President: ‘Our Common Duty is to Maintain the Ties of Friendship and Brotherhood, the Atmosphere of Peace and Stability’

On July 2, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited the city of Nukus.

As it is well-known, the process of constitutional reform is going on these days in Uzbekistan. According to the current legislation, the National Parliament has the power to introduce amendments to the Basic Law. However, the President proposed to consider the relevant draft law for public discussion and to adopt by referendum.

In certain cases, however, there is a misunderstanding of the interpretation of the essence of the issue. In particular, a group of individuals expressed their dissatisfaction with some of the norms envisaged in the draft law concerning the Republic of Karakalpakstan. As a result, on July 1 this year, the demonstrations were held in the central streets of Nukus. There were attempts to illegally occupy local government buildings.

In this regard, the President arrived in the city of Nukus and held a meeting with the deputies of the Joqargy Kenes (Supreme Council) and the public representatives of Karakalpakstan.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted that the constitutional reform is an issue of utmost importance for today’s and tomorrow’s life of the country. During the discussions, our multinational people have made many suggestions and recommendations.

According to the procedure, the draft Constitutional Law “On amendments and addenda to the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan” will be introduced for public discussion. Subsequently, it shall be finalized by the Legislative Chamber on basis of the opinions and comments put forward by citizens. The daft will then be submitted to a referendum of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and our citizens, through their free vote, express their will on this issue. Only after that, the amendments and additions to the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan shall be legitimate.

«In short, this process will take as long as it takes to improve the updated Constitution. In that pursuit, we will act only in consultation with our people», the President said.

The draft Constitutional Law, introduced to the attention of our people, has not yet been adopted, but has only been submitted for the public discussion. Taking this into account, as well as ethnic, cultural characteristics, national customs and values, the special legal status of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, I deem it necessary to leave the legal status of the Republic of Karakalpakstan unchanged in the draft. That is, Articles 70, 71, 72, 74, and 75 of the Constitution will remain unchanged.

«I repeat once again: it is our common duty to maintain the bonds of friendship and brotherhood, harmony and mutual respect that have been forged between the Uzbek and Karakalpak peoples over the centuries, and that have prevailed in our country in an atmosphere of peace and stability. We will build the New Uzbekistan, the New Karakalpakstan together!», the President noted.

It was emphasized that all reforms, their discussions should, definitely, be carried out on the basis of the democratic principles and legal norms.

However, strict measures shall be taken in accordance with the law for those who sought to undermine peace, tranquility and public security. The Republic of Uzbekistan has sufficient forces and powers to implement the principle «The law is above all, the punishment for a crime is inevitable».

The President has called upon all our fellow citizens to unity and solidarity, prudence and avoid becoming victims of provocations and subversive actions.

During the meeting, the deputies of the Joqargy Kenes (Supreme Council) of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, the public representatives expressed their support for the brotherhood and unity of our people.