Uzbek authorities denied a request of European Union to undertake measures on human rights protection in the country and accused Western countries in "islamophobia" on Monday, Voice of America reported.

Uzbekistan is still striving towards expansion of relations with EU member countries, Uzbek Minister of Foreign Affairs Vladimir Norov stated on session of Cooperation Council "Uzbekistan-EU" in Brussels. At the same time, these relations have to be built on the basis of equal rights and mutual respect, he stated.

European Union called Uzbek government to undertake active measures on protection of human rights and civil liberties in the country in its published statement. Document also included a request to provide for observation of international standards o forthcoming parliamentary elections.