To His Excellency Mr. Shavkat Mirziyoyev President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Your Excellency, I wish to convey to you personally, and to the people of the Republic of Uzbekistan, my profound respect. I would also like to express my sincere regret regarding the situation that has arisen in connection with FIDE and the organization of chess events in Samarkand. It is deeply regrettable that the internal organizational difficulties of an international sports federation could cast a shadow over a country that has made every effort to welcome the international chess community with the highest standards of hospitality, professionalism, and dignity. Having known Uzbekistan for many years, I wish to state unequivocally that these difficulties are not the responsibility of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Under your leadership, Uzbekistan has become one of the region’s leading nations - a country distinguished by its extraordinary historical and cultural heritage, dynamic development, and steadily growing international standing. For centuries, Samarkand has served as a meeting place for peoples, cultures, and civilizations. Today, it continues this remarkable tradition by welcoming representatives of the international community from across the world. It would therefore be entirely unjust for any mistakes or internal organizational shortcomings on the part of FIDE to be used to call into question Uzbekistan’s reputation as the host country. Responsibility for FIDE’s decisions and organizational failures must not be transferred to the Republic of Uzbekistan. The name of Uzbekistan must not be invoked as justification for errors committed by others, nor should anything be permitted to undermine the dignity and reputation of the country and its people. As a candidate for the presidency of FIDE, I consider it my duty to state this position publicly and unambiguously. Uzbekistan deserves the gratitude of the international chess community, not criticism for circumstances beyond its responsibility. Uzbekistan deserves recognition and respect, not attempts to associate the country with the failures of an international sports organization. I will do everything within my power to ensure that this position is clearly understood throughout the international chess community. The reputation of a great nation must never be made hostage to the internal problems of any international sports organization. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration. Wadim Rosenstein Candidate for President of FIDE