planned in several stages. Power of the first stage should be 400 MW with average annual output 5 mlrd.kVt / h. The cost of completion of construction is estimated at $ 2.2 billion in the first phase - a $ 590 million

Currently, hydropower is adjusted by the Russian Institute "Hydro project ". Opponents have criticized the project because of the location in the zone of high seismic activity, landslides and debris flow processes, as well as the availability under the base of the dam Ionahshskiy normal fault filled with rock salt. The designers say on dam safety, in particular the fact that its design earthquake-resistant. And to protect the deposits of rock salt from erosion scheduled special events.

In 1974, the USSR State was approved by the Rogun project, developed by the CAO "Hydroproject" in Tashkent. Soviet hydraulic engineer found a safe solution to all these shortcomings. Provided for the sinking of 63 kilometers of tunnels. To combat the salt forms of the project envisaged the use of special technology provides a reliable level of security, i.e. to compensate for the pressure of the water reservoir, the reservoir will be fed with brine. To build a solid dam, which is not afraid of powerful earthquakes have decided to make the dam with a complex structure of loam, gravel and stones. Preparatory period of construction of power plants was initiated in 1976. In September 1976, Rogun arrived first builders. Transformers and turbines began to make in Kharkov, hydro – in Sverdlovsk. In total the project involved more than 300 enterprises. For builders of the city was built Rogun - multi-storey houses with all infrastructure. December 27, 1987 was held on the overlap of the Vakhsh River and the erection of the dam. By 1993, the height of the upper bridge construction has reached 40 meters, by that time had passed 21 kilometers of tunnels, performed major work on the development of computer facilities (70%) and transformer (80%) rooms. After the collapse of the Soviet Union was suspended construction of HPP. May 8, 1993 the upper building was washed away jumper powerful flood-flow tunnels and engine room were partially flooded. In 2004 an agreement was signed between the Government of Tajikistan and the company "Rusal" on the completion of hydroelectric power plants. The funds Rusal was prepared feasibility of the project. A number of works were led on site hydroelectric power plants. However, the parties failed to agree on some fundamental features of the project, in particular, the height of the dam, as well as its type ("Rusal" offered a version of the concrete dam height 285 m) and in September 2007, Tajikistan has officially terminated the agreement with the "Aluminum". The overlap of the Vakhsh River has been scheduled for December 2009 but was postponed. Start the first stage consisting of two units with total capacity of 400 MW to be implemented in late 2012.

In December 2010, was completed in the first building the tunnel station. In 2010, between Tajikistan and the World Bank signed an agreement on an international project expertise station in February 2011 by the contractor for the examination were selected Swiss company Poyry Energy LTD and the French firm Coyne & Bellier.

This is a brief history of Rogun. Now comes the final stage of examination and soon will be a question of timing overlap Vakhsh and the erection of the first phase of the dam and the establishment of the first two units.

Myths about the dangers of Rogun

According to many experts and specialists of Uzbekistan Rogun hydro can lead to serious divisions in the Central Asian region regarding the use of waste water of transboundary rivers. They believe that much of the water, which should fall into the lower reaches of the Amu-Darya, will remain in Rogun reservoir.

Some authors have suggested various alternatives instead of Rogun. One option, which pops up and thoroughly discussed - is the construction of a cascade of hydropower plants on the river Bartang flowing out of Lake Sarez. Lake formed as a result of natural disaster, when the river was blocked Usoi in 1911.Currently, the volume of water in the lake 17 billion CMH, depth 500 m (deepest point) and the length of about 70 km. Usoy Dam, the lake was formed, almost twice the planned Rogun dam. And the volume of Lake Sarez and a half times longer than expected Rogun.

Experts are also very concerned about the issue that the construction will be cast Rogun all the resources of Tajikistan, including financial, resulting in a solution to the problem of Lake Sarez postponed indefinitely, perhaps for decades. And during this time period may occur breakthrough Usoi Dam. Thus, we are pushing hard to refuse Rogun. B. Sirozhdev in his current article, "Rogun as guarantor" (Asia-Plus in October 12, 2011 № 77,) in this regard is objectively expresses the following opinion: "... no need to dramatize the issue around the filling of the reservoir. We will need 15-16 years to gain the full storage capacity, implementing a set of only in wet years and affluent. In this case, power station and the republic will operate normally and will not be damaged farmland downstream of the Amu-Darya. " And then the author makes the following remarkable conclusion: "Only Rogun reservoir can fully regulate the Vakhsh. With adjustable water volume 8.600 million cubic meters. m it together with the Nurek able to prevent any natural disasters in the region. We can confidently state that acts as a guarantor Rogun power generation over a large cascade of Vakhsh hydropower and irrigation system operation of land located in the lower basin of the Amu-Darya. " We do not understand the reasoning of individual experts who have one goal - to stop the construction of Rogun, resulting in Tajikistan would be energetically dependent on its neighbors, will not develop industry and the population would be in poverty and complete dependence on the work of hundreds of thousands of migrant workers in other countries. These experts are trying hard to prove to us, arguing about the necessity and feasibility of the priority attention to the problem of Lake Sarez, rather than the construction of Rogun. It's true, that the reasoning of some these experts there is a logic, but it can take us away from the main task of the Government of Tajikistan - to achieve our people's welfare, food programs, a sharp increase in GDP and debt reduction in our country to foreign countries and the rapidly increasing industrial potential .

Here is an excerpt of the arguments offered by these experts:

"... It should be noted that the Rogun project is fully commercial. Sarez the same project if it is implemented, will no longer have the status of human, social, since its main aim is to reduce the risk of the Lake Sarez and exclude the possibility of environmental and humanitarian disaster in the region. Energy as part of this project - it's only addition to more effective use of the lake. As a consequence, Sarez project can attract investment from around the world, from all humanitarian organizations, including the IMF, UN, etc. Thus, the possible redirection of funds Rogun project, and sharing financial resources, already proposed by the various funds to address the problem of Lake Sarez. " And further: ".. . Parallel development has not yet developed regions of Tajikistan to the possible establishment later in this region the mining industry and the development of ski tourism, or "Sarez project" may attract more labor in Tajikistan because of the need to develop infrastructure in undeveloped areas of Tajikistan, "etc. . In taking this project on Lake Sarez energy crisis in Tajikistan may exist for decades and can lead to disastrous results. Rogun - a direct path to success. "The myth that Rogun threatens the environment and the Aral Sea, which some authors have spread from Uzbekistan, today none of those who have the slightest idea of hydroelectric power, do not believe" - leader of the Communist Party of Tajikistan Shodi Shabdolov. According to him, the differences that emerged in the region around the construction of Rogun, clearly politicized and are in fact a struggle for possession of a leading position in the energy market in Central Asia including Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, India and even Russia and China.

Concerning the problem of Aral, S. Shabdolov said that it arose through no fault of Tajikistan. "Water resources of the region intended for irrigation in the lower reaches, has been used very inefficiently, in some cases, the losses reach unacceptable values, and the main user of water mismanagement in Uzbekistan and the region is this axiom known to all those who at least by hearsay familiar with the problem of the Aral Sea drying" - says the leader of the CPT.

According to S. Shabdolova, Rogun will benefit not only to Tajikistan but also to other countries in the region, as in the next 50 years the world will face a severe shortage of oil and gas, as well as drinking water. "Pseudo-experts do not take into account that Afghanistan is now almost does not use its share of water withdrawals from rivers Panj and Amu-Darya River, but the day will come when to irrigate their endless expanses

"... It should be noted that the Rogun project is fully commercial. Sarez the same project if it is implemented, will no longer have the status of human, social, since its main aim is to reduce the risk of the Lake Sarez and exclude the possibility of environmental and humanitarian disaster in the region. Energy as part of this project - it's only addition to more effective use of the lake. As a consequence, Sarez project can attract investment from around the world, from all humanitarian organizations, including the IMF, UN, etc. Thus, the possible redirection of funds Rogun project, and sharing financial resources, already proposed by the various funds to address the problem of Lake Sarez. " And further: ".. . Parallel development has not yet developed regions of Tajikistan to the possible establishment later in this region the mining industry and the development of ski tourism, or "Sarez project" may attract more labor in Tajikistan because of the need to develop infrastructure in undeveloped areas of Tajikistan, "etc. . In taking this project on Lake Sarez energy crisis in Tajikistan may exist for decades and can lead to disastrous results. Rogun - a direct path to success. "The myth that Rogun threatens the environment and the Aral Sea, which some authors have spread from Uzbekistan, today none of those who have the slightest idea of hydroelectric power, do not believe" - leader of the Communist Party of Tajikistan Shodi Shabdolov. According to him, the differences that emerged in the region around the construction of Rogun, clearly politicized and are in fact a struggle for possession of a leading position in the energy market in Central Asia including Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, India and even Russia and China. Concerning the problem of Aral, S. Shabdolov said that it arose through no fault of Tajikistan. "Water resources of the region intended for irrigation in the lower reaches, has been used very inefficiently, in some cases, the losses reach unacceptable values, and the main user of water mismanagement in Uzbekistan and the region is this axiom known to all those who at least by hearsay familiar with the problem of the Aral Sea drying" - says the leader of the CPT.

According to S. Shabdolova, Rogun will benefit not only to Tajikistan but also to other countries in the region, as in the next 50 years the world will face a severe shortage of oil and gas, as well as drinking water. "Pseudo-experts do not take into account that Afghanistan is now almost does not use its share of water withdrawals from rivers Panj and Amu-Darya River, but the day will come when to irrigate their endless expanses. When full, the reservoir water can be used to irrigate an additional 300 thousand hectares of arid land in the lower reaches of the Amu-Darya basin; Rogun reservoir will reduce to minimum risk of water shortage for the lower reaches of the Amu-Darya, especially in drought years;

Rogun reservoir will extend the life of the Nurek hydroelectric station, almost completely reducing the process of silting up of its reservoir.

Thus, Rogun is the most important object of the cascade of hydropower plants on the Vakhsh River, and there is no alternative to withdrawal from Tajikistan, a severe energy crisis, moreover, will facilitate the creation of new irrigated crops harvested in the lower reaches. With regard to Sarez project, I am totally confident that in the near future with the accumulation of sufficient funds to bring the lake to safety condition of roads in this mountainous region, the construction of settlements for housing construction and engineering staff, an appropriate infrastructure, we can seriously begin to address these issues. To date, the lake created by operating the assistance of international organizations, led by the World Bank's unique system of monitoring and early warning systems established to ensure timely evacuation in the event of an alarm situation. System provides early warning and neighboring countries

I am convinced that in dealing with this enormous problem should involve all states located in the basin of the river Panj and Amu-Darya, i.e., our next-door neighbors.

Dzhonon Ikrami, Professor

Internet site of the Asia-Plus in January 2012

Business Forum and Exhibition entitled “Afghanistan – potential of regional economic cooperation”

In the framework of the Fifth Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan, Business Forum and Exhibition entitled “Afghanistan – potential of regional economic cooperation”, are scheduled to be held on 26-29 March, 2012 in Dushanbe.

The Business-Forum, to be convened on March 26, will focus on the regional trade and economic cooperation, existing market capacity and its enhancing through involving Afghanistan, and new opportunities for overcoming the business environment challenges for the development of regional trade. One of the Forum`s section will provide a ground for exchange of the views between business-women of participating countries as well as youth, on the theme “Achieving economic success in business and commerce”.

During the Business Forum participants will have the opportunity to present their projects and ideas concerning the development of regional cooperation. Request for presentations and statements should be submitted to the State Unitary Enterprise “Tajinvest” at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for further inclusion to the Program of the event.

The main objective of the Exhibition, which will start on March 26 and run until March 29, 2012, is to explore ways and mechanisms of regional economic cooperation for the promotion of economic integration, as well as stability and prosperity in Afghanistan and the entire region; to show the existing potential of Afghanistan and countries of the region; to present perspective long-term bilateral and regional projects. Information about the terms of participation in the Exhibition is available on the website of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Tajikistan at: www.tpp.tj.

The interested organizations and companies should send their request for participation in the Business Forum or the Exhibition to the Unitary Enterprise “Tajinvest” or Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Tajikistan respectively. Deadline for submission of applications is February 27, 2012. Application forms and other useful materials are attached herewith. The detailed information about the Business Forum an Exhibition is also available at the RECCA V Conference Secretariat (tel./fax: +992 37 227 27 99; website: www.recca2012.tj; e-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

Application form-contract 

Exhibition stand 

Application for participants