32 years ago, being an athlete, I visited Karakalpakstan for the first time. Then I was lucky to become the winner of a prestigious competition. I have sincere feelings for the Karakalpak land, its hardworking and hospitable people.

Over the past 30 years, I have visited Karakalpakstan almost every year twice. It would not be an exaggeration to say that the reason was my love for the Karakalpak land and its people.

I have many friends in Karakalpakstan, among their artists and journalists. They are true patriots, who care primarily about the future of their people, active in social life and strive for good goals.

They do not spare their efforts and work for the development and further prosperity of Karakalpakstan. In particular, they wrote many essays, articles and works that glorify Karakalpakstan and selfless Karakalpak workers and express concern about the fate of the Aral Sea.

Every time I came to Karakalpakstan, in conversations with creative figures, representatives of the spheres of culture, art and spirituality, I felt with all my heart the love of the Karakalpak people and citizens living on this land, for the Motherland, learned about their aspirations and hopes on the way to the bright and great future.

We all know well that the recent riots in Nukus, the absurd challenges of a group of separatists are not the opinion and will of the Karakalpak people.

During the days of trials, our Karakalpak colleagues should urge residents not to succumb to intrigues, incitement and the influence of false information, to be active in providing people with objective information.

I call on representatives of the Karakalpak intelligentsia, journalists to be active in the work towards ensuring peace and tranquility, the development of new Uzbekistan, and also to be one step ahead of the ongoing reforms.

Olimjon USAROV,

Chairman of the Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan.

UzA