U.S. lawmakers target leaders of Uzbekistan

[Judi Lynn]

U.S. lawmakers target leaders of Uzbekistan
By Brian Knowlton International Herald Tribune

TUESDAY, MAY 9, 2006

WASHINGTON A year after hundreds of Uzbeks are thought to have been killed in a government crackdown on political opponents, two influential Republican legislators said here that they would introduce legislation calling for sanctions that would personally affect the family and governing circle of President Islam Karimov.

The bill, said Senator John McCain of Arizona and Representative Christopher Smith of New Jersey, would call for limitations on U.S. funding to Uzbekistan unless the secretary of state established that Tashkent had permitted a credible investigation of the killings in the city of Andijon on May 13, 2005, and had improved human rights.

Those killings, which came a day after government opponents attacked official buildings and police stations and freed several prisoners in a still- murky series of events, claimed 187 lives by Tashkent's count. But McCain noted that eyewitnesses and outsiders who have studied the events believe 500 to 1,000 people died.

The bill would also call for a ban on travel visas for certain Uzbek officials, including Karimov, and on U.S. munition exports to the country, bringing the United States closer to the European Union position.

McCain, speaking to a conference on Uzbekistan that was co-sponsored by pro-democracy and human rights groups, said that a year ago Uzbekistan lacked true opposition parties and the government's human rights record was "appalling."
(snip/...)

http://www.iht.com/articles/2006/05/09/news/uzbek.php

[Xeric]

1. We're not mad at them for the torture

We're mad at them for kicking us out of an airbase there because they wanted more blood money and we wouldn't pay.

[Judi Lynn]

2. You've got it! Bush knew all about the horrendous torture of prisoners

before he arranged to use the country as a base. There are photos of all _Bush's people, including Colin Powell, Tommy Franks, Rumsfeld, Doughlas Feith, even Victoria Clark all meeting and greeting Islam Karimov.

Karimov just decided to push his luck and tried to shake them down.

Now _Bush thinks Karimov may have human rights issues!

[cliss]

3. Oh, WHO could forget that photo?

I sometimes think about that photo. The wide-eyed, glittering eyes, all directed at Karimov. There was SO much admiration this tough guy!

He's so......STRONG. So....unrelenting to opposition. So.....homicidal.

I'm telling you, those admiring onlookers were Jealous.

[bennywhale]

4. A bit fucking late. Every one was very happy with supporting

a murderous regime when they helped the US now they want US army to leave they ain't happy. Same fucking story over and over and over........