Reuters reports, citing diplomatic sources, that Islam Karimov, the President of Uzbekistan, has passed away, and the Prime Minister of Turkey has also expressed condolences during his cabinet meeting on Friday regarding his death. Uzbek officials have not yet confirmed this news. The Reuters report states that three diplomatic sources confirmed the death of the President of Uzbekistan on Friday, September 2, although their names were not mentioned in the report. Just hours before this report, the Uzbek cabinet had issued a statement announcing that Islam Karimov's health condition was critical due to a stroke, and this was the last official announcement made by the Uzbek government regarding the President's health condition. Meanwhile, speculation about his possible successor is heating up. A journalist from the Uzbekistan section of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty told Radio Farda that Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, has the highest chance of taking over the leadership of Uzbekistan. Mr. Mirziyoyev has held this position for about 13 years and is described as a ruler with little tolerance for opposition in Uzbekistan. Reuters also cites analysts stating that since Mr. Karimov did not designate a successor, the power transition process is likely to be based on behind-the-scenes decisions involving some of his family members and senior officials in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan is the most populous country in Central Asia and has been under Karimov's rule since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Diplomatic Sources: 'The President of Uzbekistan Has Passed Away'
Islam Karimov, the long-time President of Uzbekistan, is reported to have died, although official confirmation is pending. Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev is seen as the likely successor amidst concerns over the power transition. This situation is significant as it may impact the political stability of Uzbekistan, a key player in Central Asia.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Islam Karimov, the long-time President of Uzbekistan, is reported to have died, with Prime Minister Shavkat Mirziyoyev positioned as the likely successor. The news has not yet been officially confirmed by Uzbek authorities.
- Karimov's health had been critical due to a stroke prior to the reports of his death.
- Speculation about succession is growing, with Mirziyoyev seen as the front-runner.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Uzbekistan has been under Karimov's authoritarian rule since the Soviet Union's collapse, with a history of limited political freedoms and human rights issues.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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