Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Alistair Carmichael (Liberal Democrat). It was answered on Tuesday, 1 November 2005 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Andijan Massacre

Question: Has there not already been a series of independent inquiries, organised by groups such as Human Rights Watch and the Institute for War & Peace Reporting? Have they not established that what happened in Andijan was at least as bad as what happened in Tiananmen square? Should we not now seek sanctions against the Uzbek Government, similar to those that were imposed on China after Tiananmen square?

Answer: We believe that the Uzbek authorities did use excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate force, but we also believe that the case for an independent inquiry endures. As for the specific efforts made by the British Government, I have already mentioned the imposition of an arms embargo under the British leadership and presidency, and the visa restrictions imposed on those deemed to have been responsible for the disproportionate use of force in Andijan. All technical meetings have been suspended under the European Union's partnership and co-operation agreement. We will of course support the reorientation of the Commission's funding programme for Uzbekistan to promote an increased focus on poverty reduction along with democracy, human rights and civil societies. We have taken action, but the Council of the European Union has not ruled out additional steps if they prove necessary.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 438 c712-3
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Politics and government Uzbekistan Arms trade Human rights Violence Sanctions EU external relations Oppression
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk