Frederick Starr, one of leading American experts on Uzbekistan and Central Asia and author of numerous publications, scientific articles and books, participated in the conference on ?Political parties and elections? held in Samarkand on 4-5 November.

Before the conference, Starr met Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Sadyk Safayev and heads of political fractions of the parliament, as well as visited the Institute of Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan and the Institute of History of the Science Academy.

In an interview to Tashkent Radio International, Frederick Starr said that his opinion about Uzbekistan?s occupying central position in the region had not changed since 1996, when we published an article on Uzbekistan in Foreign Affairs magazine. ?The country?s size, central regional location, population and stable economic base ? all these are factors of Uzbekistan?s centrality,? he said.

- Mr Starr, what is your opinion on the parties of Uzbekistan?

- We are all expecting quick results, quick answers to all of our questions. Such situation is observed not only in Uzbekistan, but in all countries of the world. A party, as a body, grows slowly. Political parties of Uzbekistan are also growing, and I hope, they will obtain a stable position and find their niche. Each party seeks its direction for effective work, to build its tactic and strategy. A year ago, I met heads of Uzbek parties and I have met them again recently. From talks with them, I made a conclusion that there was a notable progress.

As a scientist, I will definitely follow and analyse steps of each of the parties in the next several years. I remain optimistic in terms of Uzbekistan?s democratic development. I was informed on series of conferences organised in Uzbekistan this fall with the aim to discuss issues related to the upcoming elections and can only applaud this. Some other, more concrete steps have been taken in this direction, and a number of measures are anticipated. Uzbekistan should not fear anything, in many terms it wins from development of democratic processes, political parties and parliamentary institutions.

Establishment of a jural state and civil society is directly bound to formation of governmental representative bodies. Great deal of work is done in preparation to the upcoming elections in the country.

Electoral legislation aimed at developing multiparty system is in place in Uzbekistan. It fully complies with principles and norms of international law; it is based on progressive experience of foreign democratic states and national electoral practice. Uzbekistan has taken another step towards democratisation of its society. The elections to bicameral parliament to be held in Uzbekistan in December are a success in itself and a clear step forward. Indeed, the laws should be created by professionals. I am sure that great changes in the society will be observed over the next several years.

- What reformation process undertaken in Uzbekistan do you consider to be most important one?

- I think, that the most important process undertaken in Uzbekistan is reform in the sphere of education, in particular. This is clearly seen everywhere, in any lecture room. I see a great difference between the generations. The new generation is taking an active part in the life of modern Uzbekistan. I think great attention to education is more important than economic reforms. Modern and international levelly oriented intellectuals and young people of Uzbekistan are a priceless asset.

- How would you evaluate Uzbek-American relations?

- It is important to keep in mind that relations between our countries started long before the 9/11 events. From the first days of independent Uzbekistan, relationship ties were created between the countries. And now, they are developing not only in the sphere of security, but in other spheres as well. This is crucial. The key line in relations between US and Uzbekistan lies in the economic sphere. Large-scale American investment in the economy of Uzbekistan will also expand and contacts in many other spheres will deepen. Relations are developing rapidly in the sphere of science, too. Although we cannot say that economic relations are at the adequate level, I am absolutely confident that we will achieve high results in this sphere as well.