UNHCR Leaves Uzbekistan
April 18, 2006
Uzbek refugees pictured in a camp in Kyrgyzstan shortly after the crackdown in Andijon in May 2005 (file photo) (RFE/RL)
The UNHCR's spokesperson, Jennifer Pagonis, says the decision is at the request of Uzbek authorities.
The UNHCR announced on March 20 that Tashkent had given it one month to leave, saying the agency had fulfilled its tasks and there was no need for its continued presence.
Uzbek authorities have accused the UN body of protecting criminals and terrorists. The UNHCR has been involved in assisting Uzbek refugees who fled the country after the government crackdown on protesters in Andijon in May 2005. In July, more than 400 Uzbeks were given asylum in Europe, despite protests from Tashkent.
The agency's Tashkent office says it was involved principally in helping Afghan refugees in Uzbekistan.
(AP)