The Kazakh government may not be able to continue the bailout of its biggest domestic bank, BTA, if any of its creditors ask for early repayment. The bank holds $12 million in foreign debt and will likely need to restructure it. So far, $2 billion in bailout funds has been injected into BTA
In Uzbekistan, foreign reserves have dwindled to the point of rationing. President Karimov has ordered that all bank clients return foreign currency if it is not used within 7 days. The order will mostly affect import companies. The sale of foreign currency on the black market has only increased, selling the US dollar at 1,700-1,750 soms, while official rates stand at 1,412 soms.
In cuter news, a man in Tajikistan is the Santa Claus of Narouz, handing out presents to children.