The decision follows the release earlier this year of several human rights activists, the reports added.

The sanctions, including travel bans for top Uzbek state and government officials, were imposed in 2005, following the events in Andijan city.

France currently holds the EU’s six-month rotating presidency.

In May 2007, foreign ministers of 27 European Union nations extended sanctions on Uzbekistan, introduced over the violent suppression of an uprising in Andijan.

The sanctions were triggered by the Uzbek authorities’ refusal to allow an international investigation into the events in the eastern city. Officials said 187 people were killed.

The EU previously said it might review the sanctions if Uzbekistan agreed to continue negotiations on civil rights and freedoms in the Central Asian republic.