Zakharova should be at the top of the list of unacceptable persons for Uzbekistan - Rasul Kusherboev

Maria Zakharova, the official representative of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, should be at the forefront of individuals deemed unacceptable in Uzbekistan. This opinion was expressed by Rasul Kusherboev, former deputy and current advisor to the Minister of Ecology of Uzbekistan.

"Uzbekistan has never interfered in the internal affairs of Russian schools, noting that such matters are strictly within Russia’s jurisdiction. He criticized Zakharova’s recent involvement in the school incident in Tashkent, calling it an unnecessary intrusion into Uzbekistan’s domestic matters," Kusherboev emphasizes.

"This isn't the first time Zakharova, known for her provocative remarks, has meddled in the internal affairs of other countries," said Kusherboyev. He reminded that Zakharova previously made derogatory comments about Uzbekistan in response to a Russian politician's controversial statement about invading the country.

"Zakharova should be added to the recently established list of foreign citizens and stateless persons considered unacceptable in Uzbekistan. He stressed the importance of this move to show that Zakharova’s "insulting and chauvinistic" behavior will not be tolerated by the Uzbek people," Kushervoev urges.

This comes after the Senate of Uzbekistan's Oliy Majlis, during its fifty-seventh plenary session, passed a law allowing the exclusion of foreign individuals whose actions or public speeches undermine the sovereignty, security, and unity of Uzbekistan, or incite racial, religious, or national enmity.

According to the new law, foreign citizens and stateless persons who commit offenses against the dignity and integrity of the Uzbek state or its people may be barred from entering Uzbekistan. Kusherboyev suggests Zakharova should be the first name on that list.

Background on the Incident

The incident that sparked the controversy occurred on September 23 during a Russian language class at a school in Tashkent. A teacher, identified as R.O., reportedly pulled a student, E.G., by the ear and slapped him. The video of the incident circulated widely on social media, prompting discussions.

Maria Zakharova later requested that Uzbekistan provide a legal assessment and take action against the teacher. 

In response, Uzbek officials, including Alisher Kadyrov, Sherzodkhan Kudrathoja, and Otabek Hasanov, urged Russia not to interfere in Uzbekistan's internal matters, insisting that the situation would be handled according to the country's laws.

Following this, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised Uzbekistan’s ambassador in Moscow to adhere to the general principles of diplomatic etiquette. 

On September 26, during a meeting between the foreign ministers of both countries, Bakhtiyor Saidov of Uzbekistan and Sergey Lavrov of Russia, the importance of non-interference in each other’s internal affairs was underscored.