Press Release: UZBEK COURT SUSPENDS IREX EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY-BASED PROGRAMS IN UZBEKISTAN

WASHINGTON, DC (September 13, 2005) As part of a broader trend by the Uzbek government to close down both international and local nongovernmental organizations, on September 12th the Civil Court of Tashkent ordered IREX to suspend activities in Uzbekistan for a period of six months. The six-hour court proceedings represented the culmination of a year of increasingly aggressive obstruction of IREX activities, including the denial of accreditation to several IREX employees.

IREX has been working in close, productive collaboration with Uzbek government and grassroots organizations since 1994 under the bilateral agreement between the governments of Uzbekistan and the United States. The goals of IREX’s programs are to improve the quality of education, foster international understanding through student exchanges, expand internet access, and support community development initiatives across the country.

IREX was accused of numerous unfounded legal violations ranging from IREX/Uzbekistan not complying with the charter of its Washington, DC-based headquarters to allegations on the misuse of its logo. During the proceedings, IREX attempted to present a number of motions to the judges. All motions were refused and IREX was ordered to suspend activity for the next six months.

“Accusations of failing to inform the Ministry of Justice of activities are false. IREX has collaborated closely with the Ministry of Justice and many other Uzbek government agencies, including providing trainings and conferences, which have been attended by Uzbek government officials.” stated Mumtoz Abdurazzakova, Country Director for IREX/Uzbekistan. IREX stands in full compliance with Uzbek law.

"Suspending the activities of IREX in Uzbekistan is an unfortunate step that will impede the development of Uzbek civil society and the strengthening of higher education," stated Mark G. Pomar, President of IREX. "For over 40 years," he noted, "IREX has conducted programs, first with the Soviet Union and later with the newly independent states of Eurasia, and we are very proud of the major accomplishments of the alumni of these programs. IREX is appealing the suspension and we expect a quick resolution of this issue and the reinstatement of IREX's activities in Uzbekistan."

IREX is an international nonprofit organization providing leadership and innovative global programs to improve the quality of education, strengthen independent media, and foster pluralistic and sustainable community development. With an annual portfolio of $48 million and a staff of over 500 professionals worldwide, IREX maintains representative offices in more than 100 cities across 22 countries in Europe, Eurasia, Middle East, Africa, and Asia.