Iran closely monitoring unrests, developments in Uzbekistan

The Islamic Republic is closely monitoring the recent unrests and developments unfolding in one part of Uzbekistan, said the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman.

Nasser Kanaani added the developments are part of Uzbekistan’s internal affairs, noting that Iran is confident that the friendly and brotherly country’s government will soon resolve the issue in its people’s favor, IRNA reported.

He stressed that Uzbekistan’s stability and security are of special importance to Iran and the region.

Demonstrators took to the streets in Uzbekistan’s northwestern Karakalpakstan Province on Friday in opposition to proposed constitutional reforms that would have refused the province, which borders Kazakhstan and the Aral Sea, the right to secede.

Uzbekistan's government said there have been several casualties among civilians and law enforcement personnel after the protests in the province​​​​​.

In a statement issued on Sunday, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said protesters had carried out “destructive actions” in the city of Nukus, throwing stones, starting fires, and attacking police.

He acknowledged that people had been killed in the protests, prompting him to abandon plans of constitutional reform.

It was the second outbreak of unrest in the central Asian country this year after earlier mass protests in January were crushed.