Russia is not reaching out to Uzbekistan as some kind of favor or slap against the West. Russia is not protecting Uzbekistan in the wake of Andijan. What is in play is Russia (and China being a member of the CSTO) protecting the neighborhood. Russia's engagement of Uzbekistan is of an economic nature - not political. Sadly there is a myth that the Kremlin continues to pulling strings in Central Asia as during the Soviet times. No true. Central Asia has a lot of energy resourses and is a security headache. Better to have Uzbekistan under some big tent than isolated.
uvj at vsnl.com wrote: The Hindu http://www.hinduonnet.com/
Monday, Jun 26, 2006
International
Uzbekistan rejoins defence pact http://www.hindu.com/2006/06/26/stories/2006062604491400.htm
Vladimir Radyuhin
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