Uzbek Foreign Ministry: Issues related to regulation of state language do not accept interference

The draft law on conducting official documentation in the state language has seen a heated discussion over the past couple of days. The bill itself was published at the end of April. According to article 9 of the constitution it is clearly stated that “work in the government and administration is conducted in the state language”. Issues related to the regulation of the state language are the exclusive prerogative of the state’s internal policy and do not accept interference. In the meantime, the official representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Maria Zakharova last week said that the supporters of the bill "are in a clear minority".

Uzbek was made the official state language in Uzbekistan in 1995. This decision was a landmark for the future of the country. It was made to create and individual identity for the country. Close to 88% of Uzbekistan’s population is Uzbek.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan has published its answer to the statement of Zakharova. According to the statement, respect for the languages of Nations and nationalities living on the territory of the country is legally established in the Republic. The law guarantees the possibility of unhindered study and use of the native language, in particular, in the field of education, access to state bodies, access to legal and other information, as well as business turnover.

In view of the above, there is no reason to be concerned about the situation of other nationalities living in Uzbekistan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan expresses hope for objectivity, impartiality and respect for the discussion of issues related to compliance with the requirements of the legislation on the state language.