[JURIST] The European Union imposed sanctions on Uzbekistan [government website, in English; JURIST news archive] Monday for refusing to investigate the deadly suppression of a May uprising [JURIST report]. The sanctions, which include suspending a cooperation accord, imposing an arms embargo, cutting aid to the country, and banning responsible Uzbek officials from traveling to Western Europe, stem from the violent suppression of a protest of economic conditions in Andijan. Human rights groups claim as many as 700 people were killed [JURIST report], while Uzbek officials put the number at 187. European officials have pressed Uzbekistan to allow an independent international investigation into potential human rights violations. Monday's decision is the first time the EU has halted a "Partnership and Cooperation Agreement" [Uzbek-EU agreement, PDF], which contains a provision requiring "respect for democracy, principles of international law and human rights." AP has more. HRW has background on the Andijan incident. Read more about the EU's relations with Uzbekistan [EU backgrounder].