EU threatens action unless Uzbeks allow inquiry

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http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L23353812.htm

BRUSSELS, May 23 (Reuters) - The European Union threatened to use diplomatic pressure against Uzbekistan on Monday unless President Islam Karimov allows an independent international inquiry into bloodshed in the east of the Central Asian state.

"If President Karimov does not accept an international inquiry ... we have referred to all of the diplomatic means that can be used to exert pressure," Jean Asselborn, foreign minister of EU President Luxembourg, told a news conference. snip

Witnesses say more than 500 people, mostly civilians, died when troops moved to end the protest against what many people saw as an unfair trial of 23 local businessmen.

Karimov is a key U.S. ally in its war against terrorism in neighbouring Afghanistan. Washington has an airbase in Uzbekistan and provides finance to Uzbek security forces despite major concerns over human rights, including torture.