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| EU renews Uzbekistan sanctions | EU renews Uzbekistan sanctions |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| The European Union has renewed sanctions against Uzbekistan, imposed after the 2005 killing of civilians by security forces in Andijan. | The European Union has renewed sanctions against Uzbekistan, imposed after the 2005 killing of civilians by security forces in Andijan. |
| EU foreign ministers agreed to extend an arms embargo and a travel ban for a number of top officials. | EU foreign ministers agreed to extend an arms embargo and a travel ban for a number of top officials. |
| But they did agree to resume low-level talks, acknowledging recent moves by Uzbek President Islam Karimov to address concerns over his policies. | But they did agree to resume low-level talks, acknowledging recent moves by Uzbek President Islam Karimov to address concerns over his policies. |
| Eyewitnesses say hundreds of people were killed during the Andijan unrest. | Eyewitnesses say hundreds of people were killed during the Andijan unrest. |
| President Karimov said 187 people were killed, and blamed the unrest on Islamic militants. | President Karimov said 187 people were killed, and blamed the unrest on Islamic militants. |
| In a statement, the 25 foreign ministers said they were "profoundly concerned by the human rights situation" in the Central Asian state. | In a statement, the 25 foreign ministers said they were "profoundly concerned by the human rights situation" in the Central Asian state. |
| The EU "urges Uzbekistan to implement fully its international obligations related to human rights and fundamental freedoms", the statement added. | The EU "urges Uzbekistan to implement fully its international obligations related to human rights and fundamental freedoms", the statement added. |
| The ban on arms is to be extended for another 12 months, while visa restrictions for 12 senior officials will be in place for another six months, the statement said. | |
| However, ministers have agreed to ease the suspension of a cooperation pact between the two countries, to allow for EU and Uzbek officials to discuss the events in Andijan. | However, ministers have agreed to ease the suspension of a cooperation pact between the two countries, to allow for EU and Uzbek officials to discuss the events in Andijan. |