UZBEKISTAN: GOU PROMOTES "UZBEK" VALUES AMONG YOUTH

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 TASHKENT 000090 SIPDIS DEPT FOR SCA/PPD, SCA/CEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL SCUL KPAO UZ SUBJECT: UZBEKISTAN: GOU PROMOTES "UZBEK" VALUES AMONG YOUTH ¶1. (U) Summary: Several articles on the development of Uzbek "spiritual values" have been published in Uzbekistan's state media over the past few months. One such article, entitled "Spirituality: We are Responsible for Our Children," was published recently by government-owned Narodnoye Slovo following President Karimov's declaration of 2010 as the "Year of the Harmoniously Developed Generation." The article is indicative of the government's attempts to promote Uzbek values (as opposed to "foreign" values) in the face of globalization. It provides insight on how we will need to stage our outreach to young Uzbeks via the Internet and other means. The translated text of the article is included. End Summary. State Media Stresses Importance of Uzbek Spiritual Values ¶2. (U) Narodnoye Slovo published an article on January 12, 2010, entitled "Spirituality: We are Responsible for Our Children." The article is one of many articles recently published by state media discussing the importance of Uzbek spiritual values. The article, quoted in full below, is indicative of this trend. The article is also useful background on the government's campaign to mark 2010 as the "Year of the Harmoniously Developed Generation," as we consider how U.S. programs such as Internet freedom might apply in the Uzbekistan environment. Article Prominent but not Groundbreaking ¶3. (U) The article was the first of 2010 to be published on this topic. (Note: Articles at the beginning of the year tend to outline the government's plans for the upcoming year, and such timing is often a sign of the significance of the article. End note.) However, the article was published in Russian, not Uzbek. (Note: Important events or political campaigns are most often discussed first in an Uzbek language publication. The fact that this article was in Russian suggests that it does represent a major policy shift or new initiative. End note.) It cites President Karimov frequently, indicating that the President himself is very focused on the theme of shaping the next generation. The article was signed by Anvar Kurbanov, a name which is unknown to the Press Office, indicating that the author is either not a professional journalist, or is using a pseudonym. Background on Media Outlet ¶4. (U) Narodnoye Slovo is one of Uzbekistan's two papers of record (the other is the Uzbek language Halq Sozi). Nardonoye Slovo is owned jointly by the Cabinet of Ministers and the Parliament. Its circulation is approximately 14,500. While such a circulation rate is among the highest for Russian language newspapers, it should be noted that the paper's subscription rate is bolstered by government campaigns to "encourage" businesses and state organizations to purchase subscriptions. Translated Text of Article ¶5. (U) The translated text of the article follows: "In his speech at the solemn meeting dedicated to the 17th anniversary of the country's constitution, President Islam Karimov: announced that the year 2010 would be the Year of the Harmoniously Developed Generation; talked about the need to enrich the spiritual world of young people; discussed the need for education based on the spirit of national and universal values; and emphasized that these issues acquire a special significance in the present difficult and turbulent times, when there are increasing attacks against our national identity and the traditional values of our people, and when selfish interests aim to master the consciousness of our young people. TASHKENT 00000090 002 OF 003 ¶6. (U) It is true that we live in difficult times, which are changing with unprecedented speed. Development of new technologies and the quickening pace of globalization shape the way in which old ideas change, and result in an excessive quickening of the pace of life. ¶7. (U) There are positive aspects of globalization, such as increasing cooperation and integration between countries and peoples, scientific achievements, modern communication, information technologies, and the emergence of new opportunities for cooperation during ecological disasters. However, there are also negative aspects, namely: ideological influences and interests of different powers. And while military, economic, and political pressure can be seen, felt, and prevented, it is much more difficult to predict ideological threats, their influence and consequences. Continuous spiritual education will help avoid this kind of danger. ¶8. (U) Today, our youth receives information not only through educational establishments, but also through radio, TV, print media, and the Internet. In today's environment of increasing globalization, nobody is going to imprison the consciousness of young Uzbekistan citizens, forbidding them from reading or watching certain news reports or receiving this or that information. This meets neither the requirements of the present day, nor our intentions to create an open, democratic society. ¶9. (U) At the same time we must not underestimate the threats and influences coming from abroad under the mask of "mass culture." These threats weaken ethnicity and spirituality and deny principles such as the sanctity of the family, human life, and other timeless values. Often they represent a complex of mix of ideological and propaganda measures, directed against the free life of a person and his spiritual world, regardless of his language, religion, or political beliefs. ¶10. (U) For a while, one of the most popular "methods" here has been a never-ending discussion of the question of priorities of material and spiritual values of people. You can often hear the opinion that "one must deal with material problems first, and only then think about leisure." But this is entirely not true. Spirituality is not the same as leisure; it is a defining element of a person's fundamental values, faith, and principles. This is proven convincingly by world history and the recent history of Uzbekistan. ¶11. (U) Material development and spiritual principles are not contradictory, but rather complement each other. From the first days of our country's development and the formation of an independent democratic state, our country has not limited itself to solving only economic problems. Alongside economics, priority has always been given to enlightenment, and the revival of spiritual values among Uzbek people. As Islam Karimov rightly noted in his speech, peace and serenity in the country, stable economic growth, and a steady increase in people's standard of living, even during the world financial crisis, would be impossible if we had not established conditions for Uzbekistan's youth to gain deep knowledge and master professional skills. ¶12. (U) The main role of this particular young generation in furthering the dynamic development of the state is especially important nowadays, when right before our eyes deep changes in the world's geopolitical, economic, social, and information spheres are taking place, and when conflicts between various ideologies are getting more intense. That is why today it is more important than ever before that young citizens of Uzbekistan are able to resist alien ideas and those imposed from the outside, and counter ignorance with enlightenment. ¶13. (U) Realizing the importance of this matter, the leadership of TASHKENT 00000090 003 OF 003 Uzbekistan is today creating all the necessary conditions for the young generation to realize its talents and abilities. ¶14. (U) The rich spiritual potential of our people, multiplied by the unique education system that was established in independent Uzbekistan, quickly yielded results. Today's successors of thinkers, statesmen, and scientists such as Amir Timur, Alisher Navoi, Mirzo Ulugbek, Imam Al-Bukhari, Abu Rayhon Beruni, Ibn Sina, and many others, can successfully apply accumulated potential, speak several foreign languages, and engage in equal dialogue with their peers from the world's developed countries. But most importantly - today a truly new generation is taking shape in Uzbekistan. This generation is deeply aware of itself and of the rich scientific, cultural, and historical legacy of its people. It therefore possesses real patriotism and sincere love for its motherland. Such a person, who is justified in feeling national pride and who has a deep love for his homeland and his people, is capable of performing great deeds. ¶15. (U) The development of a society's spirituality and the ideological immunization of the young generation are continuous processes. That's why today, in addition to education, the state is also closely looking at childhood development - it is revitalizing all methods of affecting a person's thought and consciousness. ¶16. (U) And certainly, the institute of family plays a special role in this. It lays the groundwork for values such as kindness, nobility, love, morality, prudence, and tactfulness, which are the defining spiritual criteria of every person. That's why, as noted by our head of state, protection of the family, and in particular of young families, will also be a priority this year, as families are society's most important link for raising a physically healthy and harmoniously developed young generation. A healthy family guarantees a strong society, and when a society is strong then the entire country is stable. ¶17. (U) Spiritual perfection is not achieved in one year. The Uzbek people have been developing and enriching their national spirituality for centuries because this is a continuous process." Comment ¶18. (U) The article envisions a young generation which can engage with foreign counterparts (as long as such engagement is on an equal footing),but which must also guard against negative foreign influences, entering via the Internet, satellite TV and other media. While the author writes that spiritual and material principles are complementary rather than contradictory, it appears that the same can not be said for Uzbek and global values; the GoU apparently believes that "mass culture" and foreign influences weaken Uzbek values and principles. While the "harmoniously developed generation" is not defined by its opposition to an "other," it is clearly based on a particular "Uzbek" identity and "Uzbek" values. These values are not clearly defined in this article, with the exception of the inclusion of family, human life, and "other timeless values." End Comment. Norland NORLAND