Uzbek chamber approves rejection of military, political alliances

TASHKENT – The Uzbek parliament’s lower chamber July 31 approved a policy document rejecting Uzbek membership in military or political blocs, media reported August 1.

In President Islam Karimov’s new strategy, Uzbekistan reserves the right to depart any alliance that becomes a political or military bloc, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported.

Uzbekistan will not allow foreign military bases on its territory and will not participate in peace-keeping operations abroad, according to the document, UzDaily reported. The country suspended its membership in the Collective Security Treaty Organisation in June.

The bill now goes to the senate for consideration, UzDaily reported. Senate and presidential approval is needed for it to become law.