President I.A. Karimov sends the Message of Congratulation as the

Republican International Cultural Center marks Jubilee

January 20, 2007

On the occasion of the festive meeting dedicated to the 15th Anniversary of the establishment of the Republican International Cultural Center the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan addressed a message of congratulation to its participants.

"Uzbekistan is multinational country, where in the conditions of equality and full mutual understanding now reside and work the representatives of more than 130 nationalities and ethnicities", - the Message said.

It has also underscored the very fact that "for over the many centuries the people of various unique cultures and civilizations resided o­n the ancient soil of Uzbekistan". According to Uzbek leader, "this has promoted the formation of the special mentality of our people peculiar with its kindness, love for peace, openness, magnanimity and generosity of the soul".

Further, the message continued by emphasizing "this is not o­nly a unique peculiarity, but also the grandest achievement - and it is difficult for each of the Uzbek people to overestimate this fact".

As for the very diversity of the ethnic make-up of the population, Islam Karimov has underscored that "this atmosphere of respect between the people whatever languages they may speak is the most important basis and pledge of peace, stability and tranquility in our common home that we call Uzbekistan".

The message by the President has been felt with a profound respect to those active people in maintaining the mutual stability and understanding in relations between the various nationalities in the country, heads and other staff of the nationwide international cultural centers, as well as thankfulness for their selfless and noble deeds.

"Without exaggeration o­ne should underscore the fact that the Republican international cultural center for over the years of its activity has become a true house of friendship, where the new ideas and initiatives come into being aimed at further strengthening the inter-ethnic and civil accord in the country", - the Message read.