Conflict flared around Uzbek exclave Sokh, which is majority ethnic Tajik, in southern Kyrgyzstan (see Kyrgyzstan); closure of border in wake of violence left around Sokh 2,0oo residents unable to return to exclave and food and essential supplies running low in Sokh. Some 500 people 18 Jan reportedly picketed Uzbek side of Sokh-Kyrgyzstan border demanding it be reopened; dispersed by Uzbek Special Forces. Tensions between Sokh residents and Uzbek authorities increased after provincial governor levied funds from residents to compensate Kyrgyz for damage to cars. Uzbek border guards shot dead Kyrgyz citizen along border 4 Jan.

Collective Security Treaty Organisation agreed to Uzbekistan’s termination of its membership at 19 Dec summit in Moscow.

Tashkent court reversed Sept decision to seize all assets of subsidiary of Russian mobile company MTS after Russian investigators seized Moscow apartment belonging to President Karimov’s daughter. Authorities arrested 3 women in SE region Surhondaryo for spying for Tajikistan.

Uzbek border guard injured by Tajik border guards 11 Sept after he allegedly entered Tajik territory; two countries swapped recriminations. President Karimov visited Kazakhstan 7 Sept to discuss cooperation, security issues, potential regional conflict over water resources. Visiting Chinese VP Hui met with Karimov, signed agreements on cooperation, investments, Uzbek gas exports. Switzerland blocked bank accounts of 4 Uzbek nationals close to President, due to investigations into money laundering. Uzbek court authorized seizure of all assets of subsidiary of Russian mobile company MTS.

Parliament 30 Aug adopted foreign policy bill prohibiting foreign military bases, rejecting Uzbek membership in military alliances after June suspension of Collective Security Treaty Organisation membership. U.S. Assistant Sec Blake visited 15 Aug to discuss bilateral relations, including U.S. plan to promote stability in Central Asia after 2014 withdrawal of NATO troops from Afghanistan. Al-Qaeda-linked Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) 4 Aug announced death of leader Osman Adil in U.S. drone attack in Pakistan.

1 Uzbek, 1 Kyrgyz border guard killed 17 July during border clashes; Uzbek border guard commander dismissed over incident (see Kyrgyzstan). Leader of opposition Free Peasants party Nigora Hidoyatova 13 July fled country; authorities allegedly preparing to charge her with seeking to overthrow govt. Court 23 July jailed Kazakh national for 5 years for allegedly attempting to smuggle Islamic extremist materials into country. Sweden’s Chief Public Prosecutor 18 July accused Uzbek secret service of involvement in Feb attempted assassination of Uzbek opposition cleric Imam Nazarov. Human rights defender Akramkhodzha Mukhitdinov murdered 25 July in Tashkent province.

Russian President Putin 4 June met President Karimov, discussed security concerns following 2014 NATO withdrawal from Afghanistan. Uzbekistan 24 June suspended CSTO membership, accused organisation of ignoring its opinions. Opposition groups 30 June met in Prague, discussed ouster of President Karimov. Bukhara mayor Khayit Komilov arrested 15 June on corruption charges.

Police 15 May announced investigation into 8 May abduction, killing of former minister Anvar Jabborov. Govt mid- month stated intention to privatise 500 key state assets.

Govt 4 April rejected Tajik accusations country imposing economic blockade; 16 April resumed gas supplies to Tajikistan. Human rights activist Alisher Karomatov released from prison after serving 6 years of 9-year sentence.

Parliament 23 March delayed presidential polls from Dec 2014 to early 2015. Authorities reportedly installed security cameras late-Feb in about 30 mosques in eastern city of Namangan; locals described move as another curb on Islamic practices.