17/01/11 - Uzbekistan marks 19th anniversary of Armed Forces

Дата публикации: Jan 15, 2012 11:14:47 AM

Uzbekistan celebrates the Day of Defenders of the Motherland and the 19th anniversary of the Armed Forces on 14 January.

On the eve of the holiday, a solemn meeting was held at Turkiston palace in Tashkent with participation of the soldiers and sergeants, officers and generals, military veterans and members of the public, UzA informs.

Hokim (mayor) of the capital A.Tukhtayev opened the meeting.

The state anthem of Uzbekistan was played.

Minister of defense K.Berdiyev read the congratulation of the President Islam Karimov to the country’s military.

Widescale work has been carried out in Uzbekistan to create the national army corresponding to modern requirements and standards, which is a reliable guarantor of independence, security and territorial integrity of the country.

The main goal of the Armed Forces reforms is to increase the defense capability of the army. The structure and dislocation of the army, which unites units of the Defense ministry, Border troops and military structures of other ministries and departments, have been improved.

A special attention is being paid to increasing professional training of the military servicemen. Sergeant schools have been created, which prepare highly qualified professionals with high intellectual potential.

The term of the military service was reduced to one year, and the call up is being held once per year on a contest basis.

The state has been paying attention to improving the living conditions of the military people and their families, providing them with housing, constructing and reconstructing residential areas, as well as implementing complex programs to provide the military with qualified medical aid.

In accordance with the President’s decree, a group of the staff of the law-enforcement bodies, as well as defense and emergency ministries were awarded with honorary titles, orders and medals. These persons received their awards at the solemn meeting.

At the event, winners of the three-stage Armed Forces contest of 2010 were also awarded, including the best commanders and the best sergeants, as well as the best sergeant school, best defense department, best military school and the best military unit.

Chairman of the Senate of Oliy Majlis I.Sobirov, Speaker of the Legislative Chamber D.Tashmuhamedova and Prime minister Sh.Mirziyoyev participated in the meeting.