Rectors Remarks in Uzbekistan Spark Controversy, Russian Foreign Ministry Files Complaint

The Russian Foreign Ministry summoned Uzbekistan's Ambassador Botirjon Asadov, lodging a complaint regarding statements made by the rector of Uzbekistan's Journalism and Mass Communication University about residents of the country who do not speak Uzbek.

Rector Sherzodkhon Kudratkhodzhaev stated in an interview with the Alter Ego project that since the 1966 earthquake, people from Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine, including convicts, remained in Tashkent and helped restore the city. He noted, "However, by the way, for 40-60 years they have not learned our language. As Karl Marx claimed, it seems to belong to them, or they say it belongs to them. Two people do not know the language of the country where they live. The first one is an occupier... the second one is a fool, meaning a person who cannot think or read. Therefore, let them decide whether they are occupiers or fools. I hope they are not upset," Kudratkhodzhaev said.

The Russian Foreign Ministry's statement emphasized that "the content and tone of such statements" are completely contrary to the partnership and allied relations between Russia and Uzbekistan. According to the ministry, the majority of Uzbekistan’s residents do not agree with Kudratkhodzhaev's remarks.

"The restoration of Tashkent after the devastating earthquake in 1966 is a living testament to our unbreakable friendship. The city’s rapid revival was made possible only through the joint efforts of a huge country. We are confident that any attempts to sow discord between our nations from within or outside are doomed to failure," the Ministry stated.

Sherzod Kudratkhodzhaev is a journalist, rector of the Journalism and Mass Communication University, a member of Uzbekistan's Central Electoral Commission, and president of Uzbekistan's National Association of Media.