Konrad Adenauer Foundation (Germany) has been operating in Uzbekistan for 10 years. Over the past 2.5 years it was headed by Thomas Kunze, who spoke to Jahon news agency about his foundation\'s activity.

? Mr Kunze, let me congratulate you with the new appointment?

? Thank you. And I would like to use this opportunity to express my gratitude to the government of Uzbekistan for favorable conditions created for successful and effective operation of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation in the republic. This was specifically stressed by the fund?s vice-president, former federal minister Anton Pfeifer during his visit to Tashkent past September.

Adenauer Foundation remains in friendly relations with your country, and is ready to continue provision of its support at any level. The foundation will remain to be a friend you can trust. I am sure that my successor will continue work on strengthening our friendship ties.

? Do you not feel sorry for leaving Tashkent?

? I would not exaggerate if I said that Uzbekistan has become my second Fatherland. Very soon after my arrival in Uzbekistan, I felt at home. I appreciated the hospitality and openness of Uzbek people. Uzbek nation is a sincere, serene, wise nation. And these qualities of yours helped us in our work.

The foundation?s activity is aimed at various target groups: women and youth, entrepreneurs and journalists, political parties and self-government bodies. A lot has been done over the past years to reform the judicial-legal system.

Cooperation with Uzbek officials was confiding and constructive.

At the same time, I never concealed my critical opinion on certain issues. We held several events related to liberalization of the execution system. I spoke to the Minister of Internal Affairs and his subordinates about the problems I noticed. They were eager to enter the discussion; although we did not always agree, we discussed problems very thoroughly.

It is important to keep the dialogue, listen and hear each other. I have been watching your country for two years ? and can say it is progressing. Censorship has been abolished de facto ? and this is the aspect we drew the government?s attention to numerous times.

Some international organizations criticize the upcoming parliamentary elections. Our foundation also thinks that democratic processes in the republic require further development. But we also should see the positive side. I do not see anything shameful in Uzbekistan?s striving to create professional parliament. As such parliament will develop at its own dynamics. The logic of its activity will inevitably bring to formation of various coalitions and fractions, including opposition. It is impossible to apply democracy right away, starting with today or tomorrow. It is achieved step by step, and I see this progress.

? I know you are going to head the Russian office of Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

? While in Moscow, I will need the experience I gained in Tashkent a lot. Because, with all the differences and peculiarities, post-soviet countries are still similar. All of them have a common problem ? transformation of state and society. And while in Moscow, I will miss my friends that I found in Tashkent with my wife Uta.