Rafiq Nishonov, Soviet-Era Leader Of Uzbekistan, Dies At 96

The Soviet-era leader of Uzbekistan, Rafiq Nishonov, has died at the age of 96 in Moscow. Nishonov's friends confirmed the death on January 12 of the man who led Uzbekistan in 1988-89 before taking the post of chairman of the Soviet of Nationalities, the upper house of the Soviet parliament (the Supreme Council of the Soviet Union). Nishonov became an adviser to Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev weeks after the failed coup in August 1991 that led to the Soviet Union’s disintegration. He resided in Moscow until his death. To read the original story from RFE/RL's Uzbek Service, click here.