Agence France-Presse,
BRUSSELS: The European Union is to impose an arms embargo on Uzbekistan for refusing to launch an independent inquiry into a massacre there in May, according to a draft document seen by Agence France-Presse today.
The embargo, to be announced by EU foreign ministers when they meet in Luxembourg on Monday, will be accompanied by other measures, including visa restrictions against unnamed Uzbek officials.
According to Uzbek President Islam Karimov's administration, 187 people died in the May 13 violence in Andijan province, all due to the actions of insurgents who took over the main city there.
The trial of 15 men accused over the massacre started on September 20, with the suspects pleading 'fully guilty' to all charges on the first day.
But human rights activists say the defendants were tortured and that it was soldiers who actually killed hundreds of unarmed civilians involved in anti-government protests.
The EU has repeatedly condemned the Uzbek authorities for failing to allow an independent international inquiry, and has threatened for months to take action.
According to the draft text, the union will impose an 'embargo on arms, military equipment and other equipment that might be useful in internal repression.'
It said the action was necessary 'in light of the use of an excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate' use of force against civilians.
The EU 'has also decided to implement restrictions in admission aimed at these individuals' implicated in the repression, the text said. A list of those concerned would be drawn up at a later date.
All technical level talks with Uzbekistan, under a partnership agreement by which Brussels provides aid to the country, will also be suspended.
