Text of report by Uzbek TV on 5th January

[Correspondent turning to Obid Hamroyev, a member of the Central Electoral
Commission(CEC)] One of the principles of democratic elections is the
presence of international observers in them. How much interest is there in
the elctions amongst official and public circles abroad? According to the
latest reports, 98 people [foreign observers] were expected to attend the
forthcoming elections.

[Obid Hamroyev, a member of the CEC, shown in the office, captioned] Yes,
the issue that, as you have noticed international organizations from
various countries of the world have shown a great deal of interest in
attending the presidential elections in our republic [Uzbekistan]. I should
point out that at the moment we are getting many volunteers who want to
attend these elections and so far this number has reached 110 people.
The whole process of elections on 9th January will be shown live on
television through the CEC press centre, we have this opportunity.

[Correspondent] That is, voters will have the opportunity to see the whole
process live.

[Hamroyev] Yes, you are absolutely right, live. Every one and a half or two
we will sum up the results and this will be broadcast live across the whole
republic. If the foreign journalists wish they can be shown the same day to
the whole world.

[Correspondent] Tell me please, in general, as a CEC member, a body which
coordinates the process of elections, how do you assess the preparatory
work for the forthcoming event?

[Hamroyev] About preparations I would say, I can tell you that I was also a
foreign observer in the presidential elections in neighbouring republic,
but I can tell you with confidence, I am sure that preparations for the
forthcoming elections in our republic are going well, I would say very
well.

Source: Uzbek Television first channel, Tashkent, in Russian 1430 gmt 05 Jan
00
BBC Mon CAU 050100/** AJBA/AM