Diplomatic missions of our country abroad continue to receive numerous responses and comments to the statement of President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov on the events in Kyrgyzstan, issued on June 18 this year during a visit to Bukhoro region, from representatives government, political, business, expert and analytical circles, foreign media.

Ajay Patnaik, Director of the Russian and Central Asian Area Studies Program at Jawaharlar Nehru University (India):

The events in the south of Kyrgyzstan became a trial not just for that country, but for all Central Asian states. In this difficult situation, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov showed iron will, the highest dignity, did not let emotions take the upper hand but demonstrated great political wisdom and foresight worthy of praise.

One can say with certainty what the position of President Islam Karimov did not let instability grow. And the fact that Uzbekistan has promptly opened its border and adopted in its territory more than 100,000 refugees from the neighboring country, organized their placement, medical services, food security, moral and psychological support demonstrated that Uzbekistan is a real guarantor of peace and stability in Central Asia.

These events have proved once again that Uzbekistan, in spite of everything, is constantly developing its economy, while not forgetting about security and stability issues. I doubt that any other state in the region would be able to solve this complex problem with such speed and efficiency.

It is worth noting that I am deeply touched by those reports I saw on TV, where Uzbek troops helped women and children who fled their homes into the territory of Uzbekistan where no shooting, killings or rape. It is important to show these scenes in all the channels of the world. Now the whole world knows the boundless generosity, kindness and mercy of the Uzbek people.

In conclusion, I would note that I support the statement by President Islam Karimov on the situation in Kyrgyzstan that it was a well-planned campaign intended to destabilize the region.

Prof. J. Lipper, Vice-President of the European International Relations Institute (Belgium):

I fully welcome the views and opinion of President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov on what is happening in the neighboring country. This is not an ethnic conflict, and subversive attacks of those who tried to drag Uzbekistan in such confrontation.

I appreciate the balanced and constructive position of Uzbekistan toward these events.

The expert believe the situation in Kyrgyzstan remains fragile. In this regard, international organizations, including the UN and the OSCE should take urgent measures to prevent the recurrence of conflict. However, in his opinion, there is a strong need in the adoption of a special resolution by the UN Security Council.

Prof. Rohan Gunaratna, Director, International Center for the Study of Terrorism and Political Violence at S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, (Singapore):

The tragedy that took place in Kyrgyzstan has raised concern of the entire international community. Analysis of the events shows that the riots were pre-planned and organized. Supporting the view of President Islam Karimov that the subversive activities were organized and controlled from outside the country, I would like to emphasize that the ultimate goal of those who organized those riots was to destabilize the situation in Central Asia. Thanks to a foresight and political experience Uzbekistan had prevented the escalation of violence in the region. By opening borders for refugees and giving them the first necessary assistance, Uzbekistan once again demonstrated its best leadership qualities in the region, as well as a commitment to maintaining peace and stability.

Adnan Suer, TRT-Avaz Channel Coordinator (Turkey):

As a journalist I think that the position of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the events in Kyrgyzstan declared by President Islam Karimov demonstrates a profound understanding of the processes taking place in Central Asia, Uzbekistan’s responsibility for security and stability in the region as a leading state. Uzbekistan has once again demonstrated its wise and balanced policy, not filled with populist slogans and common sense emanating from an understanding of good neighborliness, responsibility for the lives of thousands of people.

Prof. Parviz Morewedge, State University of New York (U.S.):

I fully share the assessment of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov that the mass crimes in the south of Kyrgyzstan, which were accompanied by brutal acts of violence, rape, murder of children, women and elderly people, are part of a far-reaching conspiracy, organized and controlled from the outside.

During these tragic days the entire world community saw that Uzbekistan gave the necessary protection and safe haven for innocent Uzbek children, women and elderly people.

Having analyzed what happened in Osh and Jalalabad regions, I can tell that well-thought and considered decision by President Islam Karimov prevented large-scale war that could ignite the entire region.

As the current situation in Kyrgyzstan remains fragile, it is particularly important in this context to create an international commission for an independent investigation of crimes and bring to justice all those responsible.

I appreciate the decision and the sober approach demonstrated by President Islam Karimov, who, despite the military might of Uzbekistan, has decided to respect the norms of international law. This courageous act was greatly appreciated by the UN agencies and governments of the U.S., Germany, France and many other leading nations of the world.

Roland Blum, deputy in the regional Bouches-du-Rhone and chairman of the friendship group France-Uzbekistan in the National Assembly of France, in his commentary notes that he strongly condemns the violence committed by armed gangs in southern Kyrgyzstan, including Osh and the surrounding areas, the victims of which were the Uzbek minority.

I welcome and support the calmness of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, who saying that justice must prevail and those responsible for the mass crimes would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, urged his people not to succumb to feelings of vengeance seeing the flow of refugees in Uzbekistan where they were given a comprehensive operational support, in particular, meals, medical assistance and psychological aid.

President Islam Karimov has once again proved himself as a man of peace, concerned about maintaining stability in Central Asia and the fate of its peoples.

President of the International Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Malaysia Noraziza Borhan, commenting on the statement of President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov on the events in Kyrgyzstan, said that the balanced position of Uzbekistan and thoroughly thought out and verified statement of President Islam Karimov was a decisive factor in stabilizing the situation in Kyrgyzstan that prevented the further deterioration of the situation, the spread of the conflict in other countries.

The statement of President Islam Karimov and his congratulations to Roza Otunbayeva in connection with her approval as president of the transitional period, as well as support provided to Kyrgyzstan in the difficult moment brought him respect of not only Kyrgyz people, but also the world community.

“Uzbekistan Today” IA