Accessibility links

Breaking News

U.S. Congressmen Urge Cutoff Of Uzbek Payments


The Congressmen have urged a break with President Karimov (pictured) 30 September 2005 (RFE/RL) -- Two U.S. legislators have introduced a resolution calling on the Bush administration to end the Department of Defense payments to the Uzbek government.

The measure by Congressmen Bill Delahunt and Lloyd Doggett also urges the administration to press for International Criminal Court prosecution of Uzbek President Islam Karimov for the crackdown in Andijon.

Delahunt told RFE/RL he wants the United States to break off any support for Karimov.

"In essence this is the culmination of a concern that I have shared for some time now and it's an effort to bring to the attention of the Congress the conduct of Mr. Karimov, one of our partners in the so-called 'coalition of the willing.' I
think it's time that we be very clear, draw a very bright line, and disassociate ourselves from the Karimov government," Delahunt said.

The future of the measure is not certain. Most members of Congress oppose the International Criminal Court, as does the administration. The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced its plans to pay the Uzbek government $23 million for use of the Karshi-Khanabad air base, which the U.S. will vacate in several months.

The U.S. State Department is withholding about $20 million in potential aid pending Uzbek government action on human rights reforms.

See also:

EU To Impose Sanctions On Uzbekistan Over Andijon

RFE/RL Special: Aftermath Of Andijon

Timeline of Andijon Events

RFE/RL has been declared an "undesirable organization" by the Russian government.

If you are in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine and hold a Russian passport or are a stateless person residing permanently in Russia or the Russia-controlled parts of Ukraine, please note that you could face fines or imprisonment for sharing, liking, commenting on, or saving our content, or for contacting us.

To find out more, click here.

XS
SM
MD
LG