The Uzbek government did not immediately confirm the reports. Earlier on Friday it said in a statement that the health of Karimov, who has been in hospital since last Saturday, had sharply deteriorated. "Yes, he has died," one of the diplomatic sources said when asked about Karimov's condition. Karimov did not designate a successor and analysts say the transition of power is likely to be decided behind closed doors by a small group of senior officials and family members. A hint at who is going to succeed Karimov may come with the government's announcement of his death - which one of the sources said was expected lateron Friday - and whoever it names to head of the commission in charge of organizing the funeral.

Source: bd News24 September 02, 2016 09:33 UTC