Norov expresses gratitude to Russia for its position during the demonstrations in Karakalpakstan

The (acting) Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Vladimir Norov, expressed gratitude to Russia during his visit to Moscow for the official support of Tashkent in the unrest in Karakalpakstan.  This is reported by RIA Novosti.

“I would like to thank the Russian side for supporting the measures taken in Uzbekistan to normalize the situation in Karakalpakstan.  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Russian Federation) issued an official statement on this.  Our leaders of states discussed this issue during a telephone conversation”, - Norov said during a round table in Moscow.

He reported that the riot had started during the discussion of constitutional amendments, although discussions were necessary to thoroughly discuss all contentious issues.

“Unfortunately, this process took place in Karakalpakstan in violation of the procedure established by the law on referendum.  This should have been done not by violent means, but by discussion of all opinions and proposals by citizens - all have been taken into account”, - Norov said.

Norov added that there was an attempt to undermine the constitutional system, territorial integrity and unity of the Republic of Uzbekistan under the pretext of protesting the proposals for amendments to the constitution submitted to the general discussion.  The Minister noted that this process was not without external intervention.

It should be recalled that on 1 and 2 July of the current year, in the city of Nukus of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, some citizens, having misinterpreted the constitutional reforms underway in the Republic of Uzbekistan, organized unexpected demonstrations.

The Supreme Council of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Karakalpakstan considered the situation as an attempt to seize the state administration in Nukus.

Following that, on 2 July, the president of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived in Karakalpakstan and talked with the Karakalpak people.

In addition, taking into account that the discussion of the changes and additions to the constitution is still ongoing, and after studying the opinions and comments expressed by the people of Karakalpakstan, the president declared that articles 70, 71, 72, 74, and 75 in the current version of the constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan should remain unchanged.

On 4 July, the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis (Parliament) of Uzbekistan adopted a decision not to amend the articles of the constitution relating to Karakalpakstan.

During the incidents, 516 people were arrested, 243 injured and 18 killed.  Criminal proceedings were initiated under article 159 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Uzbekistan (infringement of the constitutional order of the Republic of Uzbekistan), part 4 – “Conspiracy to seize government or overthrow the constitutional regime of the Republic of Uzbekistan”.