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Uzbekistan does not possess any nuclear weapons, although remnants of the Soviet weapons program continue to be a concern for the International Atomic Energy Agency and American officials.
 It is possible during the Soviet era that tactical weapons were based within the Uzbek region, but since the dissolution of the USSR, the new Uzbek government has proclaimed itself weapons-free.
Two nuclear reactors built by the Soviets do worry nonproliferation advocates. One research reactor in the capital of Tashkent was dismantled following independence. A second reactor outside the capital continues to operate.
Western officials believe a large supply of highly enriched uranium is stored at the second reactor. According to the Nuclear Threat Initiative, Uzbekistan agreed in March 2002 to turn over its nuclear material to the Russian government. But, as of early 2004, the Uzbek government has made no public statement concerning the transfer of the uranium back to the Russian government, leading American and European intelligence officials to conclude the material remains in Uzbekistan.
Despite concerns over the spread of its uranium, Uzbekistan has agreed to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
-- Compiled by Lee Banville for the Online NewsHour
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