USA ready to provide assistance to Uzbekistan - U.S. Assistant Secretary of State

Within the visit he held negotiations with Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at Andijan airport.

Besides, Robert Blake surveyed the centers of emergency assistance and camps where injured refugees resided. R. Blake also visited border zone where refugees entered the territories of Uzbekistan.

"I have heard many tragic stories from refugees who suffered from violence during the recent riots. 90 percent of them are women and children since the men stayed in Kyrgyzstan to protect their property. We appreciate what Uzbekistan did for receiving and providing help to more than 110 thousand refugees who faced this humanitarian disaster. We thank the government for providing food, water, shelter, medical care and help", Robert Blake said.

According to him within his short visit to Uzbekistan they made sure that the border was open for refugees. "We urge Uzbekistan to leave the border open so refugees could pass it free", Mr. Blake emphasized.

The U.S. government is planning to allocate USD 5 mln to help those refugees who are in the territory of Uzbekistan and those who suffer the conflict in Kyrgyzstan.

Besides, USD 50 thousand are additionally allocated from the International Disasters Fund.

In the afternoon Robert Blake headed to Kyrgyzstan.