To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of whether a regional approach by central Asian states would resolve current difficulties and promote economic development in the region. [HL344]

We support a regional approach where it offers the best path to a solution acceptable to the parties concerned. The current priorities of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy are entirely consistent with its mandate. In taking forward its work on these issues, the centre is taking care not to cut across or duplicate the role of other international players.