Uzbekistan, 25th anniversary | Page 4

President Islam Karimov « The independence is a great event for us, which has entirely changed the meaning and essence of our life and opened up a new page in our history. The independence is valued and revered by us as it has liberated our Homeland and our people from the chains of old despotic regime, paved way to establishing a national democratic state and building a prosperous life, being equal to all countries and nations. It is thanks to the independence and owing to the selfless endeavors of our courageous and steadfast people that within a historically short period of time, our towns, villages and entire country have been flou- 4 rishing and prospering, while the living standards and quality of life of our people been raising and today our Uzbekistan is a modern, dynamically advancing state. In the core of these achievements there is a selfless work, wisdom, astuteness and firm will of our people who have been preserving peace and tranquility, carefully safeguarding such aspirations from the old times as an apple of an eye – in a word, those who bring up our young generation in this very spirit ». Islam Karimov President of the Republic of Uzbekistan