It has become a good tradition to hold a "round table" session in Tashkent on the occasion of the International Day for Tolerance, which is marked all over the world in keeping with a UN decision.

The event was attended by local scientists and specialists working in the fields of spirituality and education, as well as representatives from international organizations.

International, interreligious, intercultural and interlingual tolerance established in our country was mentioned as an important factor of stable society during the forum, which was organized by the Ijtimoiy Fikr public opinion study centre and the representative office of Germany’s Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Uzbekistan. Principles of tolerance are embodied in our country’s constitution (Article 18), which stipulates equal rights for all citizens, regardless of their ethnicity and faith.

During their reports and speeches, those in attendance noted that a well-thought-out ethnic and interreligious policy is a basis of interethnic accord in Uzbekistan. Another important factor of ensuring tolerance is the consolidating role of the titular nation as well as its traits, such as tolerance, openness and readiness for dialogue.

It is no accident that in his book "Uzbekistan on the threshold of the 21st century", the head of state emphasized that ethnic and religious tolerance had become an integral part of the common culture and mentality of Uzbek citizens. Results of a recent sociological survey conducted by the Ijtimoiy Fikr centre on the issue were presented at the event.

It is rather symbolic that when asked what was the most valuable asset of independent Uzbekistan, over 93% of people living in the country answered "Peace and stability, interethnic and civil accord in our common home."