Uzbek MPs pass several laws in first reading

The first bill to be discussed was that designed to further improve the system of training and certification of academic and academic-teaching staff of the highest qualification. The bill was elaborated in line with the Decree of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan signed 24 July 2012 on “Further Improvement of the System of Training and Certification of Academic and Academic-Teaching Staff of the Highest Qualification”. The document stipulates the introduction of a single-tier system of post-graduate education with the defense and awarding of an academic degree of Doctor of Science in accordance with universal international requirements and standards.

In this regard, the draft law envisages due amendments to the Labor and Housing Codes, to laws on “State Pension Provision of Citizens”, “Education”, along with the National Program for Training Specialists, designed to make these documents’ norms be in accord with the adopted Decree, UzA reported.

The legislators then debated the bill contemplating modifications to the Criminal Code in line with efforts directed at perfecting the institution of liability of public officials. The deputies noted in this regard that in accordance with requirements of law practice, the proposed new edition of legal definitions of notions “public official”, “liable public official”, “representative of public authority”, as well as the addition of the term “representative of general public” will secure their rightful and uniform application, adherence to the principle of inevitability of liability and differentiation of punishment.

The lawmakers also deliberated on the draft law stipulating the further perfection in the judicial system. It was stressed that the issues pertinent to reforming the judicial system are one of the most critical aspects of state policy and are under constant attention of the country’s leadership. The Decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on “Measures on Cardinal Improvement in the Social Protection of the Judicial System Personnel” signed 2 August 2012, the Decree on “Organizational Measures on the Further Improvement of Activities of Courts” inked November 30, 2012, have come to be vital strides in the promotion of a more effective activity of the nation’s judicial system. In accordance with provisions of these presidential decrees, the aforementioned draft law was worked out and introduced to the Legislative Chamber. The bill provides for integrated and systemic measures aimed at reinforcing law and social guarantees for an independent judicial proceeding, safeguarding the social status of the personnel of judicial authorities as well as perfecting the activity of courts and the mechanisms of selecting, training and nominating judicial cadres.

The session participants also discussed the bill on “Appeals of Individuals and Corporate Entities” elaborated in order to meet the provisions of the State Program “Year of Wellbeing and Prosperity” approved with the resolution of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on 14 February 2013.

It was noted during the meeting that the draft law is designed to compliment the normative gap in the regulations of public relations concerning the consideration of appeals by individuals and corporate entities, as well as fixation of liability for violations in this sphere. The bill is also directed at perfecting the order of appeals to government bodies and other institutions. The crucial novelty of the document is the legislative fixation of such form of petition as the appeal of corporate entities expected to afford an opportunity to regulate public issues emerging during the consideration of appeals from corporate bodies by government authorities and other organizations.

The adoption of this bill is said to facilitate the creation of effective normative mechanisms of securing legality and the constitutional principle of the rule of law in the consideration of appeals by both individuals and corporate entities.

Afterwards, the members of parliament discussed the draft law stipulating a criminal liability for larceny by way of unauthorized hookup to oil and natural gas pipelines, those of oil and gas derivatives, as well as for inflicting damage to these facilities and making them useless.

Following a comprehensive discussion, the legislators approved major provisions of all the abovementioned bills and adopted them at the first reading. Responsible committees have been tasked with working out drafts of normative documents for consideration during the next reading given the proposed recommendations.

Questions and proposals during the deliberations came from representatives of all groups of political parties as well as the Environmental Movement of Uzbekistan. The lawmakers stressed in particular the importance of further improvement in the normative foundations of reforms undertaken in all walks of life of our society and the practical solution of tasks outlined by the President of Uzbekistan at the current stage of development of the country.