Rapid changes in the international situation, strengthening of the intergovernmental contradictions, further escalation of the tension, emerging of the new outbreaks of conflicts in different parts of the world- these pressing issues are today of a big concern and worry for international community.

Clear evidence of this, is continuing for more than thirty years of the bloody war in neighboring Afghanistan. Today, after so long a period of time, many international politics evaluate the current situation in Afghanistan as an extremely difficult and explosive.

The situation of Afghanistan is remaining as a main threat to the peace and stability of our country, and the all Central- Asian region.

We can speak a lot about that issues of resolving this conflict, providing a peaceful and tranquil life in the land of Afghanistan are continuing to be the focus of Uzbekistan and neighboring countries as well as major world powers, how much blood was shed in this region for more than thirty years of war how many millions of refugees forced to live in other countries, thousands of people were missing, enormous resources and efforts have been spent.

It\'s not a secret what a great threat and danger was the flames of war in Afghanistan to the neighboring countries and our country.

That is why, as we all know, Uzbekistan, from the first days of independence, following the ancient folk wisdom \"Calm neighbor - quiet and you\", is taking consistent measures for peaceful solution of the Afghan problem, which are constantly at the center of attention. The head of our country from the stands of various prestigious international forums tirelessly drew the world\'s attention on the need of resolving the conflict in Afghanistan.

Twenty years ago, in 1993, at the 48th session of the UN General Assembly, the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov called on the solving the problem of Afghanistan, with the assistance of the international community.

In 1995, at the 50th session of the UN General Assembly, the President of Uzbekistan took the initiative to establish an international embargo on arms supplies to Afghanistan and offered a model of a coalition government in the country, stressing the need to prevent foreign interference in the internal affairs of Afghanistan.

We all know that to solve the Afghan problem, in 1997 the head of state, initiated the establishment of the Contact Group \"6 +2\" and in 1999 was held Tashkent meeting of the group.

In 2001, the Uzbek President, in his addressing to the UN General Secretary proposed to include the issue of demilitarization of Afghanistan in the agenda of the meeting of the Security Council of the UN. At the NATO / EAPC Summit in Bucharest in 2008, President Islam Karimov has initiated the establishment of the UN Contact Group \"6+3\".

This list can be continued long.

Among these important documents is noteworthy developed by the direct initiative of the head of our state the concept of foreign policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan, and relevant law of the Republic of Uzbekistan adopted on its basis, which plays an important role in maintaining and strengthening peace and stability in the region.

Our President, in his interview to the media on the occasion of the Memory Day and Honor, on May 9, 2013, once again drew attention to the evolving situation in Afghanistan, stressed how serious the problem is and what practical measures and efforts are needed to address it. According to the news agency \"Jahon\", interview with the head of our state, \"Uzbek people need peace and tranquility\", published in Uzbek and Russian languages, has called an enormous interest and is a response not only in our country but also in the world community. As the head of our state stressed, in a highly complex and alarming situation in Afghanistan, withdrawal from the country by the end of 2014 of AYSEF units - International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, consisting mainly of the armed forces of the United States and European countries, could lead to an escalation of the struggle between opposing forces, the increased threat of terrorism, arms trafficking, drug trafficking, sharpening of inter-religious and inter-ethnic conflicts and the resumption of civil war.

President Islam Karimov has particularly stressed that more confirmation is finding the truth that the Afghan problem can only be solved by political means, the achievement of mutual agreement by negotiation of opposing forces, despite of the existing difficulties. Today, many people recognize that the creation on this basis of the interim government, elections will allow to proceed to solve complex problems facing Afghanistan.

In the concept of foreign policy of the Republic of Uzbekistan is clearly stressed that our country is \"pursuing a peaceful policy and does not participate in the military-political blocs.\" It stresses that \"Uzbekistan is taking all necessary measures to prevent their involvement in armed conflicts and tensions in neighboring states, and does not allow in its territory the stationing of foreign military bases and facilities.\"

In this connection it is appropriate to bring the following opinion of the leader of our country, based on this concept: \"Uzbekistan has a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of Afghanistan, lack of participation in various military-political blocs directed against Afghanistan, the communication and cooperation with Afghanistan only on a bilateral basis, support Afghanistan’s government chosen by their people\". Uzbekistan as a close neighbor of Afghanistan has every reason to promote a strong and at the same time, far-sighted, deeply thought-out policy. First of all, it is our stretching to the distant historical past relations with Afghanistan based on the principles of good neighboring and mutual respect, a key position and role of our country in Central Asia, and is widely recognized by the world community the principled and consistent foreign policy of Uzbekistan, aimed at promoting peace and stability in the region.

It is due to these factors set out in-depth analysis of major changes taking place in our region and around it, as well as an assessment of the situation prevailing in Afghanistan, practical conclusions and suggestions to solve the Afghan problem caused a wide resonance today, not only in our country but also in the international arena. They are widely supported by the socio-political, expert and scientific and academic community, the media, foreign countries, international organizations and become topics of discussion and debates.

First of all, the idea of our country’s leadership of cause takes an increased interest of Afghanistan itself. An interview of the President Islam Karimov, was published in the mainstream media in this country on Dari, English and Uzbek. Thus, Afghanistan\'s leading newspaper «Daily Outlook Afghanistan» and the newsmagazine \"Sahra\" have placed the full text of the interview headlined \"Uzbek people need peace and tranquility.\"

Interview of the President Islam Karimov was widely reported in newspapers from neighboring Afghanistan, Pakistan «Balochistan Today» and «Ittihad», the newspaper «Iran News» (Iran), the magazine «Lookwe» (China), both print and electronic media AYSEF participating countries (U.S., UK Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Latvia, Turkey), as well as occupying a special place in the Muslim world of the Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Malaysia and other countries.

It must be emphasized that in the materials published by the foreign media, special emphasis is taken on the fact that Uzbekistan is a consistent supporter of peace and stability in Afghanistan is taking active political and diplomatic efforts to achieve these goals. Most importantly, all editions, fully supporting the principal position of Uzbekistan that the political path is the only way to resolve the Afghan conflict, to recognize that the solution of this problem is possible only through the involvement of the opposing parties to the negotiating table and assisting them in reaching a compromise.

The views expressed by President, Islam Karimov ,in the interview, ideas and suggestions on Afghanistan become the subject of lively discussions and appreciated by the world\'s leading politicians, experts and scholars.

In particular, as noted the head of the institute of Central Asia under the university of Jon Hopkins (USA) F. Starr, president Islam Karimov gave a clear and precise analysis of the situation in Afghanistan, characterizing it as “extremely heavy and fragile”. On his opinion, today is every adequate man realizes the futility of the Afghan problem by military means.

Agreeing that withdrawal of foreign troops from Afghanistan is able to provoke destabilization of the situation in that country, Professor of the New York State University, P.Morvij considers the words of the President Islam Karimov, as of the actions of a real statesman caring about the world and the welfare of his nation. Islam Karimov calls main opposing forces of Afghanistan to solve their contradictions at the negotiating table, to prevent a new escalation in fighting and prevent the spread of instability of the country to the neighboring states, said P.Morvij.

The expert of the Carnegie Endowment (USA) M.Olkott marks positively that Uzbekistan is not involved in other people\'s games around the Afghan problem and seeks to build a relationship with its southern neighbor only on a bilateral basis, based on the principles of non-interference in internal affairs, peace and good neighboring.

U.S. expert noted that the supply of electricity generated in Uzbekistan to Afghanistan, made a significant contribution to the socio-economic recovery of this country. She believes that the creation of new railway lines, as well as the improved systems of high-speed roads connecting the two countries is essential for the restoration of the Afghan economy.

M.Olkott expressed confidence that \"within the framework of their bilateral relations Uzbekistan, no doubt, will continue to play an important role in the socio-economic reconstruction of Afghanistan.\"

Chairman of the British-Uzbek Society, Lord F.Ponsonbi noted a deep understanding of the leadership of Uzbekistan in current situation of Afghanistan, his concern about the prospects of development of this country. \"The initiative of Islam Karimov, on the establishment, under the auspices of the UN Contact Group\" 6 +3 \"could play an important role in resolving the Afghan problem,\" he said. According to the British politic during transition period, ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan is important to involve all neighboring countries.

Professor of Cambridge university S.Saksena (United Kingdom) said that President Islam Karimov has proposed a conceptually new approach to solve the complex problem of Afghanistan, stating it simply, concisely and based on the strong logic. In particular, the head of Uzbekistan stressed that the focus should be paid to ensure the cohesion of the Afghan people and society, in all circumstances, primarily coming from the will of the Afghan people themselves. Exactly such a positive approach, according to the scientist, can put an end to the continuing for decades of violence and bloodshed in Afghanistan. According to S.Saksena, \"Afghanistan can be proud of such a reliable neighbor as Uzbekistan, which, in contrast to other countries seeking to impose its control and hegemony, remains committed to the peace and development of the partnership.\"

\"I was very impressed with sincere words of Islam Karimov expressed by him on the Day of Memory and Honor, that the war - it\'s a terrible disaster for humanity and the duty of each of us is to prevent war, preserve peace and tranquility - says German expert F . Lemke. - It is also noteworthy the fact of holding by Uzbekistan a peaceful foreign policy, its’ non-participation in the geopolitical games of the countries, seeking for a new redivision of the world. \" «According to F.Lemke, no one can deny faithful words of the President of Uzbekistan that \"without peace there is no development, and without development there is no future.\" The call of Islam Karimov addressed not only to his people but also neighboring countries and the world community on establishment of peace in Afghanistan means the importance of supporting proposals aimed at blessing and development, and that no any problems can be solved by military means.

\"On the eve of the celebration of the 22 anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence, President Islam Karimov once again openly and clearly announced the main principles of the foreign policy of the country,\" - said the head of the French Research Institute for prospects and security in Europe E.Dyupyui. According to the expert, the principle of Uzbekistan’s non-participation in various military-political blocs and military interventions has a legitimate reason. This strategy of Tashkent will contribute to further development of bilateral cooperation with Afghanistan, has expressed his confidence E.Dyupyui.

As stressed chief editor of the analytical magazine «Les milieux des empires» S.d \'Izarn (France), Islam Karimov\'s interview demonstrates not only justified concern of the head of Uzbekistan for situation in Afghanistan, but also a strong commitment to the principles of good neighboring with Afghanistan under any circumstances.

Considering, that withdrawal AYSEF troops at the end of 2014 could lead to a further escalation of the situation, S.d \'Izarn believes that the international community should certainly support the ideas and proposals of the President Islam Karimov to launch a national political dialogue in Afghanistan and to achieve necessary agreements by this time.

In an interview with news agency \"Jahon\" member of the Belgian Senate D.Tilmans stated following: \"I fully support desire of the President of Uzbekistan to strengthen peace and security in Central Asia. Of course, the situation in the region is not simple. In this regard, the position of Uzbekistan on non-alignment and non-participation in various military units is correct and up to date. \"

\"We fully support the words of Islam Karimov expressed on Memorial Day, that Uzbekistan\'s policy towards Afghanistan taking into account of the fundamental interests of the two nations,\" – stressed employee of the Research Institute of Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia under Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Soo Chan.

According to the expert, as Afghanistan\'s neighbors, China and Uzbekistan are seriously concerned about the possibility of negative development of the situation in the country after withdrawal of coalition forces. \"We believe that the Afghan problem should be solved by Afghans themselves, the intervention of external forces can exacerbate an already difficult situation in the country and have a negative impact on regional security. However, is necessary to strengthen the economic and humanitarian aid”,-has said Soo Chan.

According to the director of the Japanese Research Institute of East Asian Studies U.Magosaki, the policy of Uzbekistan on regional security, the fight against extremism and drug trafficking is an important factor for sustainable development in Central Asia. \"Indeed, withdrawal of international forces from Afghanistan could strengthen and deepen inter-ethnic conflicts. Therefore, the problems of Afghanistan through the creation of the interim government and elections is a matter of urgency. The most important factor in this complicated process - to achieve a common agreement among the various political groups in Afghanistan, with the creation of a new political entity. This should involve, as a crucial link such international organizations as the UN and NATO, as well as the neighboring countries of Afghanistan. Creation of the temporary government will form a stable statehood in Afghanistan and create necessary conditions for peaceful existence of the multinational people of Afghanistan\" - thinks U.Magosaki.

Professor of the Japanese university, Niagata Sh.Hakamada notes that the territory of Afghanistan remains a platform for the \"big geopolitical games\" of outside forces, taking advantage of the situation in the country, seeking to expand the zone of influence, and to strengthen their position. It is noteworthy that, despite the extremely difficult situation in Afghanistan could lead to unpredictable consequences, the international community and the official Kabul has not yet reached a consensus to resolve the Afghan problem, according to a Japanese expert.

Former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, Deputy Chairman of \"Gerakan,\" Senator K.Pilay highly evaluated Uzbekistan’s policies on regional security in Central Asia, as well as the efforts and initiatives of Tashkent to resolve the Afghan problem. According to him, as a neighboring country Uzbekistan feels clearer and deeper than other states, the complicated political processes in Afghanistan. That is why the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov drew the world\'s attention to the need on reaching an agreement between contradicting parties, and on this basis to create a coalition government representing all ethnic and religious groups. This only way to establish peace in the country, stressed K.Pilay.

The other Malaysian expert, professor of “Binary” university, Zulfiqli Hoji Senteri has stressed: “Ensuring peace and stability in Afganistan will open Uzbekistan and Central Asian countries the shortest access to the large markets of the countries of the Asian-Pacific region. And this, in its turn, will give a powerful impact to further development of the trade-economical and investment relations between the countries of these regions. Considering this, ASEAN countries are extremely interested in establishing peace and stability in Afganistan”.

According to the professor of the International Baltic Academy (Latvia) I.Stetsenko, wise politics of Islam Karimov, aimed at good neighboring, peace and protection of the interests of Uzbek people, is making a great contribution to peace and security not only in Central Asia but also in Europe. \"I am deeply convinced that Uzbek people, absorbed philosophy and ideology of such great thinkers as Navoi, Biruni, Ulugbek and Ibn Sina , preserving legacy of their ancestors, will continue to advocate for preservation of peace among people and nations, strengthening cultural cooperation, to be an example of wisdom, humanity and tolerance\", - said I.Stetsenko.

We can assure that responses and opinions of representatives of political, academic, expert and analytical circles and foreign media to the interview of the President, Islam Karimov on May 9 of this year, on the occasion of the Day of Memory and Honor, are clear evidence of the broad support of the international community on deeply elaborated position of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the establishment of peace in Afghanistan, security and stability in Central Asia.

(Source: Uzreport Agency)