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Caucasus/Russia/Central Asia
EU ready to slap quick arms embargo on Uzbekistan
2005-10-01
BRUSSELS - The European Commission has prepared laws to impose a speedy arms embargo on Uzbekistan for refusing to allow an independent inquiry into a massacre in May, an EU official said on Friday. “We have prepared the legislation for the immediate implementation of an arms embargo,” the official said on condition of anonymity.
No strategic importance to the EU? Check.
No big-time arms sales pending? Check.
No chance Vlad will be angry with them? Check.
Empty, meaningless gesture? Check.
Okay, they're ready to implement the embargo.
The embargo, to be announced by EU foreign ministers when they meet in Luxembourg on Monday, will be accompanied by other measures, including visa restrictions against unnamed Uzbek officials.

The EU has repeatedly condemned the Uzbek authorities for failing to allow an independent international probe [of the violence in Andijan earlier this year], and has threatened and threatened, and threatened for months to take action. “We want to see the very worrying events in Andijan investigated by an independent, international body,” the official said, but added: “Their resistance remains as firm as ever.”

According to a draft text to be adopted by the ministers, the union will impose an “embargo on arms, military equipment and other equipment that might be useful in internal repression.” The document, seen by AFP, said the action was necessary “in light of the use of an excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate” use of force against civilians.

The EU “has also decided to implement restrictions in admission aimed at these individuals” implicated in the repression, the text said. A list of those concerned would be drawn up at a later date.
Posted by:Steve White

#1  They might as well; they'll just be able to buy the Chinese-manufactured versions of French weapons instead otherwise...
Posted by: Phil Fraering   2005-10-01 09:42  

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