From: Justin Burke (JBurke@sorosny.org)
Date: Fri Apr 07 2000 - 10:16:18 EDT
Uzbek head calls for "well-defined" national ideology
Excerpts from report by Uzbek TV on 6th April
A meeting on national ideology issues took place at the Oqsaroy
[presidential] residence [in Tashkent] today.
[Correspondent, over video of the meeting; President Karimov seated at a
table addressing the meeting] It was chaired by President Islam Karimov of
the Republic of Uzbekistan and attended by prominent philosophers,
respected creative people, workers in the sphere of culture and morality,
ministry, department and organization heads, state advisers to the
president and the media. Of a special note is the fact that today's meeting
on this topic was held in a novel way - it was full of mutual exchanges of
views and discussion.
[passage omitted: issues of national ideology and spirituality are among the
priorities]
Based on our ancient traditions and customs, language and religion and
mentality, our national idea should implant in our minds feelings of trust
in the future, mercy and enlightenment. For this reason at the meeting our
head of state once again outlined why we had focused on this issue again
and what the meaning and essence of the national idea was.
[Karimov] First of all, any nation or society that wishes to see and build a
bright future for itself must base itself upon and rely upon its own
national idea. Naturally, the state system, its administration and domestic
and foreign policies should above all be built on a clear and well-defined
idea. Any society that fails to rely upon on its own national idea is
certain to collapse and lose its path. The second aspect of the issue is
that unless our minds and way of thinking are changed, we cannot attain our
ultimate objective of building a free and prosperous society.
Second. We are living in a period of transition from a despotic and
totalitarian system to a free and independent system. We should all be
aware of the fact that the transition period will encounter major obstacles
and hurdles and will experience great struggles. We need to have our
objectives clear in this period, for us to lead our people and society to
new horizons and campaign them for this. Such objectives may be achieved
through a thoroughly thought-out and well-built idea.
Third. The middle and older generation, our elders, lived through the old
system and are, certainly, aware of the great difficulties we have
encountered over the past 10 years. But on what kind of idea should we
bring up our younger generation? Essentially what sort of idea should they
be brought up on and what kind of good objectives should they strive for?
What kind of idea should they be armed with?
Fourth. In order not to lose our path in conducting step-by step a policy
that suits our educational and spiritual interests and moral life and, if
need be, our national interests, we must not allow of any ideological
vacuum to exist. For the greatest and most influential battles of all are
being fought in the ideological arena. To win this struggle, very great
funds, potential and forces are being used. It would be no exaggeration if
I say that the fact that our young people are coming to follow false ideas
poses the greatest threat to us. That is why we need our own national idea
like the air we breathe and the water we drink.
[passage omitted to end: a national idea will help us restore and maintain
our ancient traditions; correspondent said president had heard views of
those present. Please note a longer report on this meeting was screened at
1700 gmt; excerpts to be processed for release on 7th April]
Source: Uzbek Television first channel, Tashkent, in Uzbek 1530 gmt 06 Apr
00
BBC Mon CAU 060400/** VA/SA
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