CONCLUSION
187. The countries covered by our report have
been facing traumatic change, which has amounted to nothing less
than a revolution in their civil, political and economic structures.
As we argue, it is a major Western interest to help to establish
regional stability and to resolve some of the long outstanding
conflicts. We found in a number of the countries visited a particular
wish to develop stronger bilateral relations with the United Kingdom.
The United Kingdom is looked upon as a nation with strongly rooted
traditions in democracy and in a civil society upholding human
rights, the rule of law and individual liberty. We have a clear
role to promote such values and practices within the region. We
have identified diplomatic, commercial and cultural opportunities
which would give a greater meaning to our relations with the countries
of the region. They are opportunities we would be foolish to spurn.
We welcome the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's efforts to date,
but conclude that more could and should be done to promote Britain's
interests, good governance and stability in a region that will
be of increasing significance in the years ahead.
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