In his first comment on the parliamentary elections held on 5th December,
Uzbek President Islam Karimov said that Uzbekistan should be prepared for
criticism of the elections and should accept it, since international
organizations have sent people to monitor the elections to find
shortcomings. Uzbekistan, he said, has chosen democracy, but not just in
order to show off to Europe or America.

President Karimov was speaking at a festive meeting on 7th December to mark
the republic's Constitution Day, which falls on 8th December. The speech
was broadcast on Uzbek TV, live or very shortly after delivery.
Congratulating those present at the meeting on the Constitution Day holiday,
Karimov said, amongst other things:

"Now, with your permission, let me say a few words about the elections to
the Supreme Assembly and local councils which took place two days ago [5th
December], which are directly connected with our Constitution. Two days ago
our people fulfilled their constitutional duties, demonstrated their
political consciousness and voted for deputies who will perform their
duties in the name of people, serve them honestly and implement their
wishes and desires.

"Today, when we speak about elections, we should above all speak about
opinions expressed by ordinary voters, bear in mind their wishes and draw
the proper conclusions. Above all we should make it clear for ourselves
that each person goes to the polling station and casts his vote with good
deeds in his heart. To put it simply, he will hope that the would-be deputy
whom he trusts will serve to improve his life, to settle our people's
problems, will do his best for the people's prosperity...

"It is clear that there will be much criticism after the elections. We
should be ready to accept it. This is because should certain so-called
observers or supervisors from certain international organizations not find
any shortcomings, just imagine for yourself, this might mean that they have
not carried out their duties properly. If they announce that everything was
all right, it would not be correct. This is a simple truth.

"Secondly, I would like to mention one thing, there are certain
organizations or states amongst those that are observing our democratic
reforms which support us and of course there are people amongst them who
envy us. Addressing them, I would like to say that we have chosen democracy
and we have not done so in order to boast to somebody. Let everyone
understand good and proper that we have chosen democracy not in order to
show off to Europe, America or other states, not to show off our present
reforms. What is the main content of our good deeds? These are not just to
please someone, it is not just for self-praise that we are democrats."
President Karimov's speech lasted 40 minutes; two more out-of-turns to be
processed, further processing as excerpts for release before 1200 gmt 8th
December.

Uzbek President Islam Karimov also has called on the media to moderate "praise
and in general extolment" in the campaign for the presidential elections on
9th January 2000, when Karimov will be running against one other candidate.
 
Speaking at a festive meeting on 7th December to mark the republic's
Constitution Day, which falls on 8th December, Karimov said:
"In the near future there will be presidential elections. I would like to
take this opportunity to say that we always need campaigning. This is life.
If you do not campaign, this might mean that you are not doing anything.
"From this point of view, I would like to say one thing to the television
and the press: let it not be excessive, I mean praise and in general
extolment should not be excessive. God bless you, I am pleased with you a
thousand times over, however it should not be excessive. Of course,
conducting meetings and carrying the president's photograph at street
rallies are perhaps a demonstration of present life and democracy, but
excuse me, I do not know whether I am that sort of a democrat or not, but I
feel there is something not very nice in this.

"The reason is that when voting, each person will listen to his heart. From
this point of view I am always pleased with one thing, I am pleased with my
people, I am pleased with you and through you, and I would like to take
this opportunity to say once again that I agree with the will and choice of
my people a thousand times over. I wish you good luck and health."

Source: Uzbek Television first channel, Tashkent, in Uzbek 1100 gmt 07 Dec
99
BBC Mon CAU 071299 VA/AM