yipes
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Vietnam and Laos had observer status.
5.
CENTRAL ASIA
Present
Mr Logan
Mr Masefield
Miss Kitsell, Eastern Dept
Russian Delegation as before
34. The Russians began by making the following points:
www.
They expressed their concern over the role of the Central
Asian States (CAS) in the international arena. It had not
been difficult for the CAS to declare independence from the
Soviet Union but they had not been ready for it. It would
take time for them to play a part in international affairs.
Meanwhile the role of other states such as Turkey, Saudi
Arabia and Iran in the affairs of the CAS must be
considered.
- The elements were in place throughout the CAS for the
spread of Islamic Fundamentalism. However, one must
distinguish between nationalism and fundamentalism. The
Russians had no objection to the CAS demonstrating their
national pride or to their developing good relations with
other states. For example, the CAS would be participating
in the ESCAP meeting in Bangkok. Secondly, Central Asian
members of the former Soviet Diplomatic Service were being
called upon to become members of new national CAS diplomatic
services. Russia was ready to help in this.
The most difficult situation in the CAS was in Tajikistan.
This was due to the number of refugees and displaced
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