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(Russia) All neighbouring countries were paying attention
to the new CAS. This was not because of Islamic
Fundamentalism, but for economic reasons. The CAS were
searching for investment in Turkey, Iran, Saudi Arabia and
Pakistan. However they were looking first for economic
benefits with the Islamic factor a poor second. Islam
merely created a common base for economic integration in the
region.
(UK) There were however Islamic Fundamentalist groups
active in the CAS, for example from Turkey. On the Russian
policy of non-interference in CAS affairs, given that both
Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan had joined the CSCE and thus
accepted certain internationally recognised human rights
standards, we all had a responsibility to make clear to
their governments our concerns over human rights.
Eventually theere would be a political opposition in these
countries and the long-term risks of keeping the lid on our
human rights concern might well outweigh the short-term
advantages.
(UK) There were Western sensitivities about Russia
protecting Russians who lived outside Russia. (Russia) this
would be done by political and diplomatic means, upholding
UN and CSCE principles.
- Both sides agreed that they had been too slow in opening
missions in the CAS. Mr Logan explained that we had opened
an Embassy in Alma Ata at the end of last year and that we planned to open new Embassies in Tashkent and Baku this
summer. This reflected our economic and trade interests in
the region.
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