Written question asked by Viscount Waverley (Crossbench), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Malloch-Brown (Labour) on Monday, 5 October 2009.

Central Asia: Regional Security

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government what are their priorities towards Uzbekistan as regards (a) regional security and stability, (b) good governance, and (c) energy security.

Answer: The UK maintains a constructive and balanced relationship with Uzbekistan. That relationship also takes account of the EU sanctions regime imposed after the tragic events in Andijan (eastern Uzbekistan) in May 2005. Our main priorities are to support good governance, democracy and human rights. We raise our concerns in a critical but constructive dialogue with the Uzbek authorities in Tashkent and in discussions with the Uzbek embassy in London. In addition, the EU has a comprehensive and results-oriented annual human rights dialogue with Uzbekistan, which includes a focus on the need for further progress in Uzbek promotion and protection of human rights. Regional security is also a priority given the potential for instability in the Ferghana Valley (straddling the Uzbek, Kyrgyz and Tajik borders). There are several factors that may contribute to unrest there: growing poverty, a fall-off in remittances, and the relocation of extremists from Pakistan/Afghanistan into central Asia. We believe that Uzbekistan could have an important and positive influence in Afghanistan and more broadly.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 5059; 712 c374WA
Session: 2008-09
Notes: Answer received between Wednesday 22 July and Monday 27 July 2009.
Subjects: Energy supply Foreign relations Politics and government Security Uzbekistan
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk