The foreign ministers of the European Union met on 3 October 2005 to consider the imposition of sanctions on Uzbekistan for refusing to allow an independent international investigation of the violent uprising that took place in Andijan on 13 May 2005. There are differing reports on the number of people killed during the uprising and the circumstances that led to the violence. Since May, the European Union has called on Uzbekistan to permit international experts to conduct a transparent investigation. Uzbekistan has thus far refused. The sanctions imposed by the EU include an embargo on "arms and equipment that might be used for internal repression" and a ban on travel to the EU for Uzbek officials. The sanctions will last for one year and will then be reviewed based on "Uzbekistan's willingness to 'adhere to the principles of respect for human rights, rule of law and fundamental freedoms." This requirement is a part of the 1999 Partnerhsip and Cooperation Agreement that established and governs the relationship between the EU and Uzbekistan. It is unclear what effect these sanctions will have given the fact that Uzbekistan secures its arms and equipment, in large part, from "Russia, China and other non-EU states."
Compiled from: Chivers, C.J. EU Sets Sanctions on Uzbekistan, International Herald Tribune, 3 October 2005; EU Considers Uzbekistan Sanctions, EUobserver, 3 October 2005.