In an address to parliament on 30 April, President Islam Karimov berated Uzbek political parties for failing to take a more active role in the country\'s political life, Uzbek Radio reported the same day. Karimov said, \"We have five political parties.... Why don\'t you even say a word against each other?... The collision of ideas will certainly lead to justice and truth. If there is no struggle between ideas, then why do we need five parties?\" The remarks reinforced comments Karimov made at a 29 April press conference. Uzbek Radio quoted him as saying, \"These parties have no independent platform or ideology and, regrettably, are still weak in terms of winning the hearts and minds of ordinary people.\" (RFE/RL)