Secretary-General Pays Tribute to Late President of Uzbekistan for Efforts in Strengthening Regional, Global Security

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is saddened to learn of the death of Islam Karimov, President of Uzbekistan.  He extends his sincere condolences to the bereaved family of President Karimov, the Government and the people of Uzbekistan.

The Secretary-General pays tribute to the late President's efforts to develop strong ties between Uzbekistan and the United Nations, as well as strengthen regional and global peace and security, through the promotion and entry into force in 2009 of the Treaty to establish the Central Asian Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone.

The Secretary-General reiterates the commitment of the United Nations to continue working closely with the Government and the people of Uzbekistan.