Oliy Majlis worries about the fate of Uzbek diaspora in Afghanistan

It should be recalled that Uzbeks in Afghanistan are the fourth largest ethnic group in modern Afghanistan, according to various sources, from 2.7 to 3.5 million people (2017 data). Uzbek is the regional language of some northern provinces of Afghanistan.

Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis Odiljon Tojiyev believes that difficult days have begun for Uzbeks in Afghanistan.

“War is a continuation of the pre-war policy. The situation in Afghanistan is not chaos, it is more like a pre-planned action. Everyone knows who and what goals are critical in this. Afghanistan needs peace. This is definitely important to us. Perhaps that is why, taking into account the expected development of events, a policy of high neutrality was pursued, non-alignment with any of the warring parties,” he said.

He said that with the Taliban originating among the Pashtun tribes, internal ethnic relations, which were already a delicate and sensitive issue in Afghanistan, would become even more strained. 

In his opinion, Uzbekistan will enter into negotiations in the interests of ethnic Uzbeks abroad.

“In general, it is very important that at a time when the Taliban are rapidly taking over the country, we maintain our position. That is, along with humanitarian aid, assistance to refugees, we must make sure that nothing poses a threat to our security. I am sure that the government of Uzbekistan will consistently adhere to the norms of international law in this matter,” he concluded.