Foreign Correspondence

[Amaunet]

China against 'external interference' in Uzbekistan's affairs - envoy
Jun 21, 2005, 11:10 GMT



Excerpt from report by Russian news agency Interfax

Tashkent, 21 June: China supports Uzbekistan's fight against terrorism, extremism and separatism, and opposes external interference in this country's affairs, the Chinese ambassador to Uzbekistan, Gao Yusheng, said in an interview with the Uzbek media.

"We are against external interference and we support Uzbekistan's fight against terrorism, extremism and separatism. These are common threats not only to Uzbekistan and China, but also to the entire world," he said.

Gao Yusheng said that the Andijon events were discussed during Uzbek President Islom Karimov's visit to China on 25-27 May 2005.

"The Chinese side expressed its firm position on this matter. As before, the Chinese government will support Uzbekistan's efforts to protect its independence and sovereignty, and to ensure stability in the country," the diplomat said.

Gao Yusheng noted that the Chinese side supported the establishment and work of a working group to monitor the ongoing investigations and the Uzbek government's measures to stabilize the situation in [the town of] Andijon and Andijon Region.

"At present the establishment of such a working group is very important to obtain objective information on the Andijon events. Two diplomats from our embassy are taking part in the work of this international group," the ambassador said.

At the same time, he noted: "Uzbekistan and China have similar views on regional problems. Whatever happens China will always be fair and friendly towards Uzbekistan. China is Uzbekistan's reliable partner."

Speaking about the results of the Uzbek president's visit to Beijing, the Chinese diplomat said that "the main impression of the visit is that the two leaders have established very kind, trusting and personal relations. Such relations are an important precondition for the successful and intensive development of cooperation". [passage omitted]

Source: Interfax news agency, Moscow, in Russian 0640 gmt 21 Jun 05

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