Uzbekistan cancels Valentine's Day
Romance is off the menu this Valentine's Day in Uzbekistan
Authorities in Uzbekistan are, apparently, unwilling to give love a chance.
The Central Asian nation has cancelled concerts and other events for Valentine's Day, according to reports by Russian news agency RIA-Novosti.
Instead, residents in the capital Tashkent can enjoy readings of poems by Mughal emperor Babur, who died in the 16th century.
The unofficial ban on romance-related festivities echoes long-standing antagonism in Uzbekistan towards the holiday.
Last year, the Turkiston newspaper described Valentine's Day as the work of "forces with evil goals bent on putting an end to national values".
Although most people across former Soviet Central Asia are Muslim, many enjoy celebrating what is nominally a Christian feast.
Press Association
