Uzbekistan\'s Justice Ministry has denied accreditation to the U.S.-based International Republican Institute (IRI), RFE/RL\'s Uzbek Service reported on 18 March. Although there has been no official announcement, a Justice Ministry spokesperson did not deny the report when contacted by RFE/RL. If confirmed, the denial of accreditation would add IRI to a list of international organizations no longer active in Uzbekistan. In 2004, the Soros Foundation and Internews were also denied registration in Uzbekistan. (RFE/RL)