Paul Wolfowitz, the head of the World Bank (file photo) (AFP)
March 16, 2006 -- The World Bank says it will not extend fresh loans to Uzbekistan, citing its desire to ensure that loans are used to foster real development.
World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz said he is not certain that would be possible in Uzbekistan "due to the present environment."
Another foreign lender, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, stopped lending Tashkent money in 2004, citing human rights violations.
Concerns about Uzbekistan's political system have mounted since then, in the wake of the violent suppression of demonstrations in May 2005.
The World Bank said, though, that it will continue to offer technical help and consultation to the Uzbek government.
(Interfax, Reuters)
Aftermath Of Andijon
Aftermath Of Andijon
A dedicated webpage bringing together all of RFE/RL's coverage of the events in Andijon, Uzbekistan, in May 2005 and their continuing repercussions.