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Conference
highlights growing friendship of US and Uzbekistan
(Washington,
DC 05/16/02) Yesterday,
the American Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce (AUCC) hosted
its Annual Conference in Washington, DC. Well-attended by
leading policy makers from the US and Uzbekistan, the conference
was hailed by members as the most successful event since AUCC's
inception. Participants included the Uzbek Minister of Economics,
His Excellency Elyor Ganiev, Assistant Secretary of Commerce
Mr. Lash, and keynote speaker Mr. James Woolsey, former Director
of the CIA.
The most
notable address was given by Congressman Curt Weldon, Founder
and Chairman of the US Former Soviet Union Energy Caucus,
who lavished praise on one of America's strongest allies of
the war on terrorism:
"Uzbekistan
stood by the US against terrorism in a way no one could
have expected. We consider it time to elevate Uzbekistan
to a new level... We will establish formal bilateral legislative
dialogue, ...have an annual exchange program of members...
and we will be friends as well as colleagues. Congress is
bullish on Uzbekistan. We see progress in Uzbekistan; it's
not perfect, but neither are we after 200 years of democracy...
So to the business community I tell you, we are 100% behind
you in your investment in Uzbekistan."
This event,
and the cheerful tribute to Uzbekistan by US government officials
in particular, represents a defining moment in the relationship
between the United States and Uzbekistan. ISCA commends Congressman
Weldon and his fellow legislators for their recognition of
the vital role Uzbekistan and the other new republics in Central
Asia can and should play in the future of international cooperation,
security, and economic development of Muslim nations.
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For
more information on ISCA's work with Uzbekistan, please visit
our Country Reports section.
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