Bishkek, 25 September 2001 - With the world’s attention focused on Central Asia, His Highness the Aga Khan, Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, today outlined a development approach sensitive to prevailing concerns about the region. Launching new initiatives under an Agreement of Cooperation for Development negotiated over the past twelve months and signed this morning with Kyrgyz President Askar Akaev, the Aga Khan situated his plan in the context of widespread misunderstanding about Islam and countries in the region, including Afghanistan.