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BIWEEKLY BRIEFING         Wednesday/September 26, 2001

 

COLLECTIVE SECURITY EXERCISES
The Collective Forces of Quick Deployment (CFQD) of the Collective Security Treaty have been carrying out joint military exercises. While these are mainly intended to combat Islamic insurgents in Central Asia, the changes in tactics on the part of the insurgents means the preparations by law enforcement agencies over the region may be inadequately targeted.

POPE JOHN PAUL THE SECOND IN KAZAKHSTAN
The Pontiff's recent visit to Kazakhstan was a major diplomatic event for Kazakhstan, enabling it to portray itself as a country of religious freedom and peaceful coexistence between members of various faiths. Especially the Pope's address to the people in Kazakh language and his quoting of Kazakh classics drew attention.

AZERBAIJANI PRESIDENT’S VISIT TO IRAN AGAIN POSTPONED
Heydar Aliyev's upcoming visit to Iran has again been postponed. Speculations abound on the reasons for the postponement, with some arguing the terrorist acts in the United States may have had an impact. However, the lack of progress on issues in bilateral relations were likely more important, as Iran has not changed its stance on issues important to Azerbaijan's national interests.

‘KYRGYZSTAN ON THE PATH OF DEMOCRACY FOR TEN YEARS’
A conference on the last decade's democratic development in Kyrgyzstan was recently held in Bishkek, with the participation of major political parties, NGOs and media, though wiythout government participation. Beyond discussions on Kyrgyzstan's political situation, several bodies including a human rights commission were created at the conference.