HUMAN RIGHTS IN UZBEKISTAN

Early day motion 328, tabled 17 December 2003 by Alice Mahon (Labour). Signed by 62 members.

That this House is aware that political parties are banned and thousands of activists jailed and tortured in Uzbekistan; believes that Uzbekistan is not a functioning democracy and does not appear to be moving in that direction; is also aware that the United States has the use of Uzbek air bases, that hundreds of American troops are now stationed there and that US aid to Uzbekistan tripled to $295 million in 2002; believes that pragmatism and self-interest are guiding US policy on Uzbekistan; concurs with the view of the British Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Mr Craig Murray, that 'no government has the right to use the war against terrorism as an excuse for the persecution of those with a deep personal commitment to the Islamic religion and who pursue their views by peaceful means'; abhors the abuse of human rights in Uzbekistan; and calls on Her Majesty's Government to bring political pressure to bear to end these abuses and to urge the US Administration to do likewise.

Signatures by party: Labour 41, Liberal Democrat 12, Labour/Co-operative 5, Plaid Cymru 2, Independent Ulster Unionist 1, Scottish National Party 1.