Speaking at an unscheduled session of Khorazm Region’s Council of People’s Deputies on 15 February, Islam Karimov said: "Our citizens should see in reality that there is the supremacy of law; to put it simply, that all of us, irrespective of our posts, are equal before the law and that, most importantly, punishment is inevitable for all those who violate the law."

Islam Karimov’s remarks were featured in Uzbek TV’s "Akhborot" news programme. The report said the session relieved the governor of Khorazm Region, Islom Bobojonov, of his post and, on Islam Karimov’s proposal, approved the candidacy of Ollobergan Olloberganov for the post of new governor of the region.

The report also showed Islom Karimov noting the need to create new jobs and bring in foreign investment in the region.