Press Statement
Sean McCormack, Spokesman
Washington, DC
July 28, 2005

Romania Accepts Uzbek Asylum Seekers

The Department of State welcomes the July 28 decision by the Romanian Cabinet
to accept approximately 450 Uzbek asylum seekers on a temporary basis for
resettlement processing. The asylum seekers, who had sought initial refuge in
the Kyrgyz Republic, will be accommodated in quarters under the auspices of the
United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), which along with the
International Organization for Migration will pay for the costs associated with
this temporary relocation. The UNHCR will then process the asylum seekers for
permanent resettlement outside of Romania.

By agreeing to this temporary relocation on an urgent basis, Romania has once
again demonstrated its commitment to support international efforts to assist
individuals who seek protection from persecution. Romania deserves the thanks
of all those in the international community who are committed to the U.N.'s
humanitarian principles.