§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the security situation in Central Asia and its(a) direct and (b) indirect causes. [131336]
Mr. RammedWe monitor the security situation in Central Asia closely. Security in the region is affected by many factors, including the threat from local and international terrorism, crime, and the political situation in each country.
We are not aware of any current, specific terrorist threat to British nationals in Central Asia, but we cannot discount the possibility of attacks. We advise travellers to the region to contact the relevant embassy for up-to-date advice.
Although we have no immediate plans to change our current assessment of the security situation in Central Asia, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's travel advice is kept under constant review.
§ Angus RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions(a) he and (b) members of his Department have had with representatives of the (i) Russian and (ii) US governments on Central Asia; what issues were raised in these discussions; and if he will make a statement. [131337]
§ Mr. RammellWe have regular discussions with representatives of both the Russian and US governments on Central Asia. This year officials have discussed a variety of issues affecting the respective countries of Central Asia and the region as a whole, including economic and political reform, counter-narcotics, regional co-operation and security matters.
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed the problem of drug trafficking in Central Asia and the surrounding region with Russian Foreign Minister Ivanov on 4 March 2003.