Silly promises or another carefully thought out fiction?
As usual our President announced his New Year message to the people of Uzbekistan. As usual it was a set of banal words and only naive people could listen to such a nonsense without a sarcasm.
Karimov says that “each of us, gathered for a festive table, unwillingly thoughts returned to the unforgettable events, concerns and the joy of this year.” Yeah, seems to me that Mr.Karimov really laughs at us. Does he really think that by saying these words he can make us believe him, believe all his silly ideas, promises and statements. Oh, gosh!
Every word of the speech makes me cry because I realize that such a person will rule the country and blow our minds with stupid statistics, sayings and “guarantees” of welfare of Uzbekistani people as these ones:
«Summing up the year which ends today we have all the reasons to say that is was in many ways successful for us and left his indelible imprint in the life of the country and society. Thanks to the …labor of our people a big step in ensuring the dynamism of the country’s economy, growth and well-being of the quality of life of people moving along the path of democratic renewal, strengthening the authority of Uzbekistan in the world community was done.»
Our blogger Mashrab last week expressed his interest in ordinary Uzbekistani pensioner Mrs.Ivanova’s letter to Karimov with the title “Why I won’t vote for Karimov” where she compared her own statistics of an economist with official data:
«I read newspapers randomly and some time ago I’ve read out that that inflation in our country is 7%. I thought there must have been a mistake, slip of the pen. I’m an economist with a degree and 40 years experience; I think that if flour before October prices rise was 550 sums (45 U.S. cents) now costs 1200 it means that inflation is 218%. If seed-oil was 1800 sums and now it costs 3800 it means that inflation rate is 211%.»
Karimov told us about “successful implementation of legislation norms for further reforms; about the democracy principles within legislation system, liberalization of all spheres of our life.” but forgot about the situation during pre-election process when opposition wasn’t allowed to participate in it. Also our President forgot to mention about his legitimacy in running the state; forgot about his rude violation of the “main law of the state” Constitution…
«Presidential elections which took place in our country few days ago became an important political test and became a great school and a new step in the construction of free democratic state and civil society in Uzbekistan, where the human being’s interests and human rights are the highest values.
These elections held in accordance with the principles of democracy, transparency and openness, without a doubt, united our people and demonstrated their increased political and legal culture, hopes and aspirations of every citizen of Uzbekistan, their faith in the future of the country, and became a historic event in the life of society.
Today objectively assessing the outcome of the year gained first of all with hard work, milestones and growing potential of the country, we have all the reasons with a sense of duty to look forward with a confidence.»
I can’t even rely on Karimov’s will “to bow low to our people from the bottom of my heart to express the depth of feeling unlimited gratitude to all those who assisted me high. I have no other purpose but to serve true and devoted to you.” because I’ve heard these words not for several but maybe for hundred times said by our President. I don’t believe him anymore. We can only wait… But wait for what?
on January 3rd, 2008 at 8:52 am
Not a direct response to your post, but I am seriously considering a trip through Central Asia, including Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turmenistan, and perhaps Kazkhstan (if possible). Could you comment, either publicly or privately (my email is included in my registration) on what sort of receptions Westerners, especially Americans, can expect in Uzbekistan? I’d like to visit these coutries in case circumstances arise when they can’t be visited in the future. Inshallah, they will remain open or become more open and progressive.
If this is not your area of expertise, please feel free to forward my email to a colleague who might be able to help.
Blessings and Light,
Stephen
on January 8th, 2008 at 7:10 pm
Stephen,
just to answer to your question on neweurasia concerning traveling.
what you read on the us embassy website about possible threats is correct, but these are potential safety issues that you gotta take into account no matter where you go to.
so far there was no reported major incident where a foreigner was harassed or else in central asia…except for a couple of cases of getting poisoned either due to the local oil or alcohol consumption. both come in large amounts and bad quality. as long as the NATO keeps taleban away from central asia it will should be safe for americans to travel there. americans are indeed very much liked in ca, especially in rural areas (except when iraq and politics is discussed). i knew many peace corps volunteers who spent months sitting at home and hating it, but also many who had a lot of fun with locals.
on January 10th, 2008 at 5:07 am
even official of the country makes foreigners become afraid of their potential trips to Uzbekistan the population treats them (foreigners) very well and expresses true hospitality if needed…maybe with a little sense of fear
welcome and enjoy our beautiful country with aт ages-old traditions of hospitality!