Barack Obama 2016-07-01 2 Statement on the Death of President Islom Karimov of Uzbekistan September 2, 2016 At this challenging time of President Islom Karimov's passing, the United States reaffirms its support for the people of Uzbekistan. This week, I congratulated President Karimov and the people of Uzbekistan on their country's 25 years of independence. As Uzbekistan begins a new chapter in its history, the United States remains committed to partnership with Uzbekistan, to its sovereignty, security, and to a future based on the rights of all its citizens.