Strasbourg, 30/10/2006 (Agence Europe) - While calling on Uzbekistan to cooperate fully with the OSCE and the United Nations in reopening the HCR Office in Tashkent and to release human rights activists, journalists and members of the political opposition, the European Parliament on 26 October displayed a desire for a normalisation of relations with this Central Asian Republic, which, following the massacre in Andijan, has been the target of EU sanctions for the past year. In a resolution adopted by 68 votes in favour, 1 against, with 2 abstentions, the Parliament called on the Council to examine further sanctions (which end in November) in the spirit of improving future relations. The decision to be taken by the Council on 13 November should take into account the commitments that Uzbekistan will take during the Council's cooperation meeting on 8 November and the information obtained by European diplomats in the region, explained the text. Parliament points out that a targeted sanctions policy has up to now proved fruitless but insists, nevertheless, on the need to maintain the embargo. (oj)