Having trekked and worked in the Himalayas, I wanted a fresh experience - an expedition to a country with a rich cultural history and mountains that could still provide the raw beauty and nature that would allow for a challenging trek. But where to go? Read more »
Archive for July 7th, 2010
On the evening of the 7th July, exactly 3 months after the terrible events in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Open Central Asia Magazine hosted a splendid evening to raise money for its own offices that had been looted during the rioting. Some 50 guests enjoyed a fine Central Asian menu at the Pasha restaurant in Camberwell, as well as entertainment from Central Asian Musicians.
In his speech, Nick Rowan, Editor-in-Chief of Open Central Asia magazine, highlighted the opportunities that now presented the Kyrgyz people to take the lead in realising the potential of this small nation in playing a significant role in the geopolitical future of the region. The Kyrgyz Ambassador, His Excellency Kuban Mambetaliev, offered his condolences after the events and expressed his good wishes for the work that Silk Road Media has carried out in the region. A final, heartfelt, speech by writer and head of the BBC’s Central Asia service, Hamid Ismailov, called for generous donations and announced the donation of two computers for the office.
The entertainment offered varied from the traditional to the modern. Razia Sultanova offered a taste of the dhutar, a traditional Uzbek instrument. Sardor Mirakojaev offered a delightful set of classical Uzbek numbers before Sabina Saidaminova performed for the first time some more modern pieces that would have had Simon Cowell reeling. Doniyor Ismailov played wonderfully the classical music.
The event was attended by no fewer than ten different nationalities, with representation from all five Central Asian states. The evening closed with a raffle of excellent prizes, including a hamper donated by Nelson Thornes, and some traditional dancing. In all over twelve hundred pounds was raised and this will go a long way towards restoring operations in Bishkek and ensuring the good work ok Silk Road Media continues.
July 7th, 2010
An informal meeting of OSCE Foreign Ministers, hosted by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Kazakhstan’s State Secretary and Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev, will be held on 16 and 17 July near Almaty. Read more »
The European Commission’s Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO) and the Aga Khan Foundation United Kingdom (AKF UK) sign agreement to implement the sixth disaster preparedness project in Central Asia, press release issued by the Focus Humanitarian Assistance (FOCUS) in Tajikistan today said. Read more »
Grain harvesters from the European company “Claas” are currently being tested in the fields of Turkmenistan. The results of testing will define very much whether these machines will complement the fleet of the agricultural industry of Turkmenistan. Read more »
The World Bank Group responded quickly in fiscal year 2010 (FY10) to requests from countries in Europe and Central Asia (ECA) for help in addressing the global economic crisis, providing record lending of US$14.8 billion at a time when the crisis hit the Region harder than any other region in the world.
“The countries of Emerging Europe and Central Asia were hit the hardest by the global economic crisis and are likely to be one of the slowest to resume economic growth,” said Philippe Le Houerou, World Bank Vice President for the Europe and Central Asia Region. “Growth in the Region, which had peaked at about 7% in 2007, fell to a negative 5% in 2009. The post-crisis recovery will be slow as growth will reach only about 3% in 2010, while the prospects for 2011-2013 are only slightly better.” Read more »
July 7th, 2010
Uzbek referee Ravshan Irmatov has been named to officiate the July 6 World Cup match between The Netherlands and Uruguay in Cape Town.
Irmatov is only the second referee entrusted with five matches in a single World Cup tournament. The first was Horacio Elizondo (Argentina) in 2006.
