It is really weird. This is an aircraft which flies in about the same kind of quantities than the DC3 did. Why uncertified? It has a Russian C of A. It was certified there. Looking at what this plane has accomplished in it's decades of service, there really is no reason whatsoever for this extreme kind of restriction, unless it is for protectionism of the own products. Not even Europe, with it's extremist attitude towards regulation restricts this aircraft to that extent, apart of course that most of the ones operating here will fall under the third party rules proposed by EASA.
The Antonov can not be operated just like a Cessna. That this is said tells me that the authorities either choose not to read the AOM or deliberately have not done that. No student can solo in this thing and no PPL would get it off the ground without type transition training of at least 10-20 hours. Most of the AN2's are multi crew airplanes, requiring a 2-person cockpit crew, most countries I know about them ask a CPL as a minimum qualification. Why not simply ask a type rating on it? Would make sense. It is simply so extremely unlike the US with it's usually positive attitude towards flying unless there are higher interests involved.
It appears I read the same article you did. I just wondered whether some reason has entered the stage by now or if the price of fuel alone was quite enough to discourage further use of the type.
Best regards
AN2 Driver