Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Tajik leader pledges to steer away from Islam

Wednesday 09 September 1992 18:02 EDT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

DUSHANBE (Reuter) - Tajikistan's new leader vowed yesterday that the fall of Rakhmon Nabiyev, the former Communist president, would not lead to the creation of an Iranian-style Islamic state. 'That must not happen,' the parliamentary chairman, Akbarsho Iskandarov, told reporters at celebrations marking the first anniversary of Tajikistan's declaration of independence from the Soviet Union.

'I can state with complete certainty that no one is raising that question. That is impossible. Even if anyone wanted to do that, he would not be able to.' Mr Iskandarov took on the functions of President after Mr Nabiyev resigned on Monday under intense pressure from the combined democratic and Islamic opposition.

The fall of Mr Nabiyev, who is thought to have stepped down under duress, has heightened concern among some Tajiks and in the West that this poor and unstable Central Asian state could swing towards militant Islam.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in