Central Asia

Uzbekistan: Traders Unimpressed by Tax Cuts

The country's bazaars remain empty despite the government's decision to reduce its crippling import duties.

21 Feb 05

Dushanbe appears to be trying to appease Tashkent following a rare visit from the Uzbek president.

21 Feb 05

There are fears that the force's anger at the prosecution of officers blamed for protestors' deaths may spill over into a national strike.

21 Feb 05

A deal to resolve a long-running frontier dispute may usher in a new era of improved relations.

21 Feb 05

Kyrgyz activists threaten protests over President Akaev's refusal to quash opposition leader's conviction.

21 Feb 05

A budding journalist has been thrown out of university after a run-in with authorities.

21 Feb 05

A bizarre ban on billiards, one of the country's most popular sports, has stunned players and fans alike.

21 Feb 05

President Akaev's critics question his promise to end poverty with the help of a 700 million dollar handout.

21 Feb 05

Workplace corruption and exploitation is rife because employees are terrified of speaking out.

21 Feb 05

The president boasts that the army has been reformed, but in reality little has changed.

21 Feb 05

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