The Council of the European Union has issued a press release (PDF) containing its list of Uzbeks restricted from entry into the EU over their role in Andijon.
1. Almatov, Zakirjan, Minister of Interior
2. Mullajonov, Tokhir Okhunovich, First Deputy Interior Minister
3. Gulamov, Kadir Gafurovich, Defence Minister
4. Mirzaev, Ruslan, National Security Council State Adviser
5. Begaliyev , Saidullo Begaliyevich, Andizhan Regional Governor
6. Akhmedov, Kossimali, Major General
7. Ergashev, Ismail Ergashevitch, Major General (Retired)
8. Ergashev, Pavel Islamovich, Colonel
9. Mamo, Vladimir Adolfovich, Major General
10. Pak, Gregori, Colonel
11. Tadzhiev, Valeri, Colonel
12. Inoyatov, Rustam Raulovich, Chief of SNB (National Security Service)
The travel and arms embargo (which includes these items with potential repressive uses) will initially last for one year.
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Can anyone explain why Karimov and his daughter, at the very least, are not included on the list? Does the EU think that Karimov will somehow come around and see the errors of his ways because they leave open the possiblility he will be added? What gives?
The situation’s not exactly the same, but the Belarus visa bans don’t include Lukashenko. As for Karimova, she doesn’t exactly fit into the category of those on the list.
If I hear why he’s absent and am able to say why, I will.
I believe that Inoyatov and Almatov are the two powerful elite bosses who want Karimov’s job the most. They’re both on the list (not surprisingly given their jobs). I guess a change in power might not mean greener grass and roses.
I believe Mugabe of Zimbabwe was put on an US and EU (or maybe it was Commonwealth) no-visa list. So I don’t think it’s without prescedent.
Didn’t one of those two guys go MIA into the ether of “the abroad” a while back? Anyone know if he went back to Uzbekistan or what became of him?
And you’re right Brian, there’s precedent. What I have heard speculated is that his omission is to leave open a channel between Europe and Uzbekistan as well as the possibility of adding him later. And I would assume adding him all by his lonesome at a later date has a bit more punch than putting him on a list with these others. But, it’s all speculative at this point, and like I said, if I hear why he’s not on and can mention it, I certainly will.
Brian, I have seen brief comments on the Inoyatov and Almatov spat and my Uzbek colleagues have made similar observations during my recent visits. No one, though, has gone into detail. Is there any comprehensive treatment of this anywhere?
There is an article in today’s centrasia.ru that Almatov is currently being treated from cancer in Germany. What do we have to say about that?
My first thought was that diplomatic protocol may be an issue when considering why Karimov wasn’t included on the list. The EU, for example, allowed Robert Mugabe as head of State of Zimbabwe, to visit Rome recently to attend a UN conference.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/4349042.stm
However, reading the BBC story about his visit, it appears that Mugabe was at the time (and still is) banned from visiting EU countries directly, so I can’t really see any good reason why the EU can’t ban a head of state from visiting for any purposes other than UN business.
Odd.
Eric,
It’s mentioned a bit here
http://www.registan.net/?p=5153
and more in depth here
http://www.eurasianet.org/departments/insight/articles/eav010505a.shtml
I’ve also read a lengthy story about it on some Russian or Central Asian website that I can’t remember… but it is only speculation I suppose.
One question, I’m a bit confused. I’ve heard “Uzbekistan’s KGB”, the national security services, referred to both as the SNB and the NSS. Are these two the same agency?
Brian,
Yes, SNB will be the Russian acronym for Служба Национальной Безопасности, and NSS National Security Service.
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