Thursday, April 5, 2007

A long way of Pakistan to Shanghai?

Those who follow the news from Uzbekistan must have certainly noted the visit of Pakistani Pervez Musharraf paid to the republic. Local media has not broadly covered the visit, and focused on the trip of the minister along the country and merely noted that "regional and international problems" were among the issues discussed, on which both sides found a common view.
What they did not cover was that Pakistan is seeking a full membership in Shanghai Cooperation Organisation(SCO). A membership, to which Uzbek officials might object, due to Uzbek military guerillas residing currently in Southern Waziristan. The SCO is functioning among countries which do not have (or intend) to raise territorial claims, and territorial integrity is of a highest priority. In this view, it becomes unacceptable for Uzbek government to integrate with Pakistan, which kindly hosts militants desiring to establish an Islamic state in Fergana valley. Apparently, this issue was raised during the bilateral talks, and respective conclusions were made by Musharraf, the fruits of which can be currently seen in the crash down on Uzbeks and their leader Tahir Yuldashev.
However, it is beyond doubt that this is a mere show operation conducted to please Uzbek government, and to eliminate their fears. So far, both countries have had loose relations and Pakistan has always been seen as a high risk country by Uzbek security agencies, another reason why only high-rank National Security Service officers have always been appointed as ambassadors to Pakistan.
But will these military actions on wiping out Uzbeks from Pakistan be convincing enough? Of course, especially in the conditions where Russia and China are pushing Uzbekistan. It is not an organisation of equals, afterall.

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