In our previous posts, we wrote about the Uzbek government being silent on the conflict between Georgia and Russian in South Ossetia. According to the Information Agency of MFA of Uzbekistan “Jahon”, President Islam Karimov has signed [ru] a decree to send a humanitarian aid to population of South Ossetia that “suffered during the violent conflict.” The aid will consist of building materials (cement), provisions, medicine and clothes. The total value of the aid is $250 thousand.

Thus, the Uzbek government is still trying to escape from announcing its official position on the conflict. There is no need to say that there are more than two players – Russia and Georgia – involved in the conflict in South Ossetia. It might be useful for the Uzbek government not to state its position on the conflict, as it is trying to find the balance between Russia and the West.

Meanwhile, Kyrgyzstan, a chairman country in CIS, has sent its delegation to Tskhinvali to held negotiations with sides to contribute to the peaceful settlement of the conflict. The Kyrgyz government also has not stated its position on the conflict yet. Given the fact that its the only county to host both Russian and US air base, it is reasonable for them to think about ‘the peaceful settlement of the conflict’ rather than openly supporting any sides.