TASHKENT. Aug 22 (Interfax) - Uzbek President Islom Karimov has nationwide support and a high level of the people's confidence, the republic public opinion research center Izhtimoyiy Fikr (Social opinion) told reporters in Tashkent on Friday, citing a study entitled "Uzbekistan: 23rd Year of Independence."
The study was conducted in all regions of the country and surveys various social groups.
The study showed positive dynamics in people's evaluation of the country's achievements in the sphere of economics, politics, and spiritual development in the years of independence.
"The results showed that the people of Uzbekistan mark the holiday [September 1 is Independence Day in Uzbekistan] with a high spiritual and emotional level, with a feeling of pride for their Motherland and social optimism," the public opinion poll says.
The study showed that the development of the country is largely determined by socio-political and economic stability and a balance of public, ethnic and individual interests.
The poll showed that more and more citizens are happy with the republic's achievements. Specifically, 96.4% of the respondents pointed out the high rates of economic development, 94.7% mentioned social security, primarily of pensioners, children, women, and people with disabilities, 95.9% spoke about the level of personal safety, and 95.4% spoke about incentives for the development of small businesses and private enterprise.
An overwhelming majority of the respondents said their financial and living conditions have improved considerably. Over
86% have increased their social status, over 70% have received an education, have improved their educational level, or opened their own business. Over 80% of the respondents believe the economic reforms, including modernization and business development, have improved many people's lives.
The sociologists have pointed out one important tendency: positive changes are observed in the consciousness and thinking of the people of Uzbekistan along with the changes in the socio-political and economic spheres.
The study showed that many people support democratic values and ideals and have a feeling of satisfaction with the modernization of the priority areas of economy and law. A total of 94.8% of the respondents believe respect for law and legal awareness are on the rise in Uzbekistan, while 84.7% believe respect for human rights has increased in the years of the country's independence. A total of 88.1% of the respondents said the spiritual level, morals and ethical standards of the people has increased in the years of independence.