Last October a UK diplomat, Craig Murray, was withdrawn as ambassador to Uzbekistan and was suspended on full pay. He said the reason for his removal was his criticism of the use of intelligence allegedly obtained under torture by the Uzbekistan Government – in other words, the abuse of human rights.
We commented - How long before the UK Government recognises the abuse of human rights taking place in Uzbekistan? Probably when the Central Asian Republics refuse us their oil or natural gas!
We recommended that people “Watch this space.” Well low and behold the massacre in Uzbekistan has now embarrassed the government into speaking out against the abuse of human rights in that country. Perhaps they should reinstate Craig Murray to show the seriousness of their concern or are their utterances merely for cosmetic purposes?
The United States has also been put under increasing pressure over its policy on Uzbekistan after the hardline government's suppression of protests, in which hundreds are feared to have died.
Washington has been consistently critical of Uzbekistan's record on human rights but it has also relied on President Islam Karimov's help in its "war on terror".
The US has a large military base in Uzbekistan that is seen by the Pentagon as important for the projection of US power into the region. It also has an eye on the Uzbek oil and gas reserves.
So while deeply concerned about the outbreak of violence, the United States has tried to avoid taking sides in public. That position is becoming untenable, however.
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