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The Great Caspian Chess Match
Two future superpowers battle over who will control one of the world's most strategically important territories.
Russia, China Hold Joint Exercises
In its largest-ever joint military operation, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is setting itself up as an alternative to NATO.
U.S Diplomatic Rescue Mission Secures Military Base, for Now
Desperation in recent negotiations reveals America's vulnerability in Central Asia.
Europe Seeks Control of Central Asian Energy
Efforts to build an energy corridor through the Caucasus to Central Asia demonstrate Europe's ongoing desire to diversify its energy dependence from Russia.
EU Grasps at Central Asia for Energy
Kyrgyzstan Threatens to Evict U.S.
The U.S.'s presence in strategic Central Asia becomes more tenuous.
The Russia-Ukraine Energy Quandary
An energy dispute highlights Russia's desire to draw the line on the EU's eastern encroachment.
Russia, China and a Central Asian Alliance
The common desire to compete with U.S. hegemony is fusing a central Asian alliance.
America Losing Foothold in Central Asia
Rising anti-Americanism could soon lead to the eviction of the U.S. military from strategically important Central Asia--a move that would handicap America's military goals.
Eurasian Democracy Concerns Russia
The wave of democratic revolutions occurring in Central Eurasia is a pleasing sight to America and Europe. Not everyone, however, is overjoyed with these changes.
Meltdown Ahead?
theTrumpet.com: Central Asia
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Surging Musharraf’s Resignation
Count me among the people who are worried about the second-order effects of surging a lot more troops into Afghanistan. It has every chance of placing an incredible amount of pressure on the new Pakistani government, potentially ratcheting up pressure on whomever replaces Musharraf as the head of state to an impossible degree. Indeed, it [...]
How Blogs Failed the War in Georgia
Columbia Journalism Review asked me to write an essay criticizing blogger coverage of the War in Georgia. As I’m sure you can imagine, I was scathing.
While this wasn’t necessarily surprising—after all, these blogs all talk in a big circle, and tend to reference each other—it was disappointing. As Reason’s Michael C. Moynihan trenchantly observed, much [...]
Hungary Hungary Russia
“The sight of Russian tanks rolling through Georgia,” writes Wall Street Journal editorial board member Matthew Kaminski, brings back images of “Chechnya in 1994 and ‘99, Vilnius ‘91, Afghanistan ‘79, Prague ‘68, Hungary ‘56. Before that the Soviet invasions, courtesy of the Ribbentrop-Molotov pact, of Poland and the Baltics in ‘39 and ‘40. Kazaks, Azeris, [...]
The Road War
I’ll freely admit that the debate over what value roads have is certainly not settled, even if I have my own mostly-informed opinions of them. In brief, roads are an essential long-term component of Afghanistan’s stability, but in the meantime they represent an incredible example of the dual-use nature of infrastructure—the very constructs that enable [...]
Map of the Day
“South Ossetian Areas of Control (geor-SO).” The areas in blue are controlled by Georgia, while the pink red areas were controlled by the South Ossetians.
The above map comes courtesy my friend Lyndon (who, it turns out, is way fun to wander with through a Budapest at once flush with and devoid of good shawarma), finally [...]
The Unfortunate Consequence of Militarizing Aid
Sara Chayes notes the inevitable consequence of militarizing aid in Afghanistan:
Every news article I’ve read has stressed that the slain humanitarian workers’ car was “clearly marked” with their organization’s emblem - as if that should protect the passengers. But I fear humanitarian organizations are failing to recognize the transformations in this country since the 1980s [...]
Re-Looking at the Georgian Conflict
Take, for example, Saakashvili’s piece from yesterday’s Wall Street Journal. The title, “Unprovoked Onslaught,” stands as an incredible bit of exaggeration… Throughout the piece, Saakashvili effectively paints Georgia as a helpless victim of a Russia scared to death of liberalization on its southern border and a loyal friend of the West who is not receiving [...]
“The New Kremlinologists”
Reason’s Michael C. Moynihan makes the same point I angrily made here a few days ago:
Take a look around the blogosphere and it seems that, overnight, everyone’s a Kremlinoligist, everyone’s an expert on the Caucasus (I have followed the region closely for years—especially the post-Communist Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—but must concede that [...]
Rooting Out Evil, or I Thought Roads Increased Security?
The fundamental, systemic, and deliberate misallocation of Afghanistan’s reconstruction continues to kill Americans, to say nothing of the many more Afghans who suffer from our lack of care. While we were busy invading Iraq, al Qaeda and the Taliban were busy setting up shop in Pakistan, where they now enjoy almost total freedom thanks to [...]
Idiots on Afghanistan
Let’s say you invaded a country whose government supported and shielded terrorists who had killed three thousand of your citizens in brazen attacks on its most visible symbols and cities. Let’s further say you invaded that country with only a few hundred special forces troops, threw millions of dollars at unaccountable warlords who had been [...]
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Central Asia News -- All Central Asia, All The Time
Georgia: Russian Troops Disregarding Presidential Pullout Pledge
TEXT BY GIORGI LOMSADZE AND ELIZABETH OWEN. PHOTOS BY ABDUJALIL ABDURASULOV
Disregarding assurances given by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev that a troop withdrawal would commence August 18, Russian forces remained deployed in many areas of Georgia. In one instance, Russian troops tried to advance deeper into Georgian territory. Meanwhile, in and around the separatist territory of South Ossetia, there were indicators that Russian troops were intent on establishing a permanent presence.
Georgia: OSCE Finally Agrees to Deploy Additional Monitors
BY JEAN-CHRISTOPHE PEUCH
After days of heated talks, all 56 OSCE member states agreed on August 19 to deploy additional unarmed monitors to Georgia. The OSCE monitors will be responsible for tracking the implementation of a framework agreement signed by Georgian and Russian leaders.
Georgia: Russian Invasion Strengthens Support for Saakashvili
BY GIORGI LOMSADZE
Despite Russia’s continuing troop presence and the destruction of key economic and military installations in Georgia, domestic support for Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili remains strong. A significant number of Georgians continue to believe Russia is pushing for regime change in Tbilisi, but Saakashvili does not appear to be going anywhere.
Georgia: President Says Georgian Troops Control South Ossetia
Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili, addressing the nation via television August 8, indicated that Georgia had won the opening battle for control of the separatist territory of South Ossetia. The outcome of the war, however, remains very much in doubt.
Kazakhstan: Nazarbayev Seeks to Make Economic, Diplomatic Inroads in Mongolia
BY JOANNA LILLIS
Kazakhstan's president, Nursultan Nazarbayev, visited Mongolia with the twofold intention of bolstering political stability there following last month's post-election protests, and seeking an economic foothold in the East Asian country's lucrative and under-developed mining sector.
Georgia: All-Out War Looms in South Ossetia
BY ELIZABETH OWEN
Georgia and Russia stood at the brink of an all-out conflict August 8, after Georgian Interior Ministry units opened a campaign to retake the separatist territory of South Ossetia. Civilians were scrambling to escape the conflict zone, amid reports that Russian armor and aircraft had entered the conflict.
Georgia: Tbilisi Declares Cease-Fire in South Ossetia
BY ELIZABETH OWEN
Trying to prevent developments from spiraling out of control, Georgia has declared a cease-fire following an outburst of heavy fighting with separatist forces in the breakaway region of South Ossetia on August 7. Georgia is blaming Russia for the escalation of violence.
Nuclear Negotiations with Iran May Continue Amid Caution
BY KAMAL NAZER YASIN
Iran is refusing to compromise, but it wants to keep on negotiating with the international community over the fate of the country’s nuclear program. Iranian officials continue to hope that they can revamp a deal, but some experts caution that Tehran may err in pushing too far.
Armenia: Push for Kocharian Trial -- A Push for PR?
BY MARIANNA GRIGORYAN
In a move that could very well hamper rather than promote political reconciliation in Armenia, the country’s leading opposition politician, Levon Ter-Petrosian, is mounting a campaign to have former president Robert Kocharian tried for "heavy crimes" against the Armenian people.
Kazakhstan: Astana Aims to Become World's Top Uranium Producer
BY JOANNA LILLIS
Kazakhstan may have relinquished its arsenal of nuclear weapons after the collapse of the Soviet Union, but it is seeking to expand its role in a variety of atomic energy-related fields. The country hopes to outstrip rivals Canada and Australia next year to become the world’s biggest uranium producer.
Georgia: Tensions Flare Over Breakaway South Ossetia
BY GIORGI LOMSADZE
In the wake of an armed clash in Georgia’s separatist-minded territory of South Ossetia, all sides are eschewing conciliatory gestures and are instead embracing aggressive rhetoric.
Russia: No Country for Charitable Souls
BY SVETLA MARINOVA
The Russian government appears to be implementing a plan to bring Russia’s non-governmental sector under the Kremlin’s control. The idea is to deliver a one-two punch to civil society activists -- first by pushing out Western organizations now operating in Russia and replacing them with Russian entities that are beholden to the country’s political leadership.
Turkey: Court Ruling Represents "The End of the Beginning" of Secular-Islamist Tension
BY NICHOLAS BIRCH
The refusal of Turkey’s constitutional court to ban the governing Justice and Development Party pulled the country back from the brink of political upheaval. Nevertheless, the country’s political foundation remains unsound, and the court ruling could easily prove to be merely a temporary reprieve from turmoil.
Turkey: The Truth is "Missing" in Media Coverage of Domestic Politics
BY YIGAL SCHLEIFER
An increasingly bitter political battle in Turkey is playing out in the country’s media outlets -- mostly owned by a handful of large corporate groups. Pro-government newspapers and television stations are facing off against pro-secularist media outlets. Each side is accusing the other of slanting the news in a way that seems to benefit their position.
Azerbaijan: Energy-Rich, Healthcare-Poor
BY ELKHAN SALAHOV
Azerbaijan may have the mega-energy revenues needed to build roads and to refashion its military, but when it comes to regional healthcare, the country’s attention appears to be focused elsewhere.
Abkhazia Prepares for Olympics with a Little Help from Its Friends
BY ELIZABETH OWEN
The XXII Olympic Winter Games may still be six years away, but at vendors’ stalls in the northern Abkhaz resort town of Gagra, the Sochi 2014 paraphernalia is already blowing in the breeze. Its presence is no accident.
Pakistan: Bush Administration Sticks with Pakistani Military
BY RICHARD WEITZ
President George W. Bush is talking to Pakistan’s civilian leaders, but the US presidential administration continues to exhibit a stubborn preference for maintaining close ties with the Pakistani military, an institution that is widely discredited inside the South Asian state.
Turkmenistan: Berdymukhamedov Tinkers with Constitution in the Name of Efficiency
BY DEIRDRE TYNAN
Safely ensconced in power, Turkmen leader Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov is now striving to make the Central Asian state’s authoritarian system more efficient. To do that, Berdymukhamedov is giving the Turkmen Constitution a makeover.
Azerbaijan Gets Ready to Go Nuclear
BY MINA MURADOVA
Flush with cash from energy exports, Azerbaijan is preparing to build its first nuclear reactor. Flush with cash from energy exports, Azerbaijan is preparing to build its first nuclear reactor. Government scientists and officials tout the project as a sign that the country is now poised to flex its research muscles, but some ecologists warn of potential risks to the health and welfare of nearby population centers.
US Pushes for Talks between Leaders of Georgia and Abkhazia
BY ELIZABETH OWEN
As part of a growing Euro-Atlantic campaign to reduce tensions between Georgia and Russia over the breakaway region of Abkhazia, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matthew Bryza traveled to Sukhumi on July 25 to push for Abkhaz participation in international peace talks in Berlin. The trip is the second for the senior American diplomat since May.
Azerbaijan: Opposition Journalist Leaves for France
BY KHADIJA ISMAYILOVA AND MAARIF AKPERILI
Azerbaijani opposition newspaper reporter Agil Khalil, the focus of a recent scandalous court case, has left Azerbaijan for France after several earlier thwarted attempts to leave the country.
Kazakhstan: Astana Diplomat, On the Hot Seat, Gives US Congressmen an Earful
BY JOSHUA KUCERA
Facing mounting criticism over its drift away from democratization, Kazakhstan aggressively defended its record at a recent US Congressional hearing. A senior Kazakhstani official said his country would conduct reforms at its own pace and without pressure from anyone, brushing aside criticism made by several US lawmakers.
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Kyrgyz Prime-Minister: “My Premiership in Hands of Ak Jol Party”
Kyrgyz Prime-Minister Igor Chudinov may face dismissal after his cabinet was reprimanded by the President in late July for allegedly poor performance, inability to curb inflation, rising food prices and energy crisis. In the interview with the Reporter-Bishkek newspaper Chudinov said that ruling party Ak Jol would determine the fate of his premiership. In Kyrgyzstan parliamentary majority approves candidacies for Prime-Minister’s position suggested by the President. Since the current President Kurmanbek Bakiev took the office in March 2005 Kyrgyzstan has seen four different Prime-Ministers. Chudinov has been in the office for the past six months
US and EU Companies Urge Uzbekistan to End Child Labour on Cotton Fields
The four biggest groups representing the US retail and clothing industry are calling on Uzbekistan to end the widespread use of child labour in the harvesting of the country's cotton crop, Financial Times reports. The coalition is urging President Islam Karimov to take "decisive and immediate actions to end the use of forced child labour in the cotton fields" in the world's second-largest cotton exporter
Kyrgyz Rights Activists Support Georgia’s Withdrawal from CIS
Kyrgyz human rights activists and some opposition figures support Georgia’s decision to withdraw from the union of former Soviet states, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS). Human rights organization Citizens against Corruption headed by Tolekan Ismailova released a statement on August 13 saying the organization “supports historical decision of the Georgian government and people to leave CIS. We support Georgia’s political development and true value of human rights and freedoms.”
Kyrgyz Authorities to Cut Uzbek Language Programs
Uzbek language TV channels in south Kyrgyzstan will be limited in air time from August 15 if they do not meet language requirement to produce more than half of their programs in the state Kyrgyz language, Mayor’s office in southern Osh city has announced. The channels say language requirement is impossible to meet due to lack of video materials in the Kyrgyz language and expensive original production
Kyrgyzstan Geopolitical Balance Complicates as International Polarization Grows over South Ossetia
Kyrgyzstan, current chairman of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and a host of the Russian and American military airbases, finds it hard to balance between superpowers that are becoming inimical to each other over the Georgia-Russia conflict. American airbase was deployed in the Manas airport in the capital Bishkek in 2001 to participate in antiterrorist operations in Afghanistan.
Instability in Central Asia Could be Deadly for Afghanistan
While the international community focuses on the deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan, it is paying far too little attention to the storm brewing just beyond the country's northern borders, in Central Asia. That's a serious mistake. Instability in Afghanistan's neighborhood could further destabilize Afghanistan itself, the Wall Street Journal article claims
China-Central Asia Railroad Faces Economic, Political Risks
Building a railroad that would connect China with Europe and Middle East through Central Asia, although theoretically perspective, looks unrealizable in the nearest future due to economical and political challenges. Only for Kyrgyzstan building its part on a very difficult mountainous terrain will cost at least 2 billion US dollars by some estimates. With poor investment climate and 2 billon dollars of external debt, the country is unlikely to fulfill its part of the project, experts say.
Central Asian States Should Start Negotiations over Water, Give Up Rigid Positions
Central Asian states should stop focusing only on their own claims and positions over management of trans-border water resources and start negotiation process and be open to compromise, Vadim Sokolov, Deputy Director of Scientific and Information Centre at the Interstate Committee for Water Management in Central Asia said in the interview to Ferghana.ru. One of the solutions could be developing energy saving ways in Kyrgyzstan, which has been overusing its hydro potential for energy production. Nearly 40 percent of electricity is being lost due to poor infrastructure and stealing.
Kyrgyzstan: Nine Medics Found Guilty for Infecting Children with HIV
A court sentenced nine medics to jail for infecting 24 children with HIV through negligence and ordered to pay compensation to victim’s families. Convicted doctors and nurses, all from the same hospital in south Kyrgyzstan, will serve between three to five years in prison. Four other medics were acquitted during the trial and one more exculpated.
Director of Cement Plant Pursues Libel Charges, Denies Wrongdoing
One of the major recent libel cases against the Kyrgyz Justice for All monthly legal bulletin will be heard on August 7 in Jalalabad city court in southern Kyrgyzstan. Abdumomun Mamaraimov, the bulletin's editor-in-chief, emphasized that the article simply discussed the origin of persistent rumours, but did not directly blame anyone. He also said when the article was prepared the company's administration refused to speak to either confirm or deny the rumours. However, Jan Fischer, in the interview to Fefghana.ru, said no one addressed him personally for clarifications prior to the publication.
Questions Remain Despite Clarifications on Arms Seizure from US Diplomats House
Despite officially released confirmation that arms seized earlier from the US officials were brought for military training, many questions remain regarding the incident. A day after dozens of firearms were seized in the house rented by the US officials, Kyrgyz government released a statement confirming the arms were brought for anti-terrorist military training to be led by the US military servicemen. However some of the requirements regarding preparations to the military training were not met, the statement says. Kyrgyz Ministry for International Affairs together with other state agencies is conducting negotiations to resolve the incident and continue joint military trainings, the press release adds.
UNESCO World Heritage: Samarkand Needs Reinforced Monitoring
Committee asked the UNESCO headquarters to apply “reinforced monitoring” to the ancient Silk Road city of Samarkand. The Committee is concerned with preservation of several historical sites in Samarkand. “Samarkand – Crossroads of Cultures (Uzbekistan), on the World Heritage List since 2001, is threatened by new roads and buildings which affect the integrity of its traditional urban fabric, in the absence of an adequate regulatory framework,” the statement released by the World Heritage Committee on July 10, said.
Uzbek Officials Did Not Confirm Ban of HRW Representative
Representative of the internationally acclaimed Human Rights Watch, Igor Vorontsov who had been awaiting his accreditation received a notification in late July that he was banned in Uzbekistan with no right for future return to the country. In the interview with Ferghana.ru Igor Vorontsov gives his accounts on why he was denied accreditation and shared information about the HRW work on Uzbekistan.
Kyrgyzstan: Energy Crisis Hits Hard Small Businesses
Kyrgyz small businesses will be affected severely by the looming energy crisis in Kyrgyzstan which will inevitably result in significant economic slowdown, observers say. The winter of 2008 promises to be the hardest in decades as Kyrgyzstan is getting prepared to massive energy cuts in autumn and cold winter. Low river and reservoir levels and the need to save energy forced the government to introduce energy cuts in August and prohibit using electricity for heating.
Drought Forces Kazak Farmers Slaughter Cattle by Lump
Kazakh farmers will have to slaughter most of their cattle, as continuously dry weather poses serious threat of losing the entire livestock, the July 31 meeting of the farmers in South Kazakhstan region concluded. The hot summer and lack of fodder has been forcing Kazakh farmers to sell off cattle in Kyrgyzstan at below market prices. Some farmers are loaning their cattle to Kyrgyz farmers who have fodder to feed the cattle. In exchange, Kyrgyz farmers are allowed to keep offspring.
Ferghana.Ru news agency
Daily Central Asian news
Azerbaijan - Imprisoned journalist allegedly target of murder attempt
(IRFS/IFEX) - On 19 August 2008, lawyer Alayif Hasanov visited imprisoned "Azadlig" newspaper journalist Sakit Zahidov in prison number 14. Hasanov told IRFS that during their conversation, Zahidov sa...
Russian Invasion Strengthens Support for Saakashvili
Email this article Despite Russia’s continuing troop presence and the destruction of key economic and military installations in Georgia, domestic support for Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvi...
OSCE Finally Agrees to Deploy Additional Monitors
Email this article After days of heated talks, all 56 OSCE member states agreed on August 19 to deploy additional unarmed monitors to Georgia. The OSCE monitors will be responsible for tracking the i...
Azerbaijan repatriates Armenian man
The handover took place in Aghdam region of Azerbaijan. Grant Gabrielyan, an Armenian civillian held in Azerbaijan was repatriated to Armenia today. International Committee for Red Cross informs that...
Georgian Villagers Recount Tales of Marauders
Email this article The Georgian village of Karateli lies seven kilometers north of Gori. While many buildings in the village are still standing, a large number of homes along the road have been destr...
Boxer disqualified for biting Olympic opponent
Tajikistan was disqualified for biting his opponent on the shoulder during their Olympic quarterfinal bout Tuesday night.Dzhakhon Kurbanov's bout with
Russia closes borders with Georgia, Azerbaijan to foreigners
Moscow, Aug 19 : Russia has temporarily closed its borders with Georgia and Azerbaijan to all foreigners with the exception of Commonwealth of Independent States' (CIS) nationals.
Draft law to curb formula milk sales, boost breastfeeding
BISHKEK, 19 August 2008 (IRIN) - A draft law on promoting breastfeeding as a means of tackling health and nutrition problems among infants is being discussed in Kyrgyzstan. 'Today many mothers in Kyrg...
Georgian planning flaws led to failure
By Richard Giragosian With the announcement of a ceasefire agreement on August 13, a five-day conflict between Georgian and Russian forces effectively ended, although Russian troops seemed slow...
The United States applauds Azerbaijan
The US Ambassador to Azerbaijan Anne Derse made statement on Georgia. The statement reads:The United States stands solidly with Georgia, and we fully support Georgia's territorial integrity and so...
Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will pay a one-day formal visit to Azerbaijan on August 20th.
ANKARA - Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan will pay a one-day formal visit to Azerbaijan on August 20th. Prime Ministry press center stated on Monday that Erdogan would assess the recent dev...
The Decline of the Voice of America in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Central Asia
[2] Sadly, this is a significant, but not unexpected, failure. In recent years, the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) has slashed funding for programming in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Centr...
Georgia - Azeri television crew, Turkish journalists fired upon by Russian troops in Gori, reporting equipment seized
(IRFS/IFEX) - IRFS condemns the opening of gunfire by Russian soldiers on a television crew from the Azerbaijani station ANS TV and Turkish journalists in Gori on 14 August 2008. According to ANS, on ...
Shahin Imranov of Azerbaijan reached semifinal
Azerbaijan boxing team captain Shahin Imranov (57 kg weight class) will next face Frenchman. Shahin Imranov of Azerbaijan reached semifinal in the Beijing 2008 Olympics next after he beat Cuba's ...
President Aliyev receives UNICEF Representative in Azerbaijan
Mrs Hanaa Singer stressed Azerbaijan-UNICEF relations are developing successfully. President Ilham Aliyev has received UNICEF Representative in Azerbaijan Hanaa Singer who is completing her tenure in...
Abnormal hot weather expected in Azerbaijan
Abnormal hot weather is expected in Azerbaijan this week. The maximum temperature will reach 37-40 degrees in Baku and Absheron Peninsula within a week. Temperature is expected to touch 42 degrees in ...
"Events ongoing in Georgia will not bypass Armenian-Azerbaijan conflict over Daqliq Qarabaq"
Special representative of the EU for South Caucasus said to shooting group of ANS TV in Georgia. “Events ongoing in Georgia will not bypass Armenian-Azerbaijan conflict over Daqliq Qarabaq and...
Azeri athlete reaches Beijing Olympics quarterfinal
Ramil Guliyev was the first Azerbaijani athlete to qualify for the quarterfinal of the Summer Olympics after taking the second place in the 200-metre race in group stage. Azerbaijani athletics has ga...
One more journalist puts forward his candidacy in Azerbaijan
One more man has been nominated for Presidency. Editor-in-Chief of Varlig newspaper, one of the founders of Varlig Organization, head of Center for Legal Economics and Social Researches Agaevli Ali Is...
Azerbaijan ranks 17th at the Beijing Oylmpic Games
1 CHN - China 9 4 3 16 13 4 3 20 22 8 6 36 2 2 USA - United States 9 3 8 20 5 8 9 22 1 1 14 12 17 43 1 3 GER - Germany 3 2 5 2 3 5 3 3 8 2 3 13 =7 4 KOR - Korea 5 4 1 10 1 3 2 6 6 7 3 16 4 5 ITA - Ita...
Azerbaijan has record grain harvest
Ministry of Agriculture said that 851.000 hectares of grains have been reaped and 2 million 310.000 tons of record grain have been harvested. It is 484.000 ton more compared to last year. Productivity...
United States condemns attack on the Abu Bakr Mosque in Azerbaijan
The statement released by the U.S. embassy in Azerbaijan says that Azerbaijan has long been heralded for its tradition of religious harmony and interfaith dialogue, and those who would attack a mosque...
Kyrgyzstan signs nuclear detection deal
WASHINGTON, Aug. 18 (UPI) -- A deal has been reached between the United States and Kyrgyzstan to coordinate a program to deter nuclear proliferation in Kyrgyzstan. The agreement between the U.S. Natio...
Azerbaijan lifts ban on Western Union, MoneyGram
The ban on relations with these companies, which have worked in Azerbaijan since the mid-1990s, had been in force since July 30. The central bank of Azerbaijan on Thursday renewed clearance for money...
Armenians commit arsons in occupied territories of Azerbaijan
Fire in occupied villages of Azerbaijani Aghdam and Khojavend regions continue. Armenian armed forces commited arsons in the occupied Azerbaijani territories at about 9 pm August 13. ANS Qarabaq bure...
Azerbaijan is 14th in medal winner table
ANS PRESS wishes successes to sportsmen representing Azerbaijan in Beijing 2008 Olympic Games! © 2008 All rights reserved. Citing to ANS PRESS is necessary upon using news.
IMF Says Kazakhstan Inflation Should Fall By Year
The central Asian country's "consumer price inflation has begun to ease and is expected to decline to single digit rates," the Fund wrote in a report following an annual discussion with Kazakh leade...
Azeri Oil Exports On Georgian Railways Suspended - BP
The Georgian rail authorities are looking for alternative routes, but the ongoing shutdown of the Baku-Supsa and Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipelines means that the 100,000 barrel a day Baku-Novorossii...
PetroChina Makes Commercial Finds In 2 Kazakhstan Blocks
controlling joint venture PetroKazakhstan Inc. drilled three exploratory wells in the Karaganda and Doshan blocks which yielded commercially viable flows for the first time, China National Petroleum...
Americans play Monopoly, Russians chess
then they vomit up a genius ... the empire of the czars hasn't produced such a frightening genius since [Joseph] Stalin." The superlatives recall an old observation about why the plots of American c...
China seeks Caucasian crisis windfall
said in Churchillian tones, "The aggressive Russian force beyond South Ossetian borders has been something that really shocked many people ... The sight of Russian tanks in Gori, Russian tanks in Se...
Johnson has gold snatched away by Romania
(AP Photo/Rob Carr)Romania's gymnast Sandra Izbasa, right, is kissed by her coach during the apparatus finals at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Sunday, Aug. 17, 2008. Izbasa won the gold medal.
Azerbaijan blast kills two
BAKU, AZERBAIJAN — A grenade exploded during evening prayers at a packed mosque in Azerbaijan's capital Sunday, killing two people and injuring up to eight others, police said. An unidentified ...
A Pause for Peace
Email this article Faced with a growing international outcry against Russia’s invasion of Georgia, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has pledged to withdraw Russian troops. The announcement come...
Google Company showing any cities or roads for Georgia, or its neighbors Azerbaijan and Armenia make official publication
"The annswer is we never launched coverage in those countries because we simply weren't satisfied with the map data we had available." The recent conflict in Georgia has raised some questions about ...
"Azerbaijan is for intensification of activity for cooperation with US"
"Relations between Azerbaijan and US are intensively developing but we would like to raise them on a higher level", said Pashayev at an international conference "Azerbaijanis and Americans-as we see e...
Protest action held before Embassy of Russia in Azerbaijan
The participants expressed protest against Russia's operations in Georgia and ongoing events in the republic. A group of Azerbaijani citizens has held protest action before Embassy of Russia in Azerb...
The delegation of Poland, Lithuania, Estonia, Ukraine and Latvia to go to Georgia through Azerbaijan
, Lithuania, Estonia, Ukraine as well as Latvia applied Azerbaijan to create condition for delegation comprising 80-85 people pass to Georgia through Azerbaijan’s area, Spokesman of Azerbaijan&r...
Ilin wins weightlifting gold for Kazakhstan
Russia 's Khadzhimurat Akkaev won the bronze.Kolecki and Ilin were in a chicken race ahead of their last lifts, raising the weights kilogram by kilogram until Ilin went for it at 226 kg (498.2 pounds)...
Medvedev Pledges Russian Withdrawal
Email this article President Dmitry Medvedev said Russian regular forces will begin withdrawing from Georgia beginning on August 18.The pledge came after Moscow followed Tbilisi in signing a cease-fi...
Iranian journalists visit Tajikistan
Media A group of Iranian journalists arrived here Saturday. The aim of the trip is to visit joint economic and construction projects. The sponsor of the visit is Iran's Energy Ministry in cooperation ...
New Turkmen ambassador to Tehran appointed
Ambassador Ahmed Qurbanov was appointed as Turkmenistan's new ambassador to Iran, it was announced Saturday. Qurbanov was appointed to the post upon the approval of Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdym...
Peace Plan Signed, But Russian Forces Appear to Advance
Email this article As Russian forces reportedly made steady advances within Georgia, Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvili signed a six-point plan for a lasting peace agreement with Russia. How long...
Kazakhstan beats China in women
Beijing, China (Sports Network) - Kazakhstan got the win it needed against China to stay in the hunt for a berth in the quarterfinals of the women's handball tournament at the Beijing Olympics. Kazak...
Mongolia wins first gold medal, in men
.floatright { float:right}.floatleft { float:left}In other Bastard News Quentin Tarantino's filling his Inglorious Bastards stable with some new names. The first among them ...
UN Agency To Help Tajikistan Avert Famine
DUSHANBE -- The United Nations World Food Program (WFP) will supply Tajikistan with $10 million worth of food this year to avert famine, the aid agency said.The impoverished Central Asian nation borde...
The bear is back
By Richard M Bennett Despite being rather moth-eaten and while still missing a claw or two, the Russian bear is definitely back in business. The conflict with Georgia over its troublesome b...
Mongolians rejoice at first-ever Olympic gold
Thousands of Mongolians hit the streets of the capital to celebrate the country's first-ever Olympic gold medal, offering vodka toasts, blaring their car horns and waving the nation's flag from the ci...
Azeri wrestler gains silver at Beijing Olympic Games
Rovshan Bayramov gained silver medal in the Olympic Games in Beijing. Azerbaijani Greco-Roman wrestler Rovshan Bayramov (55kg) gained silver medal in the Olympic Games in Beijing, by defeating Russia...
Germany fears loss of supplies facility in Uzbekistan
Germany fears loss of supplies facility in Uzbekistan By Gerrit Wiesmann in Berlin Published: August 1 2005 18:06 | Last updated: August 1 2005 18:06
Russia Keeps West Guessing About its Intentions
Email this article Russian troops sent mixed signals August 14 on honoring a deal to ease the Georgian conflict. Conditions inside the Caucasus state remained volatile, while on the international fro...
Conflict in Georgia threatens U.S. effort to secure access to Central Asian energy
NEW YORK : When the main pipeline that carries oil through Georgia was completed in 2005, it was hailed as a major success in the U.S. policy to diversify its energy supply. Not only did the pipeline ...
Humanitarian Needs Loom as Georgia
Email this article Diana Khidasheli and her four children spent the night before the August 8 outbreak of war with Russia in their house basement, hoping for an end to the intensive shelling of their...
Baku Eyes Georgia Violence with Caution
Email this article Public sentiment in Azerbaijan is clearly on the side of neighboring Georgia, but the Azerbaijani government is treading lightly, not wanting to do or say anything that might provo...
Mongolia, China capture judo gold; Canadians both eliminated
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Anthrax cases among humans on the rise
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Korean Air records 2Q net loss on fuel, currency
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BP Azerbaijan Restarts Gas Exports Into S Caucasus Pipe -Co
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No War, No Peace
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A Test for the European Union
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Consequences for Georgia Pipeline and Poti Port
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Conflict Offers Central Asia Chance To Speak Out
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A New World for Children: The Moldova Education for All – Fast Track Initiative Project
 “We feel at home here and we love our kindergarten,” says Andrei, a six-year-old, who attends the newly renovated kindergarten in Anenii-Noi, financed under the Moldova Education for All – Fast Track Initiative (EFA/FTI) project. New furniture, equipment, toys, didactic materials, and a play and sports field for children have changed the way the kindergarten now looks and functions.
Over 100 children from Anenii-Noi community, located 10 km away from Chisinau, benefited from improved conditions at this pre-school institution for children aged 3-7. Parents, who earlier refused to bring their children to the kindergarten because of its poor conditions, are now more than happy to leave them here. In the raion’s Excellence Center, educators from other pre-school institutions can learn and share best practices on early childhood development. Benefits for the children and local communities are enormous: newly renovated kindergartens and community centers along with new furniture, toys, and trained educators, follow a new pre-school curriculum in accordance with international standards. The approach to child education is also new in Moldova, with the role of the first educator attributed to the parents who are supported by kindergarten educators.  In the past, attendance in pre-school institutions in Moldova was only 41.3%, with a significant increase of 55.4% over the last five years. In 2003, the government adopted a new "Education for All” approach, further supported by the 2004-08 National Action Plan “Education for All.” The Republic of Moldova became eligible for the Fast Track Initiative "Education for All” in February 2006. Moldova is the only European country that benefits from the financial support of the Catalytic Trust Fund and the only EFA/FTI country that absorbed all the allocated resources to early childhood education.
In August 2006, the EFA/FTI project was launched with five distinct objectives: a) to increase the enrollment rate of children in school programs; b) to increase access to quality pre-school education for children at risk; c) to increase in the quality of care and education institutions for children; d) training in early childhood development for teaching and administrative staff in educational institutions; e) strengthening the social partnership and involvement of local communities in early childhood development. Under the initiative, the total of 33 kindergartens were renovated, 15 community centers were created as alternatives to kindergartens, and a pilot-Center for children with disabilities in Straseni was established. At the moment, work is underway to complete the statutes of the community centers which will facilitate the institutionalization of early education alternatives and will ensure equitable access to early educational programs for all children, including children from vulnerable families and children with special needs.  The EFA/FTI project signifies effective cooperation between the government, civil society, local public administrations, academia and donors. “The adopted participatory approach ensures a common strategic platform for all actors involved in the process in order to mobilize all social efforts and financial resources available to enhance the benefits offered by quality Early Childhood Education at the national level,” says Larisa Vîrtosu, EFA/FTI Country Adviser, UNICEF/UNESCO.
General Information about the “Education for All – Fast Track Initiative”  Total cost of the project: USD 8.8 mln
Partners: UNICEF – grant coordinator at country level, World Bank – grant administrator, UNESCO, Step by Step program, „Pro-didactica”, Institute „Ion Creanga”, Pedagogical Institute from Tiraspol, Scientific Institute in the area of Education, Social Investment Fund, local public administrations, private company “Moldcell” . Objectives of the project: a) increase the enrollment rate of children in school programs;
b) increase access to quality pre-school education for children at risk;
c) increase in the quality of care and education institutions for children;
d) training in early childhood development for teaching and administrative staff in educational institutions ;
e) strengthening the social partnership and involvement of local communities in early childhood development. Status: Launched in August 2006. The second tranche of the project is currently under implementation (fiscal year 2008-2009). Implementation Agency: Ministry of Education and Youth Executive Director: Valentin Crudu, tel: (+373 22) 232 707
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IFC Partners with Uzbek Leasing International to Help Develop Uzbekistan’s Leasing Sector
In Tashkent:
Anvar Meliboev
Phone: (+998-71) 238-5928
E-mail: ameliboev@ifc.org
In Moscow:
Ilya Sverdlov
Phone: (+7495) 411 7555
E-mail: isverdlov@ifc.org
IFC Partners with Uzbek Leasing International
to Help Develop Uzbekistan’s Leasing Sector
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, August 18, 2008 — IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is investing in Uzbek Leasing International A.O., Uzbekistan’s first leasing company and an existing IFC client. The $3.0 million loan will help the company expand financing options for micro and small enterprises.
Since 2002, Uzbek Leasing International has participated in IFC’s leasing advisory program in Central Asia and has strengthened its operations. “A new loan from IFC will create a strong platform for expanding our services to the SME sector,” said Zafar Mustafaev, CEO of Uzbek Leasing International.
IFC is working to increase access to finance for micro and small enterprises by strengthening local financial institutions and providing credit lines for financing and leasing. “This loan will help more private companies in Uzbekistan get the long-term financing they need to grow their businesses,” said Lars Thunell, IFC Executive Vice President and CEO. “It also helps Uzbek Leasing International set an example for others to follow.”
IFC has played a key role in developing Uzbekistan’s leasing sector, helping amend 11 pieces of legislation to facilitate leasing. As a result of these regulatory improvements, direct support for companies, and increased awareness, the local leasing market has grown by $220 million from 2001 to 2007.
Since 1994, IFC has invested $55 million in 14 projects in Uzbekistan’s food processing, construction materials, banking, and leasing industries. IFC’s current portfolio is worth about $6 million, most of which is invested in Asaka Bank, ABN AMRO Bank NB Uzbekistan, Hamkor Bank, Parvina Bank, and Uzbek Leasing International.
About IFC
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, fosters sustainable economic growth in developing countries by financing private sector investment, mobilizing private capital in local and international financial markets, and providing advisory and risk mitigation services to businesses and governments. IFC’s vision is that people should have the opportunity to escape poverty and improve their lives. In FY07, IFC committed $8.2 billion and mobilized an additional $3.9 billion through syndications and structured finance for 299 investments in 69 developing countries. IFC also provided advisory services in 97 countries. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
About Uzbek Leasing International A.O.
Uzbek Leasing International A.O., the first leasing company in Uzbekistan, was incorporated in 1996. The company’s shareholders are IFC, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, Maybank (Malaysia), and the National Bank for Foreign Economic Activity of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Since its establishment, the company has financed more than 200 projects for a total of $40 million in various sectors. It provides lease financing for industrial, agricultural, and business equipment and machinery as well as motor vehicles to serve the needs of micro and small industrial projects.
IFC Executive Vice President Lars Thunell’s Visit Highlights IFC Priorities in Kyrgyz Republic
In Bishkek:
Kymbat Ybyshova
Phone: (+996312) 626160
E-mail: KYbyshova@ifc.org
In Moscow:
Ilya Sverdlov
Phone (+7916) 907 4059
E-mail: ISverdlov@ifc.org
Bishkek, August 13, 2008 – Lars Thunell, Executive Vice President and CEO of IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, today concluded an official visit to the Kyrgyz Republic today by emphasizing IFC’s priorities for the country. IFC will continue to promote private sector growth by financing small and medium enterprise projects, helping strengthen the financial sector, and increasing direct investments in agribusiness, energy, and mining. IFC also plans advisory projects to develop leasing and the mortgage market, as well as to improve corporate governance and the business environment.
This was Thunell’s first visit to the Kyrgyz Republic since joining IFC. He met with Prime Minister Igor Chudinov to discuss opportunities for cooperation in promoting the country’s economic growth.
Prime Minister Chudinov expressed his appreciation to IFC for its close collaboration with the country’s government and private sector and highlighted the positive impact of IFC projects on the Kyrgyz economy.
“IFC is helping Kyrgyz companies improve operations, create new jobs, and reduce poverty. We look forward to working with the government to improve the business environment, advance energy sector reforms, and increase investments in the energy, agribusiness, and agro-processing industries,” Thunell said.
Thunell signed a loan agreement to support the Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank. The loan will enable the bank to offer more financing options to local small and midsize businesses, focus on the agricultural sector, and increase lending operations in rural areas that are underserved by the financial sector.
Thunell also visited Altyn-Ajydar ltd to discuss progress with its expansion project that will add building materials to its business line. With financing from IFC, the project is expected to increase local production of materials including insulated glass window units and aluminum panels, as well as strengthen the construction sector.
The Kyrgyz Republic joined IFC in 1993, and IFC’s commitments to the country have reached nearly $75 million. This includes $70 million in investments and $5 million in advisory services with a focus on leasing, microfinance, housing finance, and corporate governance.
About IFC
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, fosters sustainable economic growth in developing countries by financing private sector investment, mobilizing private capital in local and international financial markets, and providing advisory and risk mitigation services to businesses and governments. IFC's vision is that people should have the opportunity to escape poverty and improve their lives. In FY07, IFC committed $8.2 billion and mobilized an additional $3.9 billion through syndications and structured finance for 299 investments in 69 developing countries. IFC also provided advisory services in 97 countries. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
IFC Supports Mortgage Lending in the Kyrgyz Republic
In Bishkek:
Kymbat Ybyshova
Phone: (+996312) 626160
E-mail: KYbyshova@ifc.org In Moscow:
Ilya Sverdlov
Phone (+7916) 907 4059
E-mail: ISverdlov@ifc.org
Bishkek, August 13, 2008— IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, will advise Bai Tushum, one of the Kyrgyz Republic’s leading microfinance institutions, on ways to strengthen its mortgage lending operations. Bai Tushum has been providing mortgage loans since 2004 and is working to improve its mortgage portfolio.
IFC’s experts will analyze Bai Tushum’s mortgage lending and help establish an environmental management system aimed at making these operations more sustainable. IFC Executive Vice President and CEO Lars Thunell and Gulnara Shamshieva, Bai Tushum’s CEO, signed the advisory services agreement in a ceremony today.
Shamshieva of Bai Tushum said, “Cooperation with IFC is important for us to help people change their living conditions. We hope it will strengthen our institutional capacity and enable us to expand our mortgage portfolio.”
Thunell said, “IFC wants to help Bai Tushum make housing more affordable for people in the Kyrgyz Republic. We are optimistic that our support will strengthen Bai Tushum’s mortgage business, making it a model for other Kyrgyz financial institutions.”
The advisory work with Bai Tushum project is part of IFC’s strategy of helping the Kyrgyz government provide housing solutions to its low- and middle- income citizens. IFC is working on several initiatives to improve housing policies in the country and to strengthen the institutional capacity of local financial institutions.
Besides, IFC provided advisory services to Bai Tushum on improving its leasing operations. As a result of the cooperation Bai-Tushum’s leasing portfolio was analyzed and commented, and more than 30 credit staff of Bai Tushum were trained. As of today Bai-Tushum has been provided more than 30 leasing operations.
Besides, IFC provided advisory services to Bai Tushum on strengthening its leasing operations. Within this cooperation IFC assisted Bai Tushun in analyzing its leasing portfolio and provided training to its credit staff. As a result of the cooperation, Bai-Tushum’s leasing portfolio has grown significantly. Only from the beginning of this year to 1 Aug, Bai-Tushum executed over 30 new leasing deals.
About IFC
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, fosters sustainable economic growth in developing countries by financing private sector investment, mobilizing private capital in local and international financial markets, and providing advisory and risk mitigation services to businesses and governments. IFC's vision is that people should have the opportunity to escape poverty and improve their lives. In FY07, IFC committed $8.2 billion and mobilized an additional $3.9 billion through syndications and structured finance for 299 investments in 69 developing countries. IFC also provided advisory services in 97 countries. For more information, visit www.ifc.org. About Bai Tushum
Bai Tushum was established in 1997 with the support of U.S.-based Agricultural Cooperative Development International/Volunteers in Overseas Cooperative Assistance and CARITAS, a Swiss relief agency. It provides microcredit services to private entrepreneurs, traders, farmers, and micro and small agricultural enterprises using individual and group lending methodologies. Bai Tushum has 10,000 clients, with most of its portfolio outside the capital, Bishkek.
IFC Supports Diversification of Kyrgyz Packaging Producer
In Bishkek:
Kymbat Ybyshova
Phone: (+996312) 626160
E-mail: KYbyshova@ifc.org
In Moscow:
Ilya Sverdlov
Phone (+7916) 907 4059
E-mail: ISverdlov@ifc.org
Bishkek, August 13, 2008—IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, will invest in Altyn-Ajydar, the leading packaging producer in the Kyrgyz Republic, to help the company diversify products, create new jobs, and strengthen environmental, health, and safety management systems.
IFC’s $1.6 million loan will enable Altyn-Ajydar to start producing building materials, particularly insulated glass window units and aluminum panels. This will help improve the thermal insulation of buildings and contribute to energy efficiency. The investment will also help the company increase exports of its packaging products to new markets, while capitalizing on the long-term growth potential of the construction industry in Central Asia.
IFC Executive Vice President and CEO Lars Thunell, who is on an official trip to the Kyrgyz Republic, today visited Altyn-Ajydar and discussed its operations and growth plans. The company has 70 percent of the packaging market in the Kyrgyz Republic and 10 percent in Kazakhstan. The project will be located in the industrial zone of Bishkek.
“In 1999 and 2005, IFC helped us upgrade and expand our corrugated paper and packaging business. These investments have speeded our modernization efforts significantly,” said Pavel Terehov, President of Altyn-Ajydar. “The new technologies have improved the quality of our products, making them more competitive and familiar in international markets. This has increased sales and profitability and enabling a boost in employee benefits.”
“IFC is pleased with Altyn Ajydar’s progress over the last 10 years,” said Lars Thunell. “The company has the opportunity to reach new markets after diversifying into building materials, which will also benefit the growing construction industry in the Kyrgyz Republic and across Central Asia. This investment underlines IFC’s continuing commitment to companies that generate employment and foster economic growth in frontier markets.”
About IFC:
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, fosters sustainable economic growth in developing countries by financing private sector investment, mobilizing private capital in local and international financial markets, and providing advisory and risk mitigation services to businesses and governments. IFC's vision is that people should have the opportunity to escape poverty and improve their lives. In FY07, IFC committed $8.2 billion and mobilized an additional $3.9 billion through syndications and structured finance for 299 investments in 69 developing countries. IFC also provided advisory services in 97 countries. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.
World Bank provides cash transfers for vulnerable groups and nutritional supplements to new and expecting mothers in Moldova
Contacts: In Washington: Michael Jones, (202) 473-2588 mjones2@worldbank.org
WASHINGTON, August 11, 2008 – The World Bank board of directors today approved a grant of US$7 million in additional financing to help Moldova address the challenges of the ongoing food crisis. The additional financing to the Moldova Health Services and Social Assistance Project aims to improve nutrition among new and expecting mothers, infants and children and to provide cash transfers to social institutions which provide food to children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups to compensate for food price increases during the upcoming 2008/2009 winter season. The focus of nutrition interventions would be on protein energy malnutrition caused by inadequate intake of quantity of calories and protein.
“This financing provides some badly needed support to people who are being hit hardest by the sharp increase in food prices,” said Melanie Marlett, World Bank Country Manager for Moldova. “By targeting the most vulnerable groups, we’re hoping to ensure that an increase in food costs won’t mean a decrease in the health of the poorest Moldovans.” The impact of the global food crisis on Moldova’s market and social conditions has to be put into the context of the catastrophic drought in 2007 and its consequences for food production in the country. While generally Moldova is able to sustain its food self-sufficiency, the 2007 agricultural season was marked by a dramatic loss of crops and livestock. The most telling statistic is that the harvest of cereal crops in 2007 was only 30% of the 2006 harvest, while production of vegetables decreased by 33% and livestock fell by 25%. Overall losses in the sector amounted approximately to US$ 1 billion, leading to a production shock which has spanned into the 2008 agricultural season. Under normal circumstances, stocks of food would be replenished through imports from regional and global agricultural commodity markets. But the current global food squeeze has further increased Moldova’s short-term food supply vulnerability. Relative food scarcity in the country has led to a marked spike in food inflation, which is currently the main contributing source to the CPI inflation. Year on year food inflation in May, 2008 had risen to 24%, with bread, fruit, and milk prices rising by 20, 56, 24 and percent respectively. “The cost of food in Moldova, like everywhere else, is increasing sharply, This is a big challenge in a country that already has approximately 28% of its citizens living in poverty,” Marlett added.“The rising food costs are generally hurting the country’s poor disproportionately more, because they spend a larger proportion of their incomes on food, and are more dependent on wage incomes and transfers.” Tentative estimates indicate that with food inflation at 24%, Moldova could face a 13% increase in poverty rates, further exacerbating the challenge of ensuring access to food by the poor. A particular and direct nutritional challenge is represented by the situation of institutionalized groups, including children and elderly, who currently live on a ration valued at less than two dollars per day. Bank engagement in both health and social protection in Moldova provides a solid strategic basis and framework with which to support additional financing in order to respond to this crisis. The Bank’s response under the proposed additional financing to the Moldovan Government will build on the existing project and Government programs rather than introducing new mechanisms altogether. The original project development objectives of the Health and Social Protection Project are to promote the Government's program to increase access to quality and efficient health services. The project’s aim is to improve the health of the local population and improve the targeting of social transfers and services to the poor. There are 3 components to the original project: the Health System Modernization component, the Social Assistance and Welfare component, Institutional Support component. The grant will be made available to Moldova under the World Bank’s US$1.2 billion Global Fast-Track Facility for Food Crisis launched at the end of May. The new facility is designed to address the immediate needs of the most vulnerable countries through support to social safety nets, school feeding programs, food production, and other interventions. - ### - For more information on Health Services and Social Assistance Additional Financing Project please visit: http://www.worldbank.org.md/external/projects/main?pagePK=64283627&piPK=73230&theSitePK=302251&menuPK=302284&Projectid=P112908 For more information on the World Bank’s work in Moldova, please visit:
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