"In Uzbekistan, I have witnessed that the country has been taking quite decisive steps towards democracy over the last few years. There is no universal model of democracy and civil society. Every country chooses the path of democratic development, which is best for it. The mentality of the Uzbek people was formed in the spirit of tolerance and collectivism. We should take into account the ancient history of the peoples living in this region," the Uzbek agency quoted the US National Democratic Institute’s resident director in Uzbekistan, Richard Glaub, as saying during the international conference entitled "Formation of civil society in Uzbekistan: current state of affairs, achievements and prospects" that was held in central Bukhara Region on 21-22 October.

"In Uzbekistan, like in many developed countries, the government is providing all organizational and legal conditions needed for forming and developing strong civil society institutions. At the same time, they [civil society institutions] are not acting as observers - they are taking an active part in democratic processes. The principle of democratic equality is making it possible for everyone to take part in building the country’s future and Uzbekistan’s experience is quite instructive in this regard," the report quoted the head of the society for market economy and democracy in Eastern Europe, Dr Detlev Kraa, as saying.

"Uzbekistan is taking successful measures on effectively strengthening parties’ role in sociopolitical life of the society. A study of Uzbek political parties’ platforms, aims and objectives stated in the parties’ charters shows that they are taking an active part in building a democratic society. This is direct evidence of development of political competitiveness," the report also quoted the head of the Russian think-tank Trend, Mikhail Vinogradov, as saying.

"I would like to note significant changes in the Uzbek civil society’s life. I was impressed by large-scale events taking place in your country on celebrating the 60th anniversary of a historical document - the Universal Human Rights Declaration," the report also quoted Prof Mehmet Erol of Turkey’s Gazi University as saying.

"The [Uzbek] government is supporting journalists in every way possible and is creating favourable conditions for their productive activities," the Uzbek agency quoted the deputy head of the Institute of East European, Russian, and Central Asian Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Deng Xiaoyan, as saying at the event.

"The media in Uzbekistan plays a prominent role in informing the masses of important aspects of building a new civil society in the country," the report quoted the head of Great Britain’s Fuller Analyses independent advisory agency, Jane Fuller, as saying.