Bobur Bekmurodov, a deputy in Uzbekistan's Oliy Majlis and chairman of the "Yuksalish" movement, addressed the concerning remarks made by some Russian politicians that undermine Uzbekistan’s sovereignty in a recent interview with Daryo. His comments came during the International Partnership Initiatives Week held in Tashkent, which focused on fostering a free civil society.
When asked about the Russian politicians expressing opinions contrary to Uzbekistan's interests, Bekmurodov emphasized two critical points.
“First of all, those who make such statements do not influence public opinion in Russia. For instance, Mironov belongs to this category. It’s crucial for us to recognize that the Uzbek public actively resists such threats and staunchly supports our sovereignty. We will continue to stand against any aggressive rhetoric that harms our people,” he asserted.
Bekmurodov also highlighted the importance of understanding the context of international relations between Uzbekistan and Russia.
“Economic ties and interparliamentary cooperation between our nations are strengthening, benefiting both sides. Some Russian politicians, with an outdated worldview, are acting like ‘big brothers,’ which is a perspective that does not resonate with the younger, more progressive MPs in Russia,” he noted.
He urged the public and officials to differentiate between these outdated views and the evolving relations between the two countries.
Concluding his remarks, Bekmurodov stressed the necessity for the Uzbek public to firmly oppose any statements that threaten their sovereignty.
“Even if a regular historian expresses an opinion, he should be answered. I advocate for proportional responses. If a faction leader in Russia speaks out, we should respond at the same level. It is unnecessary for senior politicians to address the comments of ordinary individuals. We are a big country, with a population nearing 40mn and a rich history. We need to maintain our dignity and determine our level accordingly.”
The tension arises amid a backdrop of recent provocative comments from Russian officials. On October 19, Russian Deputy Sergey Mironov suggested that a visa regime should be established with Uzbekistan after the Consulate General in Kazan urged citizens not to serve in the Russian army. This sparked widespread backlash from the Uzbek public.
Earlier, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, controversially requested Uzbekistan to take action regarding a disturbing incident involving a teacher assaulting a student in Tashkent.
This led to strong responses from Uzbek officials, including Alisher Kadyrov from the National Revival party, who stated, “It would be correct if they focused on their own issues, which are plentiful, rather than meddling in our affairs.”
Furthermore, Russian figures such as writer Zakhar Prilepin and MP Yevgeny Fyodorov have made alarming statements regarding the historical ties between Russia and former Soviet republics, fueling concerns about potential territorial ambitions.
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