Uzbekistan’s Independence Day celebrations will go ahead with a reduced program despite the rumored death of Uzbek President Islam Karimov, the Interfax news agency reported Tuesday.
Earlier
reports had claimed the events had been cancelled amid widespread claims that the
long-serving president had died of a brain hemorrhage.
A state spokesperson confirmed that the concert traditionally attended by the head of state in a central
Tashkent had been canceled, but that all other scheduled events
would take place, including Thursday’s
national awards ceremony honoring prize workers and military veterans.
Uzbekistan's Independence Day takes place on Sept. 1. This year will mark the 25th anniversary of the country's independence from the Soviet Union.
The Fergana news agency reported on Monday that Karimov had died
at the age of 79 following a brain hemorrhage. Uzbek authorities have
denied the reports, describing the president's condition as "stable."
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