Uzbek Officials Say Foreign Aid Failed Health Regulations

Uzbek President Islam Karimov (file photo) (epa) August 2, 2006 -- Uzbekistan's prosecutors say humanitarian aid sent to the country by two U.S. nongovernmental groups that were recently ordered to close their offices does not meet the country's health requirements.

The pro-government information website press-uz.info quotes an official with the Prosecutor General's Office as saying that the 68 tons of second-hand clothes sent by Counterpart International and Central Asian Free Exchange (CAFE) to the region of Navoi Region between 2000 and 2005 were stored in violation of hygienic norms.

The official also said the foreign shipment had traces of radioactivity that represents a "serious threat" to human health.

It is unclear whether authorities blame the two NGOs, or their local partner in Navoi Region.

Counterpart International and CAFE have been recently ordered to leave the country on charges that they both deny.

In comments to press-uz.info, a pro-government expert today accused some U.S. NGOs of spying on the country.

(www.press-uz.info)