Registan.net

[US Ambassador Julie] Finley began by citing the massacre in Andijon, Uzbekistan, in May as an example of a governments failure to recognize the right of its citizens to assemble peacefully.

She acknowledged that the shootings were preceded by an armed assault on a prison and government buildings, saying that the United States does not condone these actions, and we acknowledge the right of governments to maintain public order using proportionate force.

The reaction of Uzbek security forces, however, far exceeded any possible provocation, Finley continued. There is no justification for opening fire indiscriminately on thousands of men, women and children peacefully assembled in a public square.

The freedoms of assembly and association have not been respected in Uzbekistan over the last dozen years, she said, noting that no legal opposition parties are allowed in the country and those who protest social and economic grievances risk being jailed or beaten.

In 1990, the OSCE participating states adopted politically binding commitments to respect the right of individuals and groups to establish, in full freedom, their own political parties or other political organizations and reaffirmed that everyone will have the right of peaceful assembly and demonstration.

Uzbekistan’s disregard for its OSCE commitments is undermining its security, the United States believes. The systemic failure to observe these basic rights has exacerbated circumstances in Uzbekistan and, we believe, is a radicalizing factor, Finley said.

The United States, European Union, United Nations and OSCE have called for an independent, international investigation into the facts surrounding the Andijon massacre.

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