Central Asian Union
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A Central Asian Union was proposed by Kazakhstan President Nursultan Nazarbaev on April 26, 2007, consisting of the five Central Asian republics of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The proposed Union would primarily deal with interstate border issues, trade, visa regimes, tourism, and security. If realized, the Central Asian Union would represent a counter-balance to the existing Russian-dominated Collective Security Organization and the Chinese- Russian -led Shanghai Cooperation Organization.[1] In his proposal, the Kazakh President said:
"In the region, we share economic interest, cultural heritage, language, religion, and environmental challenges, and face common external threats. The founding fathers of the European Union could only wish they had so much in common. We should direct our efforts towards a closer economic integration, a common market and a single currency."[2]
So far, the presidents of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have signed an agreement to create an "International Supreme Council" between the two states.[3] In addition, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan have signed a "Treaty of eternal friendship".
Though the proposed union has the support of the presidents of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, it was outright rejected by Uzbekistan president Islam Karimov.[4]
[edit] Prospective members
| Country | Population | Area (km²) | GDP |
|---|---|---|---|
 Kazakhstan |
15,217,711 | 2,724,900 | $141.1 billion |
 Kyrgyzstan |
5,356,869 | 199,900 | $10.764 billion |
 Tajikistan |
7,215,700 | 143,100 | $11.820 billion |
 Turkmenistan |
5,110,023 | 488,100 | $49.5 billion |
 Uzbekistan |
27,372,000 | 447,400 | $64.1 billion |
| Total | 59,504,723 (24th) |
4,003,400 (7th) |
$277 billion (40th) |
[edit] References
- ^ [1]Eurasia Daily Monitor, Accessed: June 15, 2007
- ^ [2]The Journal of Turkish Weekly, Accessed: June 15, 2007
- ^ [3]Inter Press Service News Agency, Accessed: June 15, 2007
- ^ Medvedev Visit Underscores Kazakh Victory Over Uzbekistan For Regional Dominance Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
[edit] See also
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