03/22/2002
EDITORIAL NUMBER=0-09776

U.S.- UZBEKISTAN COOPERATION

The United States is stepping up cooperation with Uzbekistan in the war against terrorism. Since the al-Qaida attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon on September 11^th, Uzbekistan has worked closely with the U.S., sharing intelligence and coordinating efforts to prevent the escape of terrorists from Afghanistan. U.S. military personnel are currently operating from Khanabad air base in southern Uzbekistan. Cooperation between the U.S. and Uzbekistan has permitted the flow of relief supplies to the people of Afghanistan, saving many lives threatened by hunger.

A serious threat to Uzbekistan and the region continues to come from the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, or I-M-U. Part of the al-Qaida terrorist network of Osama bin Laden, the I-M-U seeks the violent overthrow of the Uzbekistan government. It has carried out armed attacks in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. It has kidnapped foreigners, including Americans, and murdered civilians. I-M-U terrorists received training in al-Qaida camps in Afghanistan. Those camps are now in ruins and many of their graduates are dead or in custody. But others remain a threat.

The war against terrorism does not preclude efforts to protect human rights. The U.S. is committed to assisting Uzbekistan in establishing a multi-party system and independent news media. Such reforms are desperately needed. Uzbekistan's government has a poor record on human rights. Its security services have committed many serious abuses.

The U.S. will also assist Uzbekistan in its transition to a free-market economy. Humanitarian cooperation will be increased, particularly in efforts to upgrade education, public health, and environmental protection. Both countries recognize the need to build in Uzbekistan a democratic government based on respect for the rule of law. The U.S. will help train legal specialists and promote reform of Uzbekistan's judicial system.

Defeating terrorism takes more than military action, law enforcement cooperation, and intelligence sharing. It takes a commitment to defending what terrorists seek to destroy: freedom, democracy, and the rule of law. These are the essential elements of the relationship that the U.S. hopes to build with Uzbekistan and its people.