DUSHANBE, May 23, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- The British Ambassador, Mr. Trevor Moore, accompanied by a team from the Embassy visited Qurgon Teppa City on April 19 2009 with the aim of observing social, economic and political developments in the region, press rel3ase issued by the British embassy in Dushanbe on May 22, said.

Journalists from a local independent TV Station “Qurgon-Teppa” accompanied the Ambassador. The working trip also helped the new Ambassador to familiarize himself with the region and to monitor the progress of Embassy-funded projects, which are being implemented within the region.

During his visit Trevor Moore met with the mayor of Qurgon-Teppa City Mr. Izatullo Zoirov. Mr. Zoirov briefed on developments in the region and the achievements of Qurgon-Teppa. The Ambassador expressed his sympathy for those in the Khatlon region left in distress by recent heavy rainfall and mudslides.

Following this meeting, the Ambassador went to see local Non-governmental Organization “Rushd” and met with the heads of NGO “Rushd” and another local NGO “Ma’rifat”. Trevor Moore observed the implementation of the Embassy-funded ongoing project to raise the knowledge of political parties, particularly their active participation in elections. The Ambassador was pleased to see the interest of local people in political participation.

The Ambassador then visited the local independent TV and Radio Station “Qurgon-Teppa”. The chairman of the Station, Mr. Umar Kamolov, said he was very grateful for the support of the Embassy and that young journalists who were trained by the support of the British Embassy last year are now playing a key role in the running of the Station.

Mr. Trevor Moore later visited both museums of Qurgon-Teppa, where he learnt of the rich history of the Khatlon region.

The Ambassador’s daylong trip ended with a visit to SWORDE-Teppa English Language and Education Center, where the guests watched a concert by young people, devoted to Climate Change issues