Kyrgyzstan has reportedly pledged not to expel Uzbek refugees who fled after a violent crackdown on protesters. The United Nations said the government had given "assurances", following talks between senior officials on both sides. Around 500 Uzbeks crossed the border and settled in a tent camp in the south of the country after soldiers shot at demonstrators in Andijan on May 13. Kyrgyzstan returned scores, but is said to be mulling the resettlement of refugees in another part of the south. KyrgzInfo news agency quoted a local official as saying the change was prompted by the need to create proper living conditions. Correspondents say there are concerns for the Uzbeks' health and safety. The camp is near the border between the two countries and the UN refugee agency has asked the Kyrgyz government for permission to move the refugees. Uzbek President Islam Karimov has ruled out an international inquiry into the bloody events in Andijan, despite calls by the US, the UN and other organizations. Uzbekistan has said 169 people died when soldiers put down a "bandit uprising" in Andijan on 13 May. An army source told the BBC that 500 people were killed.
