DUSHANBE, February 4, 2010, Asia-Plus  -- The lower house (Majilis) of Kazakhstan’s parliament has passed the bill on ratification of the protocol to the contract between Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Ismaili Imamat on establishment of the Central Asian University (UCA), Kazakhstan Today reported n February 3.

According to the conclusion of Majilis Committee for International Affairs, Defense and Security, the protocol is an integral part of the contract between Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Ismaili Imamat.  According to Article 1, the term "taxes" used in the contract and the charter of the University of Central Asia for the Kazakhstan party means taxes and other obligatory payments to the budget established by Tax Code of Kazakhstan and Other Obligatory Payments, the news agency said.

According to the committee, the protocol was signed in Astana on March 12 and in Paris on May 26, 2008.

Tajik President Emomali Rahmon and His Highness the Aga Khan conceived the idea of a new university designed to address the unique educational, economic and cultural needs of mountain communities in 1994.

UCA was founded in 2000 by the governments of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and His Highness the Aga Khan.  It is the world’s first internationally chartered institution of higher education. The International Treaty and Charter establishing this secular and private University was signed by His Highness the Aga Khan and the Presidents of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, ratified by the respective parliaments and registered with the United Nations.  The Presidents are the Patrons and His Highness the Aga Khan is the Founding Patron and Chancellor of UCA.

UCA is a private, independent, self-governing institution which will be governed by an independent Board of Trustees and led by a Rector. It will have three campuses of equal size and stature in each of the founding countries.