The session was attended by the members of the Cabinet of Ministers and leaders of state bodies whose activities are related to the issues under discussion.

The fact that the prime focus given to the law "On amendments and addenda to particular legislative acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan in connection with the abolition of death penalty" revealed its significance. This points to the ongoing process of legislative strengthening and approval of the mechanism of the implementation of the Presidential Decree "On the abolition of death penalty in the Republic of Uzbekistan".

The abolition of such criminal punishment as the death penalty and the transfer to courts of the right to authorize custody are important steps on the road toward a democratic free society, upper chamber members noted. Article 24 of the Republic's Constitution states: that the right to life is an inalienable right of man and attempts on anyone's life shall be regarded as the gravest crime. This constitutional provision fully meets the requirements of international legal documents such as the International Bill of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, International Pact on Civil and Political Rights as well as universal values and humanism inherent in the Uzbek people.

As was observed by Mirzayusuf Rustambayev, Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee for Legislation and Judicial Issues, the this law is an important landmark in the successive liberalization of the judicial system that has been launched since the early days of independence. An analysis of the law shows its systemness, legal balance and thorough elaboration.

"Foreign experts have noted that Uzbek criminal legislation in the area of life imprisonment imposition is one of the most liberal and perfect in the international legislative practice", underlined M. Rustambayev.

The senator emphasizes that life imprisonment is construed by law as a reliable legal tool providing for a severe, but fair punishment for only two types of crime: premeditated murder under aggravating circumstances (p. 2, article 97 of the Criminal Code) and terrorism (p.3, article 155 of the Criminal Code).

He also said that the abolition of death penalty and introduction of a new type of criminal punishment in the form of life-imprisonment and long-term imprisonment required significant amendments and addenda to the criminal, criminal-procedural and criminal-executive legislation which also meet modern norms and standards. During the plenary session, senators noted that the approved law will contribute to the further liberalization of the judicial system and reliable protection of people's constitutional rights and freedoms.

The second legal act - the Law "On amendments and addenda to particular legislative acts of the Republic of Uzbekistan in connection with the transfer to courts of the right to authorize custody"- was prepared in compliance with the Presidential Decree "On the transfer to courts of the right to authorize custody", according to which starting January 1, 2008 a new order of custody authorization will be introduced.

The Chairwoman of the Senate Committee for Legislation and Judicial Issues, Mavjuda Rajabova, underlined that the introduction of the institute of custody was preceded by a successive and profound elaboration of relevant amendments and addenda to certain legislative acts, a study of foreign experience, training of personnel in the system of judicial and law-enforcement bodies and a number of other preparatory measures.

This decision is a logical continuation of the ongoing judicial reforms in the Republic, which will undoubtedly contribute to the further strengthening of the guarantees of human rights and freedoms.

This law provides for respective amendments and addenda to the Criminal-Procedural Code and to the laws "On courts" and "On prosecutor's office". In this context deeper studying of a phenomenon of tolerance of this religion is presented rather actual, its general historical heritage, humanistic traditions of Islamic philosophy and the art have played important creative and socially consolidating role in the history of people of Central Asia, - has been underlined at the forum.

With this purpose by the Decree of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov Tashkent Islamic University was created in 1999. It is the largest high school in the region which prepares specialists who master strong secular and theological knowledge and modern technologies. Islamic research center, information resource centre, modern computer and language laboratories and Internet network operating in the university promote the further enrichment of youth with knowledge.

For years of existence of the university 577 of men and women received bachelor degree and 126 received master degree. 36 masters and 117 bachelors who have graduated from faculties of history and philosophy of Islam, theology, economy and natural sciences on such specialties as Islamic right, international economic relations, computer science and information technologies have received diplomas this year.

The "Storehouse of sources" department, which is engaged in gathering and ordering of religious, scientific and the cultural wealth created by our ancestors within many centuries, also works at the university. The main objective is to transfer them in safety for future generations. Here there are 192 manuscripts which concern different branches, and also 655 of old and 1311 of new printed rare books. The storehouse constantly replenishes with ancient manuscripts. The university has received rare books as gifts from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Kuwait. The Research center of Islam is engaged in restoration of rich religious and scientific theoretical heritage of our ancestors, its deep studying and analysis. Scientists of the center are engaged in studying of Koran and "tafsirs", "hadiths", histories and philosophies of Islam, "fikh" (the Islamic right) and other sciences. And the concept of teaching of educational subjects developed here on religious studies and Islam at universities and educational centers brings up such person's concepts as tolerance, toleration, love to the native land and cultural wealth and great historical heritage.

Indicative here can become and the huge positive experience which has been saved up for years of independence in Uzbekistan. For this period the young Uzbek State has radically changed attitude to religion, considering it as a part of cultural spiritual traditions of the country. Today revival of cultural wealth and tolerance has risen up to a level of state policy of the Republic. It proved by words of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov: "Ethnical, cultural and religious tolerance of our people is another inexhaustible source of spiritual revival. For thousands of years Central Asia has been a place of meeting and implementation of various religions, cultures and ways of life. Tolerance became natural necessary norm for survival and further development".