Uzbeks Flee as Situation Worsens

As the situation in Kyrgyzstan worsens after the rash of ethnic violence last week, tens of thousands of Uzbeks are fleeing, hoping to make it across the border to Uzbekistan, where there are refugee camps. But Uzbekistan has just announced it is closing its borders to refugees, as it cannot handle any more. Many more people, fearful and traumatized, including many injured, are waiting at the border, unsure of where to go, what to do next. There is not enough water in these small border villages, and no hospitals either. International aid is slowly arriving, including a team from the Red Cross. "If the international community doesn't come help, it will be a disgrace to the whole world," says one refugee, "which seems to be busy only with soccer."