ALMA ATA, Oct. 1 (Xinhuanet) -- The European Union is to discuss sanctions against Uzbekistan at its ministerial meeting soon after the Central Asia country rejected the demand by the West for an international probe of the Andijan riots in May, the Interfax newsagency reported Saturday.

    The 25-member European bloc would discuss arms embargo and other punitive measures against Tashkent, which the EU has repeatedly accused of inappropriately using force to crack down on the riots while rejecting the demand for an international investigation, said Interfax.

    On May 12, armed protesters turned the eastern Uzbek city of Andijan into chaos, attacking regional and city administration buildings, setting free prisoners from a prison and clashing with security forces. The turmoil left 187 people dead and 287 other injured.

    The Uzbek government forces regained control of the situation in Andijan on the following day under the direction of President Islam Karimov.

    The Western media have since speculated the casualties nearing 1000, while the United States and the EU have pressed for an international probe.

    Karamazov has rejected the demand, saying the investigation falls into the category of internal affairs of his country. Enditem