Following March revelations on German govt payments to regime for use of Termez airbase, hub for International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) troops transiting to Afghanistan, reports emerged that Berlin agreed in 2010 to more than double payments to Tashkent for base use; rights groups increased criticism of Germany. During late Apr visit to China President Karimov secured $1.5bn credit line for domestic banks, large currency swap to boost trade, help to construct Uzbek spur of Central Asia-China gas pipeline. U.S. 25 Apr warned citizens at risk of terrorist attacks by Islamist militants in Uzbekistan.

Parliament 3 March passed constitutional amendments to reduce president’s powers in favour of PM, change order of succession; President Karimov described decision as step toward democracy, but analysts claim unlikely to produce meaningful change while Karimov in power. Govt reportedly ordered private telecoms companies to turn off networks if demanded by govt, inform govt of suspicious mass text messaging. Human Rights Watch announced closure of Tashkent office after govt refused to accredit its country representative. New figures disclosed German lease of Uzbek air base in Termez, on Afghan border; showed Berlin paid €67.9mn to Tashkent 2005-2009 while country under EU sanctions.

In wave of counter insurgency trials 13 people sentenced 3 Feb to 6-10 years for alleged membership in new militant group “Jihadists”; rights groups suggest dozens more practising Muslims await trial on similar grounds. Govt 1 Feb raised transit tariffs for goods crossing by railroad into Afghanistan, affecting NATO supply routes. U.S. mid-month announced Uzbekistan to receive $100,000 in military financing aid, first such funding since 2005 Andijon massacre. Kazakhstan national energy provider 23 Feb accused Uzbekistan of illegal consumption of Kazakh electricity, threatening power supply in S Kazakhstan, N Kyrgyzstan.

President Karimov visited Brussels 24 Jan to discuss cooperation on Nabucco pipeline with EU, Afghanistan with NATO. Rights groups condemned visit, first since 2005 Andijon massacre; apparently discomfited European Commission President Barroso said human rights issues raised during meeting. EU President Van Rompuy declined meeting with Karimov for “ideological reasons”.

Increased tensions between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan over regional water distribution after Uzbekistan claimed 28 Nov opening of Sangtuda-2 hydropower plant in Tajikistan temporarily blocked its fresh water supply. Countries also failed to agree on terms of new bilateral air-traffic deal fol- lowing Tashkent’s June termination of 16 year-old agreement. At 1-2 Dec OSCE summit govt harshly criticised organisation for inability to prevent and stop June violence in southern Kyrgyzstan, claimed current international investigation headed by Finnish MP and OSCE Parliamentary Assembly special envoy Kimmo Kiljunen lacked proper mandate.

In 12 Nov speech before parliament President Karimov proposed constitutional changes to transfer responsibility for nominating PM from president to party with most seats in parliament, and empower chairman of Senate to serve as acting president in case of presidential incapacity or death.

14 members of alleged new extremist organization active near border with Tajikistan and Afghanistan apprehended, sentenced to varying prison terms midmonth for distributing jihadist material. Govt allowed some trains carrying supplies for contentious Tajik hydropower plant Roghun to cross into Tajikistan.

OSCE late month expressed serious concern over judicial pressure on media in relation to recent libel cases against independent journalists.

Govt 1 Aug raised tariffs for trucks  crossing into Tajikistan by 14% in second increase this year tightening economic blockade; 14 Aug cut gas supply by 50% citing payment arrears. Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan announced leader Tahir Yuldash died Aug 2009, named successor Usmon Odil. 9 members of religious “Nurchilar” movement sentenced to 5 years’ jail, fines 16 Aug.

Rights groups late month accused govt of obstructing entrance by asylum seekers fleeing Kyrgyzstan. 9 members of Nurchilar religious movement reportedly went on trial in Tashkent 17 June for extremist religious activity.