Ruslan Mirzaev (file photo)
Tashkent, 18 November 2005 (RFE/RL) -- Uzbek President Islam Karimov today appointed his Security Council secretary, Ruslan Mirzaev, as defense minister, RFE/RL's Uzbek Service reported.
Karimov dismissed Defense Minister Kadyr Gulyamov earlier today. Gulyamov was one of 12 Uzbek official the European Union has banned from entering EU states because of their roles in suppressing unrest in eastern Uzbekistan in May.
Defense Ministry spokesman Rakhim Nurnazarov said Gulyamov was transferred to a different post.
"He was named adviser to the president on matters of education and science, Nurnazarov said.
Mirzaev is also on the EU's list of banned Uzbek officials. No reason was given for the change.
(with material with Reuters/AP)
Aftermath Of Andijon
Aftermath Of Andijon
A dedicated webpage bringing together all of RFE/RL's coverage of the events in Andijon, Uzbekistan, in May 2005 and their continuing repercussions.