MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION

24.10.2006

with request for inclusion in the agenda for the debate on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law
pursuant to Rule 115 of the Rules of Procedure
by Cristiana Muscardini, Janusz Wojciechowski,
on behalf of the UEN Group
on Uzbekistan

B6‑0570/06

European Parliament resolution on Uzbekistan

The European Parliament,

-  having regard to its previous resolutions on the Central Asian Republics and Uzbekistan

-  having regard to its resolution of 28 April 2005 on the Annual Report on Human Rights in the World 2004 and the EU's policy on the matter,

-  having regard to its resolution of 27 october 2005

-  having regard to the report from the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE/ODIHR) on the events in Andijan,

-  having regard to Rule 115(5) of its Rules of Procedure

A.  whereas the Government of Uzbekistan has not yet allowed any independent inquiry to be held into the events of 13 May 2005 in Andijan;

B.  whereas most independent local journalists and human rights activists are being subjected to intimidation by the security services or have been expelled from the country,

C.  whereas civil society in Uzbekistan, as well as in neighbouring countries, demands a more open society, where individual freedoms and human rights are fully respected, as well as real progress towards democracy

1.  Reiterates the refusal by the Government of Uzbekistan to provide transparency and its withdrawal from external contact, to freely attend the trials which are under way;

2.  Reiterates the importance of EU-Uzbekistan relations and continued dialogue

3.  recognises the crucial role of Uzbekistan in the Central Asia region

4.  stresses that those relations must be based on mutual respect for the principles of democracy, the rule of law and human rights as clearly laid down in the above-mentioned EU-Uzbekistan Partnership and Cooperation Agreement;

5.  Calls on the local authorities of the Uzbekistan to restore the freedom of the press in the country    

6.  Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, the Presidents, Governments and Parliaments of Uzbekistan, the Secretary-General of the United Nations and the Secretary General of the OSCE.