On July 3, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan headed by Mukhtar Tleuberdi issued a statement in connection with the recent rallies involving civilians in Uzbekistan, in particular in the Republic of Karakalpakstan. The statement of the diplomats was published on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
As was reported, the mass rallies took place in Nukus and other settlements of Karakalpakstan, which turned into “street fights” with law enforcement officers.
The cause of the conflict is an amendment to the Constitution of Uzbekistan that was released for public discussion in the third decade of June. The new Constitution changes the status of Karakalpakstan and abolishes the right of Karakalpakstan to secede from Uzbekistan through a referendum. Earlier, it was enriched in the Constitution of Uzbekistan that Karakalpakstan is a “sovereign” republic; the new Constitution does not include this provision.
On July 2, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with elders, government officials and residents of Karakalpakstan in Nukus. During the meeting, he stated that the articles of the Basic Law concerning the status of Karakalpakstan should remain unchanged.
In their statement, the diplomats of Kazakhstan note that Uzbekistan is a fraternal state, a reliable ally and strategic partner of Kazakhstan. Therefore, Kazakhstan is concerned over the situation in the friendly neighbouring country.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan assured of Kazakhstan’s support for the decisions of the top leadership of Uzbekistan to resolve the conflict in the Republic of Karakalpakstan. The statement expresses strong belief that peace and cohesion will reign again in the neighbouring state that is preparing for the important political event – a referendum on constitutional amendments.
