DOCSLIB.ORG

Central Asia 2020: Trends and Challenges

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Central Asia 2020: Trends and Challenges Central Asia 2020: Trends and Challenges The past 2019 for Central Asia marked by significant integration activities and domestic political developments in each of the five countries. The CABAR.asia analytical platform interviewed prominent political scientists of the region to note significant events of 2019 and to analyze their developments and trends for 2020. Follow us on Facebook What happened in Central Asian countries in 2019? According to Kazakh experts the landmark event of 2019 in Kazakhstan was certainly the beginning of political transit process in the country. The most significant events of last year for the country were the following: Nursultan Nazarbayev’s statement of March 19, 2019, on the resignation from the post of president, the holding of early elections, resulting in the election of the new president of the country, Kasym-Zhomart Tokayev. Central Asia 2020: Trends and Challenges Kasym-Zhomart Tokaev at the oath ceremony to the people of Kazakhstan. Photo: akorda.kz In the light of these processes the political field mightily reconfigured. Analysts note the continuation of the following trends: generations change, the enhanced youth participation and the growth of civic activity among the population. In foreign policy the new government confirmed the strategic nature of Kazakhstan’s relations with Russia and China and the country’s participation in Eurasian integration processes and the “Belt and Road” Initiative; the Astana process in Syria continues. 2019 in Kyrgyzstan was marked by a further strengthening of presidential power. Last year did not demonstrate significant economic results or major strategic achievements Central Asia 2020: Trends and Challenges development-wise. The arrest of former president Almazbek Atambayev can be named as one of the main political events of last year in the country. According to experts, the use of law enforcement and judicial bodies for political purposes has increased. On August 8, 2019, former president Almazbek Atambayev was arrested as a result of a two-day assault on his residence in the village of Koy-Tash by law enforcement agencies. Photo: 24.kg Thanks to Kyrgyz journalists, 2019 also brought corruption talks to a new level. However, the whole year passed under an endless and almost inconclusive investigation of the relevant bodies to question the former deputy head of the customs service, Rayimbek Matraimov. According to Tajik analysts over the past year Tajikistan has witnessed a tendency of increased social tension, mainly of the population’s most vulnerable segments. This phenomenon was provoked by the government actions making important decisions for the country without proper analysis and consideration of possible social consequences. For example issues related to the Internet, money transfers, SIM cards, and new domestic passports. A key event in the country was the launch of the Rogun hydroelectric station’s second unit Central Asia 2020: Trends and Challenges in September 2019. Tajikistan is steadily making every effort to complete the construction of this hydraulic structure, which soon can turn the country into a major producer of cheap and environmentally friendly electricity in the region. A key event in the country was the launch of the Rogun hydroelectric station’s second unit in September 2019. Photo: president.tj Another significant trend is the revitalization of underground groups of religious extremists in the republic. ISIS terrorist organization claimed responsibility for series of terrorist attacks and riots in Tajik prisons that took place last year. At the end of the year an armed group attacked an Ishkobod outpost located on the Tajik-Uzbek border. In 2019 there was a surge in cross-border conflicts in the north of the country with the participation of residents and border services of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan that resulted in injuries and fatalities of citizens of both countries. Despite the political will to demarcate and delimit state borders, this issue remains a matter of concern. Foreign policy has noticed some warming in relations with Tehran undertaken under the influence of Tajikistan’s CIS and SCO partners. Another important trend in 2019 was the Central Asia 2020: Trends and Challenges further growth of Tajikistan’s economic dependence on China, the growth of debt obligations, the transfer of several fields for further development to Chinese enterprises, and the holding of joint military exercises with China on the country’s territory. In Turkmenistan 2019 was marked by the Caspian Economic Forum and a meeting of the heads of governments of the CIS countries. However, according to the Turkmen expert, such protocol events do not affect the lives of ordinary civilians. Turkmenistan experienced great economic difficulties last year. The list of scarce food products increased in 2019. This year has become worse in terms of economic potential and providing the population with food. People continue to leave the country. The most popular migration destinations are Russia and Northern Cyprus. It is difficult for Turkmen citizens to obtain a residence permit in Turkey due to the large influx of migrants from Central Asia. Experts from Uzbekistan noted a couple of the country’s most notable political events in 2019. The elections to the Oliy Majlis (national parliament) and local parliaments were held in Uzbekistan last year. These elections were the first parliamentary elections in Uzbekistan to which the full OSCE /ODIHR observer mission was sent. In November 2019 the second Consultative Meeting was held in Tashkent with the participation of heads of all five countries in the region. The meeting was postponed several times, yet it took place and had a rather serious resonance. Central Asia 2020: Trends and Challenges Second Consultative Meeting of Heads of State in Tashkent. Photo: president.uz In 2019 the country adopted the tax code that has been developed for the last two years. The fiscal policy sets the main priorities in the economy. Uzbekistan also outlined a large program for the privatization of state assets, about 300 state enterprises are for sale. Upcoming events and trends in the countries of the region in 2020 Kazakhstan will hold a national census in 2020, which is scheduled for the beginning of the year. The previous one was held in 2009. The results of the census will help to obtain a complete and more accurate picture of the demographic and sociocultural processes in the country for the development of a state policy, which is the closest to modern realities. According to a Kazakh expert, economy-wise Kazakhstan is expecting difficult and depressing times. In the social sphere, amid growing social imbalances, migration outflows and civic activity outbursts will intensify. Central Asia 2020: Trends and Challenges A positive trend would be the increased public attention on the awareness of its national identity in various aspects. Among the current events on the political agenda in Kazakhstan are the upcoming congress of the Nur-Otan party and public battles related to the country’s parliamentary elections. Experts from Kyrgyzstan unanimously noted 2020 under the sign of parliamentary elections. The latter will determine the alignment of elite groups for the next two to three years. The current parliament is the product of behind-the-scenes agreements of regional elites and the formation of lists of the former president Almazbek Atambayev’s administration. Since then, the weight (electoral, financial, organizational) of various influence groups has changed, and accordingly, all this should get a legitimate form in the elections. Also, under the elections sign, one should expect a crystallization of the president’s position on the case of Rayimbek Matraimov (this issue has become a litmus test for him), and on the issue of his support or cooperation with any party. In 2020 the third Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State is due to take place in Bishkek. The summit will attract a certain interest in the region. Experts await the meeting of leaders this time to have a more practically oriented part. According to Tajik experts, the socio-political life of Tajikistan in 2020 promises to be busy. The country should hold parliamentary and presidential elections this year. The parliamentary elections will take place on March 1 – the Majlisi Namoyandagon, the Majlis of regions, cities, and districts, as well as jamoats. Political parties are becoming more active today, most of which held their election congresses, prepared an election program and decided on the party-list candidates. Presidential elections are to be held traditionally in November. Also, in October 2020, Tajikistan is planning a census of population and housing. The previous census took place in 2010. The use of modern technologies during the census would be a feature of the event. This year for Tajikistan will be marked by a chairmanship in regional organizations. Starting January 1, 2020, Tajikistan will chair the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), the International Fund for Saving the Aral Sea, and the Istanbul Process for Afghanistan. In 2020, the country will host a meeting of the SCO and CSTO heads of state. Experts assume convening an international high-level conference in Dushanbe within the framework of the fourth global water initiative of Tajikistan “Water for sustainable development” 2018-2028. Central Asia 2020: Trends and Challenges In the coming year Tajikistan will again face a choice – whether to join the EAEU, try to balance its foreign policy in some other way, or continue its ever-increasing tilt towards China. It is unlikely that the decisions will be final in the pre-election year, but the Tajik government will have to take some steps in one direction or another. Turkmenistan seriously discusses the issue of releasing the exchange rate. If authorities don’t let go at all and make it “floating,” at least they will drastically reduce it. According to a Turkmen expert, there are almost no foreign exchange reserves in the country.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Elections and Identity Politics in Kyrgyzstan 1989-2009 - Moving Beyond the ‘Clan Politics’ Hypothesis
    LSE ELECTIONS AND IDENTITY POLITICS IN KYRGYZSTAN 1989-2009 - MOVING BEYOND THE ‘CLAN POLITICS’ HYPOTHESIS Fredrik M Sjoberg Thesis submitted for the degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) Department of Government London School of Economics and Political Science London July 2009 Final version: 01/12/2009 11:49 UMI Number: U615307 All rights reserved INFORMATION TO ALL USERS The quality of this reproduction is dependent upon the quality of the copy submitted. In the unlikely event that the author did not send a complete manuscript and there are missing pages, these will be noted. Also, if material had to be removed, a note will indicate the deletion. Dissertation Publishing UMI U615307 Published by ProQuest LLC 2014. Copyright in the Dissertation held by the Author. Microform Edition © ProQuest LLC. All rights reserved. This work is protected against unauthorized copying under Title 17, United States Code. ProQuest LLC 789 East Eisenhower Parkway P.O. Box 1346 Ann Arbor, Ml 48106-1346 Declaration I certify that the thesis I have presented for examination for the MPhil degree of the London School of Economics and Political Science is solely my own work other than where I have clearly indicated that it is the work of others. The copyright of this thesis rests with the author. Quotation from it is permitted, provided that full acknowledgement is made. This thesis may not be reproduced without the prior written consent of the author. I warrant that this authorization does not, to the best of my belief, infringe the rights of any third party. Fredrik M Sjoberg 2 Abstract This dissertation examines the emergence of political pluralism in the unlikely case of Kyrgyzstan.
    [Show full text]
  • IFES Faqs Elections in Kyrgyzstan: 2021 Early Presidential Election
    Elections in Kyrgyzstan 2021 Early Presidential Election Frequently Asked Questions Europe and Eurasia International Foundation for Electoral Systems 2011 Crystal Drive | Floor 10 | Arlington, VA 22202 | USA | www.IFES.org January 8, 2021 Frequently Asked Questions When is Election Day? ................................................................................................................................... 1 What is the current political context, and what is at stake in these elections? ........................................... 1 What is the current form of government? ................................................................................................... 2 What is the term of the office of the president, and what is the president’s role? ..................................... 2 Who are the candidates? .............................................................................................................................. 2 Who is eligible to run as a candidate? .......................................................................................................... 3 What are the nomination and registration procedures for presidential candidates? ................................. 3 What is the campaign and electoral timeline? ............................................................................................. 4 Who is eligible to vote, and how many voters are registered to vote? ........................................................ 4 What are the campaign expenditure and donation limits? .........................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • ELECTION OBSERVATION DELEGATION to the PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS in KYRGYZSTAN (4 October 2015) Report by Ryszard Czarnecki, Chair
    ELECTION OBSERVATION DELEGATION TO THE PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS IN KYRGYZSTAN (4 October 2015) Report by Ryszard Czarnecki, Chair of the Delegation Annexes: A. Final programme (including list of participants) B. Statement of the Chair of the EP Delegation at the press conference C. IEOM Joint Press Statement D. IEOM Preliminary Findings and Conclusions Introduction Following an invitation sent by the President of the Parliament of the Kyrgyz Republic, the Conference of Presidents of the European Parliament authorised, on 10 September 2015, the sending of an Election Observation Delegation to observe the parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan scheduled for 4 October 2015. The European Parliament Election Observation Delegation was composed of six Members: Mr Ryszard Czarnecki (ECR, Poland), Mr Joachim Zeller (EPP, Germany), Mr Juan Fernando Lopez Aguilar (S&D, Spain), Ms Marietje Schaake (ALDE, Netherlands), Ms Tatjana Zdanoka (Greens/EFA, Latvia) and Mr Ignazio Corrao (EFDD, Italy). Mr Ryszard Czarnecki was elected Chair of the Delegation at the constituent meeting on 22 September 2015. The European Parliament Delegation performed the election observation in accordance with the Declaration of Principles of International Election Observation and the Code of Conduct for international election observers. It followed the OSCE/ODIHR's methodology in the evaluation procedure and assessed the election for its compliance with OSCE commitments for democratic elections. Members of the EP Delegation signed the Code of Conduct for Members of the European Parliament Election Observation Delegations, in conformity with the decision of the Conference of Presidents of 13 September 2012. Programme As is usual in the OSCE area, the Delegation was integrated within the framework of the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission.
    [Show full text]
  • ASEAN Workshop on Election Observation
    Report from the 2015 ASEAN Workshop on Election Observation Election on ASEAN Workshop 2015 the from Report ASEAN Workshop on Election Observation Incremental Steps Towards the Establishment of an ASEAN Election Observation Mechanism Manila, 24–25 June 2015 Funded by International IDEA ASEAN-ROK Special Cooperation Fund SE -103 34 Stockholm Sweden Phone + 46 8 698 37 00 Fax + 46 8 20 24 22 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.idea.int ASEAN Workshop on Election Observation Incremental Steps Towards the Establishment of an ASEAN Election Observation Mechanism Manila, 24–25 June 2015 Funded by ASEAN-ROK Special Cooperation Fund Writer Sanjay Gathia Content Editors Andrew Ellis Adhy Aman International IDEA resource on the ASEAN election observation mechanism Copyright © 2015 International IDEA Strömsborg, SE - 103 34, Stockholm, Sweden Tel: +46 8 698 37 00 Fax: +46 8 20 24 22 Email: [email protected] Website: www.idea.int International IDEA publications are independent of specific national or political interests. Views expressed in this publication do not necessarily represent the views of International IDEA, its Board or its Council members. Cover photograph courtesy of the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines Foreword The commitment of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to the principle of ‘adherence to the rule of law, good governance, democracy and constitutional government‘, is becoming increasingly relevant in the evolving and complex political landscape of the region, where democracy is being constantly challenged. The region’s democratic journey has been rather uneven and full of obstacles, although not for lack of commitment and determination.
    [Show full text]
  • Kyrgyzstan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests
    Kyrgyzstan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests Jim Nichol Specialist in Russian and Eurasian Affairs August 30, 2013 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov 97-690 CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress Kyrgyzstan: Recent Developments and U.S. Interests Summary Kyrgyzstan is a small and poor Central Asian country that gained independence in 1991 with the breakup of the Soviet Union. The United States has been interested in helping Kyrgyzstan to enhance its sovereignty and territorial integrity, bolster economic reform and development, strengthen human rights, prevent weapons proliferation, and more effectively combat transnational terrorism and trafficking in persons and narcotics. Special attention long has been placed on bolstering civil society and democratization in what has appeared to be the most receptive—but still challenging—political and social environment in Central Asia. The significance of Kyrgyzstan to the United States increased after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States. Kyrgyzstan offered to host U.S. forces at an airbase at the Manas international airport outside of the capital, Bishkek, and it opened in December 2001. The U.S. military repaired and later upgraded the air field for aerial refueling, airlift and airdrop, medical evacuation, and support for U.S. and coalition personnel and cargo transiting in and out of Afghanistan. The Kyrgyz government threatened to close down the airbase in early 2009, but renewed the lease on the airbase (renamed the Manas Transit Center) in June 2009 after the United States agreed to higher lease and other payments. President Almazbek Atambayev and the legislature have stated that the basing agreement will not be renewed when it expires in 2014.
    [Show full text]
  • CORI Country Report Uzbekistan, November 2010
    CORI country of origin research and information CORI Country Report Uzbekistan, November 2010 Commissioned by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Any views expressed in this paper are those of the author and are not necessarily those of UNHCR. Preface Country of Origin Information (COI) is required within Refugee Status Determination (RSD) to provide objective evidence on conditions in refugee producing countries to support decision making. Quality information about human rights, legal provisions, politics, culture, society, religion and healthcare in countries of origin is essential in establishing whether or not a person’s fear of persecution is well founded. CORI Country Reports are designed to aid decision making within RSD. They are not intended to be general reports on human rights conditions. They serve a specific purpose, collating legally relevant information on conditions in countries of origin, pertinent to the assessment of claims for asylum. Categories of COI included within this report are based on the most common issues arising from asylum applications made by Uzbekistan nationals. This report covers events up to 30 November 2010. COI is a specific discipline distinct from academic, journalistic or policy writing, with its own conventions and protocols of professional standards as outlined in international guidance such as The Common EU Guidelines on Processing Country of Origin Information, 2008 and UNHCR, Country of Origin Information: Towards Enhanced International Cooperation, 2004. CORI provides information impartially and objectively, the inclusion of source material in this report does not equate to CORI agreeing with its content or reflect CORI’s position on conditions in a country.
    [Show full text]
  • Women, the Parliament and Political Participation in Post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan
    Women, the Parliament and Political Participation in Post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan Accepted version of an article published in Central Asian Affairs: Turdalieva, Cholpon, and Medet Tiulegenov. " Women, the Parliament and Political Participation in Post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan", Central Asian Affairs 5, 2 (2018): 134-159. Cholpon Turdalieva American University of Central Asia, Humboldt University [email protected] Medet Tiulegenov American University of Central Asia [email protected] Abstract This paper explores women’s participation in parliamentary elections in post- Soviet Kyrgyzstan. Using various methods, it offers an interdisciplinary perspective on factors that affect the likelihood of women participating successfully in parliamentary elections. This study supports the general literature on the effects of gender quotas and proportional representation, but its results on other factors are mixed. The factor of financial resources is significant, though its impact has been reduced with the introduction of gender quotas, while other factors—such as social status—may not be particularly important. The public perception of a woman in politics is not the greatest obstacle to women’s representation, and a female candidate’s professional status may often be attractive to party leaders. Keywords women – electoral politics – parliament – post-Soviet Kyrgyzstan – political participation Introduction Women’s participation in elections is the norm worldwide. Even Saudi Arabia, one of the last countries to allow women to stand for public office, agreed in doi 10.1163/22142290-00502003 Women, the Parliament and Political Participation 2 2015 that women could be elected to local councils. Yet despite considerable advances in formal electoral rights, there remain obstacles to the exercise of these rights throughout the world.
    [Show full text]
  • World Bank Document
    Ministry of Agriculture and Uzbekistan Agroindustry and Food Security Agency (UZAIFSA) Public Disclosure Authorized Uzbekistan Agriculture Modernization Project Public Disclosure Authorized ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK Public Disclosure Authorized Public Disclosure Authorized Tashkent, Uzbekistan December, 2019 ABBREVIATIONS AND GLOSSARY ARAP Abbreviated Resettlement Action Plan CC Civil Code DCM Decree of the Cabinet of Ministries DDR Diligence Report DMS Detailed Measurement Survey DSEI Draft Statement of the Environmental Impact EHS Environment, Health and Safety General Guidelines EIA Environmental Impact Assessment ES Environmental Specialist ESA Environmental and Social Assessment ESIA Environmental and Social Impact Assessment ESMF Environmental and Social Management Framework ESMP Environmental and Social Management Plan FS Feasibility Study GoU Government of Uzbekistan GRM Grievance Redress Mechanism H&S Health and Safety HH Household ICWC Integrated Commission for Water Coordination IFIs International Financial Institutions IP Indigenous People IR Involuntary Resettlement LAR Land Acquisition and Resettlement LC Land Code MCA Makhalla Citizen’s Assembly MoEI Ministry of Economy and Industry MoH Ministry of Health NGO Non-governmental organization OHS Occupational and Health and Safety ОP Operational Policy PAP Project Affected Persons PCB Polychlorinated Biphenyl PCR Physical Cultural Resources PIU Project Implementation Unit POM Project Operational Manual PPE Personal Protective Equipment QE Qishloq Engineer
    [Show full text]
  • Human Rights in Uzbekistan
    HUMAN RIGHTS IN UZBEKISTAN HH RR UU A Division of Human Rights Watch HHHUMAN RRRIGHTS IN UUUZBEKISTAN May 1993 Helsinki Watch A Division of Human Rights Watch 485 Fifth Avenue 1522 K Street, NW, Suite 910 New York, NY 1001710017----61046104 Washington, DC 2000520005----12021202 Tel (212) 972972----84008400 Tel (202) 371371----65926592 Fax (212) 972972----84008400 Fax (202) 371371----01240124 Copyright 8 May 1993 by Human Rights Watch. All Rights Reserved. Printed in the United States of America. ISBN 1-56432-099-5 Library of Congress Number: 9378499 Helsinki Watch Committee Helsinki Watch was formed in 1978 to monitor and promote domestic and international compliance with the human rights provisions of the 1975 Helsinki Accords. The Chair is Jonathan Fanton; Vice Chair, Alice Henkin; Executive Director, Jeri Laber; Deputy Director, Lois Whitman; Staff Counsel, Holly Cartner; Research Associates, Erika Dailey, Rachel Denber and Ivana Nizich; Associates, Pamela Cox, Christina Derry and Alexander Petrov are associates. Helsinki Watch is affiliated with the International Helsinki Federation for Human Rights, which is based in Vienna, Austria. Helsinki Watch gratefully acknowledges grants from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Nathan Cummings Foundation, the John Merck Fund, and the Rockefeller Family Associates in support of its work on human rights in the former Soviet Union. Human Rights Watch Human Rights Watch is composed of the six divisions, Africa Watch, Americas Watch, Asia Watch, Helsinki Watch, Middle East Watch, and the Fund for Free Expression. Executive CommitteeCommittee: Chair, Robert L. Bernstein; Vice Chair, Adrian W. DeWind; Members: Roland Algrant; Lisa Anderson; Peter D. Bell; Alice Brown; William Carmichael; Dorothy Cullman; Irene Diamond; Jonathan Fanton; Jack Greenberg; Alice H.
    [Show full text]
  • "The Transformation of Askar Akaev, President of Kyrgyzstan" by R
    University of California, Berkeley The Transformation of Askar Akaev, President of Kyrgyzstan Regine A. Spector Berkeley Program in Soviet and Post-Soviet Studies Working Paper Series This PDF document preserves the page numbering of the printed version for accuracy of citation. When viewed with Acrobat Reader, the printed page numbers will not correspond with the electronic numbering. The Berkeley Program in Soviet and Post-Soviet Studies (BPS) is a leading center for graduate training on the Soviet Union and its successor states in the United States. Founded in 1983 as part of a nationwide effort to reinvigorate the field, BPS’s mission has been to train a new cohort of scholars and professionals in both cross-disciplinary social science methodology and theory as well as the history, languages, and cultures of the former Soviet Union; to carry out an innovative program of scholarly research and publication on the Soviet Union and its successor states; and to undertake an active public outreach program for the local community, other national and international academic centers, and the U.S. and other governments. Berkeley Program in Soviet and Post-Soviet Studies University of California, Berkeley Institute of Slavic, East European, and Eurasian Studies 260 Stephens Hall #2304 Berkeley, California 94720-2304 Tel: (510) 643-6737 [email protected] http://socrates.berkeley.edu/~bsp/ The Transformation of Askar Akaev, President of Kyrgyzstan Regine A. Spector Spring 2004 Regine A. Spector is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley. She would like to thank the following people for their comments and suggestions on previous drafts: George W.
    [Show full text]
  • Central Asia, August 2002
    Description of document: US Department of State Self Study Guide for Central Asia, August 2002 Requested date: 11-March-2007 Released date: 25-Mar-2010 Posted date: 19-April-2010 Source of document: Freedom of Information Act Office of Information Programs and Services A/GIS/IPS/RL U. S. Department of State Washington, D. C. 20522-8100 Fax: 202-261-8579 Note: This is one of a series of self-study guides for a country or area, prepared for the use of USAID staff assigned to temporary duty in those countries. The guides are designed to allow individuals to familiarize themselves with the country or area in which they will be posted. The governmentattic.org web site (“the site”) is noncommercial and free to the public. The site and materials made available on the site, such as this file, are for reference only. The governmentattic.org web site and its principals have made every effort to make this information as complete and as accurate as possible, however, there may be mistakes and omissions, both typographical and in content. The governmentattic.org web site and its principals shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused, or alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the information provided on the governmentattic.org web site or in this file. The public records published on the site were obtained from government agencies using proper legal channels. Each document is identified as to the source. Any concerns about the contents of the site should be directed to the agency originating the document in question.
    [Show full text]
  • Uzbekistan Lifting the Siege on the Truth About Andizhan
    Uzbekistan Lifting the siege on the truth about Andizhan Map of Uzbekistan Courtesy of the University of Texas Libraries, The University of Texas at Austin. Map of the centre of Andizhan on 13 May 2005 –as drawn by an eyewitness Introduction "We don't shoot at women and children in Uzbekistan." (President Karimov, Press Conference, 14 May) "We could not believe that our own people were shooting at us. We thought they must be robots or zombies." (Testimony of an eyewitness interviewed by Amnesty International) On 12-13 May 2005 armed men attacked a number of military barracks and government buildings in the city of Andizhan. They broke into the city prison, where they freed hundreds of remand and convicted prisoners, and later occupied a regional government building on the main city square and took a number of hostages. From the early hours of 13 May, thousands of civilians -- mostly unarmed and among them some who had escaped from the prison -- gathered in the city square, where many spoke out to demand justice and an end to poverty. According to witnesses, there were sporadic incidents of the security forces firing indiscriminately into the crowds, killing and wounding demonstrators. In the early evening, the security forces surrounded the demonstrators and started to shoot indiscriminately at the crowd. The demonstrators attempted to flee. According to witnesses, hundreds of people -- men, women and children -- were killed. It has been impossible to date to determine exactly what happened in Andizhan on 12-13 May. The government's version of events differs significantly to the testimonies given by the refugees who fled to Kyrgyzstan in the direct aftermath of the events in Andizhan and to the testimonies of other eye- witnesses.
    [Show full text]