Putin says death of Uzbek leader Karimov a `great loss`

Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin lamented the death of his Uzbek counterpart Islam Karimov as a "great loss" on Friday. after authorities there announced that the 78-year-old leader had passed away.

"His departure from life is a great loss for the people of Uzbekistan," Putin said in a telegram to senate head Nigmatilla Yuldashev, who takes over as acting leader.

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