By empty (6/30/2003 issue of the CACI Analyst)

The Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) has arrested former Tajik Interior Minister Yakub Salimov in Moscow at the request of Tajik law enforcement agencies, Interfax and other Russian media reported on 30 June. A Tajik delegation is reported to be in Moscow seeking to arrange Salimov\'s extradition. Salimov has been accused of treason, murder, and planning an armed coup in 1996-97.

By empty (6/30/2003 issue of the CACI Analyst)

A Kyrgyz opposition movement comprising parliamentarians, human rights activists and opposition political figures that is seeking the resignation of President Askar Akaev issued a statement on 30 June protesting a law adopted by the lower house of parliament last week that would grant special privileges to Akaev after he leaves office. The statement asserted that the life-long privileges for Akaev and his family, including retention of government-owned housing and the use of a car and driver, would require significant expenditures of public funds. Opposition parliamentarian Azimbek Beknazarov, who heads the movement for the president\'s resignation, was quoted as calling the law \"anticonstitutional and antidemocratic.

By empty (6/30/2003 issue of the CACI Analyst)

Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov met in Moscow on 30 June with visiting Iranian Vice President Qolam Reza Aqazadeh-Khoi, who oversees Tehran\'s nuclear program. During the talks, Ivanov confirmed Russia\'s intention of meeting all its obligations relating to the construction of the nuclear-power plant at Bushehr. Ivanov also reiterated Moscow\'s assurances that the Bushehr plant will be \"in strict compliance with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.