OREANDA-NEWS. December 17, 2012. The organisational issues of the Public Council under the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Uzbekistan,  established on the basis of the resolution of President Islam Karimov on 24 October 2012, were discussed at the National Press Center of Uzbekistan.

The event, organized by the Creative Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan and the Public Council under the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Uzbekistan, was attended by senior officials of ministries, agencies, governmental and non-governmental organizations, journalists covering military topics.

The presidential resolution "On establishment of the Public Council under the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Uzbekistan" from 24 October 2012 emphasizes that the Public Council will serve to deepen democratic reforms and to form civil society, to ensure openness and transparency in the activities of the military and the Ministry of Defense of the Republic Uzbekistan, to ensure participation of citizens and the public in governmental policy in the defense and military area, to increase the prestige of military service, to promote the education of young people for military service and encourage the youth in the spirit of patriotism.

Chairman of the Public Council under the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Senator of the Republic of Uzbekistan, national poet Iqbol Mirzo, chairman of the Creative Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan Sherzod Gulomov and others provided detailed information on the goals and objectives of the Board, its organizational features.

It was noted that the council consists of 28 members, including the members of the Senate and the Legislative Chamber of the Republic of Uzbekistan, representatives of governmental and non-governmental organizations, intellectuals, cultural workers and scientists. Based on the goals and objectives of the Charter of the Public Council, commissions for the five priority areas are established.

One of the commissions will conduct a systematic monitoring and in-depth analysis of public opinion on key issues of defense and military policy and make proposals and recommendations to improve the sector. The second commission is tasked with conducting public examination of normative-legal documents of the defense and military sector. The third committee will deal with the social and legal protection of military personnel and their families. The fourth and fifth commission, respectively, are tasked with organizing cultural, educational, sports and media coverage of reforms in the armed forces of the country, improving the image of the national army.

Information on the plans of the Public Council under the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the next year was also provided.