The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan convened for an extended session on January 17 to review the socio-economic development in the country in 2013 and work out crucial priorities of the economic program for the year 2014.President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov addressed the meeting with a keynote speech.The head of our state noted in particular that despite the slowdown in the rates of world economic growth and the mounting risks in its development, Uzbekistan has been able to sustain higher economic growth rates and secure a macroeconomic balance and modernization of our economy in the past year as a result of the steadfast implementation of what was approved in the country as a strategy of reforms and development aimed at shaping a modern, competitive and diversified market economy.
20 January -National Day of Mourning in Azerbaijan
By Ali Furqan
During the fall of USSR at the turn of the last century the Armenian nationalists raised territorial claims to Azerbaijan demanding Nagorno-Karabakh. In 1988 more than 300 thousands Azerbaijanis were expelled from their homelands in Armenia. Some of them were killed with brutality, some died on the mountain passes trying to escape from men-hunters.
Education minister briefed about working of AEPAM
ISLAMABAD, JAN 09 (DNA) -Muhammad Baleegh-ur-Rehman, Minister of State and Ahmad Bakhsh Lehri, Secretary, Ministry of Education, Trainings and Standards in Higher Education visited Academy of Educational Planning and Management (AEPAM) on Thursday. Dr. Allah Bukhsh Malik, DG AEPAM briefed the State Minister about functions and achievements of AEPAM. He informed that AEPAM was holding three PSDP Projects namely Educational Leadership Institutional Management, Financial Management for Good Governance and Use of Data for Educational Planning and Management by Using Computer Software for Education Managers.
Govt trying to make education accessible to all: President
ISLAMABAD, JAN 10 (DNA) -President Mamnoon Hussain has reiterated firm commitment of the government towards promotion of education in the country. He said this while signing the Scroll of graduates of the Pakistan Institute of Fashion and Design in Islamabad on Friday.The President said education is the engine of growth and has the potential to transform Pakistan’s destiny.He said the government is pursuing the mission of making education easy‚ accessible and affordable to all segments of society.
Denmark favours strengthening of democracy in Pakistan: envoy
ISLAMABAD, JAN 09 (DNA) – The Ambassador of Denmark, Jesper M. Sorensen, Thursday called upon Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of National Assembly. During the meeting, Ambassador Sorensen stressed that Parliament is not only the very symbol of Pakistan’s democracy, but also in keeping government accountable as elected representatives on behalf of the people.The Ambassador welcomed the newly established Pakistan-Denmark Parliamentary Friendship Group which will promote and deepen friendly relations between the two democratic countries.
The promotion and awareness of democracy, human rights and gender equality continue to be key elements in the Danish support to Pakistan.
Ambassador Sorensen also shared that as part of Denmark’s newly launched USD 50 million development programme, assistance will now be provided to provincial assemblies in the areas of legislation, policy and budget oversight, and for the national human rights system and capacities to promote and protect human rights.
The Ambassador stressed that the continued commitment and cooperation of the Parliament and assemblies are essential to consolidate the democratic process in Pakistan.
Referring to Pakistan’s role in the region, Ambassador Sorensen stated that “Pakistan is a key player – also in the global fight against terrorism and extremism. We can never forget the terrible sacrifices terrorism and extremism have inflicted on this country.”
In addition to its development cooperation programme, Pakistan is also part of Denmark’s regional peace and stabilization programme that addresses issues such as border control and counter-IED.
Finally, the Ambassador stated that Denmark wants to increase trade relations between Denmark and Pakistan. The Ambassador shared that the Danish Embassy is now actively engaged in creating partnerships between Danish and Pakistani companies.
Pakistan can take advantage of the Danish competencies and products in areas such as renewable energy, energy efficiency, life science, and agriculture.=DNA
DR. DERVIS EROGLU : Pakistan a true friend of Turkish Cypriots: President Eroglu
President of TRNC talks to DNA and Centreline
Ansar Mahmood Bhatti
Dr. Dervis Eroglu President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus gave an exclusive interview to Editor DNA/Centreline Ansar Mahmood Bhatti during his recent visit to TRNC. North Cyprus happens to be the only divided capital of Europe. In 2004 the United Nations supported a referendum for the re-unification of the Island. TRNC people voted in favour of the then UN secretary General Kofi Annan’s plan however Greek Cypriots rejected the plan. The UN once again has decided to hold fresh round of talks for the re-unification of the island.
Republic of Cyprus (Greek Cyprus) is a member of European Union since 2004 while TRNC is only recognized by Turkey. Pakistan also recognized TRNC but it had to withdraw its decision following UN embargoes on TRNC. Nevertheless, TRNC representative in Islamabad enjoys ambassadorial status and as a special arrangement, his designation appears as ‘ambassador’ in the foreign office book Diplomatic Corps. We would try to take version of the other side as well in order to help readers form their own opinion about the Cyprus issue. Here are excerpts from the interview of TRNC president.
Asian markets rise after record US highs
HONG KONG: Asian shares rose on Wednesday after another record-breaking close on Wall Street and strong economic data from the US, though most financial markets in the region were closed for the Christmas holiday. The dollar also traded higher against major currencies in Asia following the latest batch of positive news out of Washington. Tokyo closed up 0.76 per cent, or 120.66 points, at 16,009.99, reaching another six-year closing high and reversing losses at the start. Shanghai climbed 0.64 per cent, or 13.44 points, to 2,106.35, while Taipei rose 0.2 per cent, or 17.27 points, to 8,467.76.
Bangladesh deploys military in election countdown
DHAKA: Tens of thousands of troops were to be deployed across Bangladesh Thursday in a bid to contain deadly political violence ahead of elections which are being boycotted by the opposition. With Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina determined that the Jan 5 general election goes ahead despite claims that it will be a farce, troops are being sent to nearly every corner of the country at the end of its deadliest year for political violence since independence. The deployments are expected to further infuriate the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party which called for a mass march in the capital Dhaka beginning on Dec 29 in a bid to scupper the polls.
Thai police use tear gas as protesters storm poll venue
BANGKOK: Thai security forces fired tear gas Thursday at anti-government protesters who stormed a stadium in the capital to try to prevent political parties registering for upcoming elections. Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra has faced weeks of mass street rallies seeking to curb her family’s political dominance and install an unelected “people’s council” to oversee electoral reforms. The protests have left five people dead and more than 200 wounded in street violence, although tensions had abated since several days of clashes between police and demonstrators in early December.
Erdogan sees Gul as media report cabinet reshuffle imminent
ANKARA: Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan saw President Abdullah Gul late Wednesday amid expectations he was about to reshuffle his cabinet following the resignation of three ministers amid a high-level graft scandal. Gul said Tuesday that Erdogan was preparing to replace several of his ministers. On Wednesday, Turkey’s interior, economy and environmentministers quit the government, with the latter also calling on Erdogan to step down.
