UzA news items - comical

Who do they think they are fooling with these reports? (I had to translate them from Russian)

The idea of national independence and education 16.05.2005 18:39
In a report to a joint session of the Legislative chamber and the Olii Majlis Senate [I may have butchered that transliteration, someone please correct me if so] President Islam Karimov noted that the reforms being conducted in the country are directed toward democracy and the renewal of society. The participation of the younger generation in this process has significant meaning. [...]

A statement which is transparently designed allow the US to say that at least he's making the right noises, if that's what the US decides it wants to do.

New jobs are being created 16.05.2005 19:33
In our country, much attention is paid to raising the social activity of women, the defense of their rights, and the strengthening of their health. The problem of ensuring employment for women is especially relevant. In the Ferghana region a plan to increase women's employment during 2005-2007 has also [sic] been developed and is being implemented.

A pointed reminder that the Uzbek government is NOT a fundamentalist government that wants to keep women at home. At least they have that going for them. They just shoot them in the streets.