Propaganda - II

The Russian government continues to use the "War on Terror" as a propaganda tool, presenting itself as a trustworthy opponent of Al-Qaeda while at the same time supporting illiberal, authoritarian and dictatorial regimes in Central Asia and around the world:

DEFENSE MINISTER ALLEGES FOREIGN HAND IN UZBEK UNREST, AL-QAEDA EXPANSION TO NEW REGIONS. Sergei Ivanov suggested in Brussels on 9 June that the May insurrection and violence in Uzbekistan was "instigated from the territory of Afghanistan and nearby regions," RTR reported. Ivanov was speaking at a meeting of the NATO-Russia Council. He said "the Taliban, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, and other extremist organizations" were to blame. "We are concerned by information that the training of terrorists for further export has continued in Afghanistan," Ivanov said. Ivanov said that about 50 foreign nationals whom he called extremists were killed during the Uzbek violence. He said that Russia opposes an international
investigation into the bloodshed and believes such a probe falls within the purview of the Uzbek authorities. He claimed that Al-Qaeda has extended its activities into new regions, including Central Asia, Southeast Asia, Northeastern Africa, and Latin America. Ivanov urged Russia and NATO to continue their cooperation to combat terrorism. VY (RFE/RL Newsline)