The Statement by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the events in Kyrgyzstan
The President of Uzbekistan HE Islam Karimov stated that the events in Kyrgyzstan were not caused by ethnic conflict, but the subversive actions organized from the outside. This statement was made during his visit to Bukhara on June 18, 2010.
The President of Uzbekistan does not think that the riots in the southern regions of Kyrgyzstan were the result of the confrontation between Kyrgyz and Uzbek ethnic groups.
«I am categorically against such allegations. Neither Uzbeks nor Kyrgyz are guilty of this. This is subversive, organized and managed from the outside. The forces, which organized sabotage, strove to draw Uzbekistan in this confrontation», - he said.
The President of Uzbekistan said that vigilance, endurance and ability to soberly assess the situation are extremely important in the current situation as «there are those who claim to be our friends near and far abroad». «This position can be viewed in the events occurring in Kyrgyzstan. According to it, it is not necessary to look for the causes of the incident», - he said.
«It is hard to talk about these events. Killing of innocent people, children, pregnant women is not nothing but barbarism, cruelty. I am confident that the roots of these bloody crimes will be revealed, and they will be assessed in terms of the law», the President said.
«I said earlier that the world recognizes and respects only those nations and peoples, who, while retaining their dignity and pride, are confident in their strength and power, capable to build their future and protect themselves by their own labor and potential. Our people have always been merciful and able to sympathize with the distress of others», - Islam Karimov said.
The President strongly opposed those who called for revenge on the principle of “eye for eye” and “tooth for tooth». «I am not only against, but I believe that people thinking this way are enemies of our people», - he said.
HE Islam Karimov called for considered assessments and warned against hasty steps. «I call for once again to think wisely and act always on the principle – “measure seven times before cutting”. Ignorance and cruelty never lead to good. One must not forget about it», - underlined the President of Uzbekistan.
«We are a great people and able to find common language with the Kyrgyz people, with whom we live side by side for thousands of years. We are able to solve our problems», - Islam Karimov concluded.
