Uzbek protesters ask US to help oust Karimov

Uzbekistan nascent Opposition movement, galvanised by the bloody suppression of a revolt in the east, urged the United States on Tuesday to help it oust hardline President Islam Karimov. Dozens of human rights and Opposition activists gathered outside the US Embassy in the capital Tashkent despite police attempts to prevent the rally which comes after troops opened fire on protesters in the town of Andizhan on Friday.

‘‘We want the US to see Uzbekistan not only as a giant military base in their war on terror, but also as a country where people want freedom and human rights,’’ said Akhtam Shaimardanov, member of a small Opposition party.

‘‘War is just about to break out in Uzbekistan. We want them (US) to realise this and help us,’’ he said, holding a crudely written banner reading ‘We demand the USA to stop supporting Karimov’s regime’. Protesters said at least three activists were arrested earlier in the day when police broke into their flats.

Washington hardened its line on Uzbekistan after the Andizhan massacre saying it was ‘‘deeply disturbed’’ by reports that soldiers fired on protesters. —Reuters