To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what contribution his Department made to the recent UK-Uzbekistan human rights dialogue in relation to religious minorities in Uzbekistan; and if he will make a statement. (284014)

Our ambassador in Tashkent makes a significant contribution to regular reporting by EU Heads of Mission on human rights in Uzbekistan. These reports, including in respect of religious freedom and supported as necessary through interventions by the UK Representation in Brussels, play a key role in driving the agenda for the annual EU-Uzbekistan Human Rights Dialogue. Our embassy worked closely with the Czech presidency in Tashkent in the run-up to the most recent dialogue, which took place on 9 June 2009. Our aim is to continue to draw attention to our concerns on religious freedom and other human rights issues in constructive contacts with the Uzbek authorities.