Uzbekistan Refugee Situation

Uzbekistan Refugee Situation (Taken Question)

Question: Is the United States aware of press reports that Kyrgyzstan is forcing refugees from Uzbekistan to return to their country? Are these reports accurate?

Answer: We have seen these press reports, but have not received confirmation of them from either the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees or from the U.S. embassies in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. We are following this issue closely and have indicated to both Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan that we expect them to follow international standards.

The United States is confident that Kyrgyzstan will continue to honor its commitments as a party to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers are protected from forced return to Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan has stated that it is not putting pressure on Kyrgyzstan on this issue.

2005/546 Released on May 23, 2005 Taken Question Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 23, 2005 Question Taken at May 23, 2005 Daily Press Briefing