A centre to support independent candidates for seats in
the Uzbek parliament has been set up, Uzbek TV reported on 24th
September. In a report on the launch of the new centre at the
National Press Centre the same day, the Uzbek TV correspondent
said: "It was pointed out that the number of nongovernmental
organizations is increasing in Uzbekistan as a result of
democratic processes taking place here, and that the initiative
is coming mainly from citizens. That is why establishing the
centre to support independent candidates is very important for
protecting independent candidates who are nominated by citizens.

During the meeting, members of the directorate of the centre
to support independent candidates told media agencies about the
new centre's aims and tasks."

The head of the Mahalla Foundation, Shuhrat Jalilov, also
spoke at the launch, the report said.
 
Source: Uzbek Television first channel, Tashkent, in Uzbek
1530 gmt 24 Sep 99
BBC Mon CAU 250999 VA/AD