Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Dec. 20 / Trend D. Azizov /
Uzbek President Islam Karimov signed a decree and appointed Zoir Mirzaev as the governor of Samarkand oblast.
Earlier Mirzaev worked as governor of Samarkand city.
A presidential decree also dismissed Uktam Barnoev, appointed to the post of governor of Samarkand oblast in April 2008.
According to official Uzbek media, Uzbek President Islam Karimov stressed several shortcomings in the activity of the regional administration at the extraordinary session of the Samarkand Regional Council of People's MPs.
Several well-known industrial enterprises do not operate in the Samarkand region, or operate at 35-40 percent of their capacity.
Moreover, the Samarkand region does not pay proper attention to drawing foreign investments into the economy. Consequently, the volume of direct investments amounted to $ 10 million in 2009. This figure was down to $6 million this year.
Uzbek President Islam Karimov stressed that Uktam Barnoev did not show any toughness, nor did he adhere to principles while recruiting personnel. Initiatives by the presidential office resulted in the replacement of officials.
More than 1,300 senior officials faced accusations involving the abuse of office, embezzlement, and bribery in the Samarkand region in 2008 - 2010. They were all given sentences. Yet the number of heinous crimes increase.