Kazakh Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador Byrganym Aitimova expressed on behalf of 5 Central Asian states concern over the Aral problem and striving for attraction of the world community’s attention to the planet’s most serious ecological problem.

Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan created International Fund for Aral Rehabilitation under the support of international organizations. Measures on victims’ social protection are taken. Kazakh Government is realizing now a Program on the Aral Sea saving and restoration of the region’s ecological balance. However, according to the Kazakh PM, the world’s attention to the Aral is decreasing. The region needs scientific expertise and technologies, the Premier said.

Chairman of the Fund’s Executive Committee Sirojidin Aslov noted significant progress in the Small Aral Sea rehabilitation that was reached due to Kazakhstan’s efforts and the World Bank’s support. He confirmed readiness of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to struggle against this ecological disaster.

Tajik Ambassador reminded of Kazakh President N. Nazarbayev’s initiation on giving UN Institute status to the Aral Sea Rehabilitation Fund, sounded during general political debates at the 62nd session of the UN General Assembly.

Permanent Rep of Uzbekistan to the UN Alisher Vakhidov assured the audience that all Central Asian states realize seriousness and deepness of the Aral crisis and are ready to cooperate with each other and world community on the problem’s localization.