Uzbekistan agreed on Monday to a visit to Andijan by ambassadors and journalists after British Ambassador in Tashkent David Moran met with Uzbek Foreign MinisterIlior Ganiev, British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said.

"We remain very concerned indeed about the accounts which we have received of troops opening fire on civilians in Andijan in the east of Uzbekistan. This plainly cannot be justified." Straw said.

"I understand that the Uzbek Foreign Minister said that he would indeed be prepared to organize a visit to Andijan tomorrow for Ambassadors and the modalities of that visit are currently being discussed in more detail, and if a visit can take place, at which EU Ambassadors and journalists are able to see for themselves the situation on the ground, that obviously would very greatly assist," Straw added.

On May 13-14, a massive unrest took place in Andijan, leaving at least 10 government troops and many more protesters dead and another 100 people wounded.

(Xinhua News Agency May 17, 2005)