EU Council Conclusions concerning Uzbekistan

1. " The Council remains profoundly concerned about the serious events in Uzbekistan and deplores the Uzbek authorities' refusal to allow for an independent international enquiry into the recent events in Andijan to take place as well as their refusal to issue an entrance visa to the Personal Representative of the SG/HR for Human Rights.

2. The Council recalls its conclusions of May 23, 2005, and urges the Uzbek authorities to reconsider their position by the end of June 2005.

3. The Council notes the suggestion made by the Uzbek authorities concerning international involvement in the Uzbek investigation into the events in Andijan, but stands firmly by its conviction that an independent international enquiry should be held and will coordinate the necessary steps in that direction with the UN, OSCE and other relevant international organizations. In this context, the possible use of the Moscow mechanism of the OSCE should be considered.

4. The Uzbek government is bound by its commitments to respect the principles of democracy, the rule of law and human rights, which are enshrined in various international agreements it has concluded, especially the EU-Uzbekistan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement and in the framework of the OSCE.

5. The Council requests relevant Council bodies to follow closely the situation in Uzbekistan and to recommend subsequent follow-up measures as appropriate.

6. In particular, they will keep under review the case for a partial suspension of cooperation mechanisms between the EU and Uzbekistan, especially those elements of the EU-Uzbekistan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement that do not have an immediate impact on the Uzbek population.

7. The Council remains concerned over the situation of the affected populations and Uzbek refugees in Kyrgyzstan and asks the Kyrgyz authorities to respect their international commitments.

8. The Council urges the Uzbek authorities to grant immediate and unimpeded access to humanitarian agencies, in particular the ICRC, and other relevant international organizations to the area."

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• EU Council Conclusions on Uzbekistan (3/10/2005)
• EUHR Solana expresses concern for Uzbek detainees in Kyrgyzstan (3/8/2005)
• GAERC Conclusions on Uzbekistan (18/7/2005)
• EUHR's Representative for Human Rights Matthiessen concerned at detention of Uzbek human rights defender Shamsiddinov (8/7/2005)
• Commission expresses concern about Uzbek human rights activist (7/7/2005)
• EU Parliament - MEPs condemn situation in Uzbekistan  (9/6/2005)
• Conclusions of EU External Relations Council - Uzbekistan (23/5/2005)
• EU Presidency declaration on elections in Uzbekistan (11/1/2005)