Govt continued to criticise plans for second Russian military base in Kyrgyzstan near Uzbek border (see Kyrgyzstan). Head of U.S. Central Command Gen Petraeus visit 18 Aug reinforced speculation U.S. drawing closer to President Karimov regime. Uzbekistan 25 Aug refused to participate in training exercises for Moscow-organised rapid regional deployment force under auspices of Collective Security Treaty Organization in spite of being signatory to treaty. Media late-month reported claims Uzbekistan preparing to build new military facility near Kyrgyz border. At least 2 killed in reported series of shootings in Tashkent 29 Aug.

Govt 14 July criticised Russian plans to open second military base in Kyrgyzstan near Uzbek border. Meeting with President Karimov in Tashkent, U.S. Undersec State Burns 13 July said U.S. grateful for Tashkent’s support for Northern Distribution Network for Afghanistan, wants to improve economic, security cooperation.

Following late-May insurgent attacks in Ferghana Valley, authorities started digging trenches along Kyrgyz border where they allege attacks originated, prompting Kyrgyz criticism, growing tension. Govt 9 June erected checkpoint in disputed area alongside Tajik border. 14 June summit of Collective Security Treaty Organization saw Uzbekistan along with Belarus refuse to sign rapid reaction force agreement. EU representatives met in Tashkent 10 June for human rights dialogue with govt. Month marked 20th anniversary of President Karimov rule.

Fears of Islamist resurgence following fatal attacks in Ferghana Valley late month. In Khanabad, attacks on police station, border checkpoint, interior ministry office 26 May; conflicting reports of casualties, details. Suicide bomb at police station in Andijan same day left attacker and 1 police killed. Islamic Jihad Union, offshoot of Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, claimed responsibility. Govt claimed attacks originated from Kyrgystan; Bishkek denied. President Karimov 11 May announced Navoi cargo airport being used for non-military NATO supplies transport to Afghanistan. Govt refused to sign EU energy summit final declaration 8 May (see Kazakhstan).

Uzbek troops conducted exercises near Tajik border 8 Apr; Tajik defence ministry said not informed, in spite of Shanghai Cooperation Organization protocol.

Head of U.S. Central Command Gen Petraeus visited mid-month for talks on Afghanistan supply routes; President Karimov 25 Feb confirmed agreement allowing transit of non-military goods through Uzbekistan. At 4 Feb Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) meeting in Moscow, Uzbekistan expressed reservations on delegation of military units to joint rapid-reaction force.

During visit by Russian President Medvedev, govt 23 Jan pledged to export gas via future pipeline routes through Russia only. Reports emerged that activist involved in 2005 Andijan massacre tortured to death in prison late 2008; 2 other similar incidents also reported.

28 women detained by police early Dec for religious extremism, allegedly regional leaders of Hizb ut- Tahrir; relatives say detainees abused in custody, Hizb ut- Tahrir group 20 Dec staged protests at Uzbek Embassy in London. Human rights groups, U.S. urged govt to release political prisoners on UN human rights day. Early Dec proposed constitutional amendments to increase number of deputies in parliament criticised for blocking independent candidates.

Reports emerged 12 Nov that Uzbekistan intending to withdraw from Russian-backed Eurasian Economic Community (EEC). Authorities 18 Nov announced break-up of all-female Islamic Hizb ut-Tahrir radical cell in Tashkent. Reports of complaints from small farmers forced to give up leases on state-owned land as part of govt land consolidation effort.

EU FMs 13 Oct voted to allow Nov expiration of post-2005 Andijon massacre travel ban on 8 officials citing “improving” human rights record and “encouragement” for future; arms embargo to continue. Security chief Rustam Inoyatov in Germany late Oct; visit condemned by rights groups. Govt media liberalisation forum 2-3 Oct widely criticised as empty exercise; 2 rights activists jailed in month. Govt announced plans to reduce cotton exports and growing area.