EU To Impose Sanctions On Uzbekistan Over Andijon

A scene from Andijon on 14 May -- a day after government troops fired on demonstrators 29 September 2005 -- Reports from Brussels say the European Union will impose sanctions on Uzbekistan -- including visa bans and an arms embargo -- for Tashkent's refusal to allow an international probe into the violence that took place in Andijon in May.

The sanctions are due to be announced on 3 October during a meeting of EU foreign ministers.

Western news agencies cite the draft document as criticizing what it calls "the excessive, disproportionate, and indiscriminate use of force by the Uzbek security forces."

The draft says the European Council has decided to impose an embargo on exports to Uzbekistan of arms, military equipment, and other equipment that might be used for "internal repression."

Other measures include cuts to EU aid programs, and a renewed call on EU states to highlight the need for respect of human rights in all bilateral dealings with Tashkent.

The Foreign Ministry in Tashkent had no immediate comment.

(AFP/Reuters)

See also:

For RFE/RL's full coverage of the Andijon trials, see "Aftermath Of Andijon"

See also a timeline of the events in Andijon