Ban saddened by death of Uzbekistan’s President Islam Karimov, pays tribute peace and security efforts

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is saddened to learn of the death of President of Uzbekistan, Islam Karimov, according to the UN chief’s spokesperson.

“He extends his sincere condolences to the bereaved family of President Karimov, the Government and the people of Uzbekistan,” the spokesperson said in a statement today.

“The Secretary-General pays tribute to the late President's efforts to develop strong ties between Uzbekistan and the United Nations,” the spokesperson added, “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.”

According to media reports, the Uzbek leader died six days after he was taken to hospital with a suspected brain haemorrhage. He had been in power for 27 years.

Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said the Secretary-General reiterates the UN’s commitment to continue working closely with the Government and the people of Uzbekistan.