In response to recent remarks by Russian deputy Sergey Mironov, who suggested introducing a visa regime for Uzbekistan after the Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Kazan called on Uzbek citizens not to serve in the Russian army, prominent Uzbek politicians have voiced their reactions.
Alisher Kadyrov, leader of the Central Council of the Democratic Party "Milliy Tiklanish,” was one of the first to respond. He emphasized that the Uzbek people gain their rights through hard work, not violence.
“A nation as blessed as the Uzbeks earns their rights by hard work, not by killing people,” Kadyrov stated.
He further stressed that it is Russia’s responsibility to defend itself, suggesting that Mironov, along with his sons, sons-in-law, and grandchildren, should lead the defense efforts. Kadyrov highlighted that both Uzbeks and Russians view protecting their homeland as a sacred duty.
Bobur Bekmurodov, a deputy in the Oliy Majlis and chairman of the "Yuksalish" movement, also weighed in, asserting that the consulate’s actions to protect Uzbek citizens from illegal activities in Russia are both natural and just. Bekmurodov warned that Mironov’s aggressive rhetoric could damage bilateral relations.
He noted the vital contributions of Uzbek laborers to the Russian economy and condemned the comparison of social benefits with actions that endanger lives. Bekmurodov reminded Mironov of Article 7 of the Treaty on "Union Relations" between Uzbekistan and Russia, which ensures the protection of citizens' legal rights in both countries.
“We have laws that work. It should be the same for you, Comrade Mironov,” Bekmurodov remarked.
Public activist and adviser to the Minister of Ecology, Rasul Kusherbayev, joined the conversation, criticizing Mironov's remarks as a sign of Russia's perceived dependence on Uzbekistan. Kusherbayev suggested that Russia is seeking a pretext to strain relations with Uzbekistan, adding,
“The threat of introducing a visa regime from Russia because Uzbekistan's diplomatic mission reminded its citizens of the norms provided for in Uzbek legislation indicates that Russian politicians view Uzbekistan as a dependent state. Unfortunately, these words from a high-ranking politician show that the Russian side is looking for an excuse to break relations with Uzbekistan"
Would Russian diplomatic missions have remained silent if Uzbekistan had sent Russian citizens working on its territory to fight in a war for Uzbekistan’s interests?”
He also noted that Uzbekistan has the option to introduce its own visa regime in response to such provocations.
Kusherbayev concluded his statement with a reference to previous incidents, suggesting that Uzbekistan should carefully consider who is allowed entry into the country, following Mironov’s and earlier comments by Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova.
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