The First President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Abduganievich Karimov was a person I knew closely and very well for 27 years. I consider myself a child brought up by two fathers: my cousin gave birth to me, shaped me as a person, brought me up as a master of his profession, a doctor of law, and a man who accepted me as his father, thanks to Islam Abduganievich. I have been recognized all over the world, in many countries of the world, in prestigious international organizations.
It is no coincidence that our first President has been recognized not only in Uzbekistan, but also around the world as a great man and a prominent statesman who deserves great respect and prestige. Islam Abduganievich, with his multifaceted political activity and noble human qualities, has left an indelible mark on the centuries-old history of our Motherland, especially during the first twenty-five years of independence.
Even before the independence of our country, Islam Abduganievich took a number of firm legal steps. All of these were undoubtedly examples of high courage and perseverance.
The first was that in 1989, Uzbek was given the status of the state language.
The second is the first in the territory of the former Soviet Union, where on March 1990, 24, the post of President was established in Uzbekistan.
The third was the declaration of independence on June 1990, 20.
Fourth, on the threshold of independence, the first steps have been taken to create an independent state flag, coat of arms and anthem.
Fifth, on June 1990, 21, a Constitutional Commission was established under the chairmanship of the First President of our country and the creation of the Basic Law of an independent state began.
I am fortunate to be directly involved in such historical processes as the preparation and adoption of the Constitution of independent Uzbekistan. In this sense, I can say with confidence that our First President is the main author, the main initiator and ideological inspiration of the Constitution.
Our first President paid special attention to the articles of the Constitution that legally strengthen the freedoms and duties of man and citizen. At the last meeting of the Constitutional Commission on December 1992, 7, Article 46 on the equality of women and men was included in the draft Constitution directly on the proposal of Islam Abduganievich. Thus, I remember very well that the draft Constitution was submitted to the deputies for final discussion and adopted only after the review of our leader seven times.
The more we honor the noble deeds carried out in this direction under the leadership of our first President as the most important historical events, the more we deserve it. After all, the history of the creation of the Constitution is an integral part of the struggle for independence, for constitutional sovereignty.
Akmal Saidov,
Director of the National Center for Human Rights,
doctor of jurisprudence, professor
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Source: From the memoir "Islam Karimov - the Founder of Independent Uzbekistan"
