Moreover, he urged the public not to allow interference in the election process from outside. Concluding his speech, Islam Karimov declared the year 2008 as the Year of the Youth. The following is an excerpt from the president’s speech at a festive ceremony to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the country’s constitution held in Tashkent on 7 December, broadcast by Uzbek TV the same day, incorporating passages already filed by BBC Monitoring; subheadings inserted editorially:

Dear compatriots!

Dear friends!

First of all, let me sincerely congratulate you and in your persons all our people on the remarkable day - the Constitution Day - and express my deepest respect for you.

Today we are widely celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Constitution of independent Uzbekistan - the main law of our life.

Constitution praised

We all bear witness to the fact that the principles and requirements of our Constitution have created a foundation for the historic reforms and renewal processes in the country in the past period and for the fundamental changes in the country’s image and in the content of society’s life.

Today, in making a critical and fair assessment of the work that has been done so far, we must proudly note that whatever great results we have achieved in building a national statehood and a free and prosperous society in our country; ensuring human rights and interests; increasing our country’s potential and strength as well as welfare of our people; and taking a reputable place in the international arena, we achieved them by implementing the objectives set in our constitution.

Therefore, in the course of time, we are realizing more clearly and deeper the key role and significance of the Constitution, its place in our life and influence on public opinion, and respect and trust to the country’s main law are being strengthened among our citizens more and more.

Presidential election should be held "at highest level"

Dear participants in the event!

Celebrating the 15th anniversary of our constitution today, I think that it would be appropriate to speak about holding the Uzbek presidential election, which is a test for us, at the highest level. First and foremost, all of us know well that our constitution clearly specifies holding elections, in particular presidential election, in a democratic way that meets modern requirements. Speaking about this, today we should stress that the law on presidential election, which is enshrined in our constitution, has been worked out on the basis of international standards and taking into account the international experience.

Our main law has special Chapter 23 devoted to elections. Moreover, the issue is reflected in over 10 laws.

Election meets democratic norms

When we speak about distinguished features and aspects of the current election, it should be mentioned that our republic gives a right to nominate candidates from political parties to the post of the head of state. Giving this right to parties, which are taking their firm place on the country’s political arena and gaining public attention as well as expressing aspirations and interests of certain social groups of the population, fully meets democratic norms and requirements. In addition to this, a candidate nominated from an initiative group of voters, who voices the interests of the citizens not belonging to the political parties, is taking part in the election.

In brief, the model of the current election system that is being introduced in our life is well thought out in every aspect and based on international standards, on the leading experience of the world’s democratic states and fully reflects our people’s traditional values and their mentality.

Preventing interference from outside urged

Our today’s most topical task is to demonstrate our own and our people’s political and legal maturity during the presidential election by strictly abiding by the Constitution, laws and conventional international norms. Speaking about this, I believe that we should focus on the following issues: above all, to ensure the supremacy of laws and freedoms in every phase of the election and the creation of equal opportunities for all the candidates. We should completely reject certain procedures and standards inherited from the Soviet era that we still come across. At the same time, we should hold the election in full compliance with the current laws. We should also attach special attention to preventing exerting influence on the process by various state-administrative institutions, and on the whole, preventing interference from outside.

Over 23,000 observers at polls

It should be kept in mind that assessment of the forthcoming election by the international community will depend on to what extent conditions for the political parties, representatives of public organizations, local and foreign observes as well as for the media will be created to enjoy their rights and fulfil their commitments.

According to the latest information, the number of observes coming from abroad and international reputable organizations, including the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe [OSCE], is about 300 people. A total of 23,300 people will monitor the election. They include representatives from Europe, Asia, the USA and Muslim and Arab states.

Uzbekistan is in favour of good ties with USA, Europe

Seizing the opportunity, I would like to draw your attention to a topical issue of today. It is nobody’s secret that now it is not difficult to feel or notice that there are some people who forecast that some kind of misunderstanding will continue between Uzbekistan and European states, to put it simply, those who are in favour of retaining such [present] relations and those who benefit from this. What can we say regarding these kinds of situations? Uzbekistan - in its foreign policy regarding relations with nearby and far neighbours, including the USA and Europe - is always in favour of maintaining relations based on mutually beneficial cooperation and mutual trust. We will never ever divert from this path.

Moreover, I can confidently say that at present the basis for equal and mutually beneficial relations, which fully meets our national interests, is being strengthened even more.

Public urged to abide by laws during election

I think that you will support me, if I say that today’s voters, all people, deeply understand the essence and significance of holding the current election campaign at the highest level in full compliance with and fully abiding by the requirements of the Constitution and laws - open, objective and fair ones.

I am confident that our people, who lived through various tests, will take an active part in the election and vote for the realization of their kind hopes and aspirations, for peaceful life in the country and for the prosperity of our motherland.

Dear countrymen!

Everybody knows well that one of the five principles which comprises the foundation of the independent path of development and which is recognized in the world as "the Uzbek model", is the implementation of a strong social policy.

[Passage omitted: the results of the 2007 Year of Social Protection programme]

Cooperation with international organizations

Focusing on the significance of cooperation in charity, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and UNICEF as well as to other international organizations and to our foreign partners taking an active part in the acts of real humanness.

[Passage omitted: acts of charity by some local foundations praised]

2008 declared Year of Youth

In addressing one of the current priority issues - ensuring that young people, who are making their first steps in life, occupy their deserved place in our society - time itself sets new objectives to us. In order to implement these objectives, to draw the attention of the state and society to this priority issue, I would like to announce the year 2008 as the Year of the Youth.

[Passage omitted: the majority of the population is under 30 years of age; support for young families; more congratulations on the Constitution Day]