Tajik Diaspora in Europe appeals to Karimov

Dushanbe. June 21. “Asia-Plus” -- Tajik Diasporas from Belgium, Netherlands and Luxemburg have sent an open letter to Uzbekistan’s President Islam Karimov.

In their joint letter, signed by 82 representatives of the Tajik, Russian, Tatar, Uzbek, Armenian, Korean and other nationalities, expatriate Tajiks express their concern over the blockage of Tajik freight wagons on the territory of Uzbekistan.

In their letter, a copy of which was received by the AP, members of the Tajik Diaspora note that with its unfavorable geographic location Tajikistan had to overcome severe socio-economic tests. Additionally, this year’s unfavorable weather conditions caused severe damage to the country’s economy, especially to social infrastructure.

“As we have found out from the media and from our relatives’ reports, a huge number of freight wagons loaded with humanitarian and other cargoes designed for Tajikistan are being blocked at Termez section of the Uzbek railroad for a long period of time for unknown reasons,” the letter says.

Members of the Tajik Diaspora also say that “Our enemies disseminate rumors that Uzbekistan declared transport blockade to Tajikistan. Such statements and conjectures are inconceivable since traditional friendship of our nations has stood the test of centuries. We have to keep and develop this great heritage. Any ordinary Tajik and Uzbek will surely say that they do not want any other relations except friendship and brotherhood.”