Conclusions of EU External Relations Council - Uzbekistan

Council Conclusions concerning the situation in eastern Uzbekistan

"1. The Council is profoundly concerned by the latest developments in eastern Uzbekistan. The Council deeply regrets the appalling loss of life and expresses its sympathy to the people, who have suffered as a consequence of violence. The Council will continue to monitor closely the evolution of events. The Council is also worried about the resulting movement of population on the Kyrgyz border and urges Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan to ensure full compliance with international conventions on internally displaced persons and refugees.

2. The Council strongly condemns the reported excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate use of force by the Uzbek security forces, and calls upon the Uzbek authorities to act with restraint in order to avoid further loss of life. The Council encourages all sides to work towards a peaceful and sustainable solution to the present situation.

3. In this context, the Council urgently calls upon the Uzbek authorities to respect their international commitments to democracy, the rule of law and human rights. The Council recalls in particular the commitments and the existing mechanisms in the framework of the EU-Uzbekistan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and in the OSCE.

4. The Council deeply regrets the failure so far of the Uzbek authorities to respond adequately to the UN's call for an independent international inquiry into these events to take place and urges the Uzbek authorities to reconsider their position. Depending on the response, the Council will consider further steps. The Council also calls upon the Uzbek authorities to grant immediate and unimpeded access to humanitarian agencies and other relevant international organizations to the area.

5. It will be important that the root causes of instability are addressed. The Council urges the Uzbek authorities to carry out domestic reforms, which are essential for the social and economic development and the achievement of democracy and stability in the country. The Council will continue to coordinate with the OSCE and other relevant international actors, such as the Russian Federation and the United States, in order to support such reforms effectively.

6. The Council stands ready to use instruments available within the framework of the Uzbekistan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement to assist the affected population in its immediate humanitarian needs."

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• EU Council Conclusions on Uzbekistan (3/10/2005)
• GAERC Conclusions on Uzbekistan (18/7/2005)
• Commission expresses concern about Uzbek human rights activist (7/7/2005)
• EU Council Conclusions concerning Uzbekistan (13/6/2005)
• EU Parliament - MEPs condemn situation in Uzbekistan  (9/6/2005)
• EU Presidency declaration on elections in Uzbekistan (11/1/2005)