Uzbekistan's government Wednesday criticized the European Union's decision to maintain arms sanctions it imposed on the former Soviet state after a bloody crackdown on a 2005 uprising.

The Uzbek Foreign Ministry has called the European Union's sanctions against the country "counterproductive" for the interests of both parties, RFE/RL's Uzbek Service reports.

European Union foreign ministers have convened in Brussels to discuss the future of the bloc's sanctions against Uzbekistan, imposed after a government crackdown on protesters two years ago. Today's debate comes after ambassadors failed to thrash out a deal last week.

The EU was urged by international media watchdog to maintain sanctions against Uzbekistan, which were set up after the bloody crackdown on a 2005 uprising.

International human rights groups have expressed relief following the release from jail of Uzbek journalist and rights activist Umida Niyazova.

A court in Tashkent sentenced independent journalist Umida Niyazova to seven years in prison today, RFE/RL's Uzbek Service reported. Prosecutors had asked the court for an eight-year term.

Famous two pop starts from Uzbekistan have released a new to-be-hit single designated for the European market.

Bobur Kommilov, an Uzbekistan Today editor believes the Country has turned into a techno-scientific boom, promises to become an IT-venue

Uzbekistan Today's Bobur Kommilov argues reforms being carried out in the country for refroming Customs Code opens up new perspectives for economic growth...

EU foreign ministers will hold their first debate on the bloc's evolving Central Asian strategy in Luxembourg next week. That blueprint is being pushed by the current holder of the rotating EU Presidency, Germany, and could be adopted at an EU summit in June.

Vigilant of her firm creative foundation and an outstanding experience in Uzbek "Tomosha", creative group of children based in Tashkent, Iroda Dilroz has received her first invitation from a prominent Los Angeles based producer Martin Lampour to co-produce her new season of tours.

Young Uzbek Pop Star Iroda Dilroz is planning a tour around the world very soon with a new collection of her songs recorded in co-producership with a range of outstanding musical experts.