Uzbek leader offers territorial integrity of all states be enshrined in constitution

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has proposed incorporating a clause on a peaceful foreign policy toward all countries based on the principles of territorial integrity into the country's constitution.

He is convinced about the necessity of holding a referendum in the country on amendments to the country's basic law, which was adopted in 1992, Presidential Press Secretary Sherzod Asadov quotes the president as saying on Telegram.

Mirziyoyev announced his initiative at a meeting with members of the constitutional commission. He noted that according to the law, the country's parliament has the right to amend the constitution itself, but, according to the president, it is better to carry out constitutional reform through a referendum.

He emphasised that such an order "conforms to the principle that the sole source and author of the Constitution are the people", Asadov adds.

"I propose to introduce an article into our Constitution stating that Uzbekistan pursues a peaceful and friendly policy with all countries, primarily with neighbours, its foreign policy is based on respect for human rights and freedoms, principles and norms of territorial integrity," Mirziyoyev noted.

The Uzbek leader also called for "updating and improving the conceptual and legal framework of the country's foreign policy". He instructed to develop a new edition of the concept of national security, as well as the concept of foreign policy.

Mirziyoyev noted the need to "build a strong economy", as well as "take a worthy place in the world and do a lot to create better conditions for the people".

"Dear compatriots, today we live in a turbulent world, in a very dangerous time. We are going through a very important period in the development of our country. All the reforms we have begun to build a new Uzbekistan are aimed at ensuring that each of us can live a prosperous life today and in the future," he emphasised, urging fellow citizens to "take a more active part" in the constitutional reform.