Javier SOLANA EU High Representative for the CFSP commented on the Andizhan trial in Uzbekistan

							                                                                                                Brussels, 16 November 2005
                                                                                                                   S369/05




                               Javier SOLANA,
                      EU High Representative for the CFSP,
                        commented on the Andizhan trial
                                in Uzbekistan



Javier Solana, EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy commented on
the recent trial in Uzbekistan in connection with the events in Andizhan last May.

He voiced deep concern at the conduct of the trial of fifteen men in relation to the events in
Andizhan on 12-13 May this year. Despite the close attention of the EU and others, the trial has, Mr
Solana said, fallen well short of the international standards necessary for a free and fair judicial
process.

The Uzbek authorities have repeatedly refused the calls of the EU and others for an investigation
into the events in Andizhan arguing that the whole truth would be revealed in this trial. However,
little attempt was made during these proceedings to directly address the substantial body of credible
evidence pointing to the excessive and indiscriminate use of force by the Uzbek authorities. Sadly,
Mr Solana said, we are still no closer to the truth and the need for an independent investigation
remains.



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           This statement is attributable to Cristina Gallach, Spokesperson of HR Solana



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