uzbekistan

uzbekistanSec. 685. (a) Funds appropriated by this Act may be made available for assistance for the central Government of Uzbekistan only if the Secretary of State determines and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that the Government of Uzbekistan is making substantial and continuing progress—(1) in meeting its commitments under the “Declaration on the Strategic Partnership and Cooperation Framework Between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the United States of America”, including respect for human rights, establishing a genuine multi-party system, and ensuring free and fair elections, freedom of expression, and the independence of the media; and(2) in investigating and prosecuting the individuals responsible for the deliberate killings of civilians in Andijan in May 2005.(b) If the Secretary of State has credible evidence that any current or former official of the Government of Uzbekistan was responsible for the deliberate killings of civilians in Andijan in May 2005, or for other gross violations of human rights in 121 STAT. 2362 Uzbekistan, not later than 6 months after enactment of this Act any person identified by the Secretary pursuant to this subsection shall be ineligible for admission to the United States.(c) The restriction in subsection (b) shall cease to apply if the Secretary determines and reports to the Committees on Appropriations that the Government of Uzbekistan has taken concrete and measurable steps to improve respect for internationally recognized human rights, including allowing peaceful political and religious expression, releasing imprisoned human rights defenders, and implementing recommendations made by the United Nations on torture.(d) The Secretary may waive the application of subsection (b) if the Secretary determines that admission to the United States is necessary to attend the United Nations or to further United States law enforcement objectives.(e) For the purpose of this section “assistance” shall include excess defense articles.