ID :
10337
Thu, 06/19/2008 - 12:45
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/10337
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US representative to discuss regional security in Kyrgyzstan
BISHKEK, June 19 (Itar-Tass) - Deputy assistant to the US State
Secretary for Central Asian affairs George Kroll arrived in the Kyrgyz
capital on Thursday, Itar-Tass learnt at the US embassy.
The diplomat plans to meet "Kyrgyz high-ranking officials" by June 22 in order to discuss some questions of bilateral cooperation, including continued cooperation and aid in regional security as well as problems of advancing supremacy of law, conscientious administration and consolidation of economic cooperation between the two countries.
During his visit to Bishkek, Kroll plans to deliver a speech on June 20 at a conference, at which he will give practical advice to Kyrgyz companies how to deal with US partners as well as information on how to participate in tenders for contracts at the Manas air base.
In the meantime, some Kyrgyz mass media, referring to sources at the republican leadership, reported on Wednesday that the main aim of Kroll's visit is Washington's intention to get another 300 hectares of land in a Bishkek suburb to enlarge the air base of coalition forces.
It is located at the Manas international airport of the Kyrgyz capital since December 2001, and it is mostly manned by servicemen and equipment of the US Air Force.
The base operates under a UN mandate and is called upon to support the coalition's operation in Afghanistan. "We have no such information that the US intends to expand its presence in Manas," the office of the Kyrgyz head of state commented on the situation in an interview with Itar-Tass.
However, the topic of a possible increase in the American military
presence in Kyrgyzstan is now actively discussed by politicians and
political scientists in the republic.
Most of them are inclined to draw a conclusion that if Bishkek agrees to such a proposal by the US, it may lose an important strategic partner in the person of Russia.
Some political scientists called on the republican leadership, if they start discussing this question with Washington, to hold at first
consultations with partners in the Collective Security Treaty Organisation and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Secretary for Central Asian affairs George Kroll arrived in the Kyrgyz
capital on Thursday, Itar-Tass learnt at the US embassy.
The diplomat plans to meet "Kyrgyz high-ranking officials" by June 22 in order to discuss some questions of bilateral cooperation, including continued cooperation and aid in regional security as well as problems of advancing supremacy of law, conscientious administration and consolidation of economic cooperation between the two countries.
During his visit to Bishkek, Kroll plans to deliver a speech on June 20 at a conference, at which he will give practical advice to Kyrgyz companies how to deal with US partners as well as information on how to participate in tenders for contracts at the Manas air base.
In the meantime, some Kyrgyz mass media, referring to sources at the republican leadership, reported on Wednesday that the main aim of Kroll's visit is Washington's intention to get another 300 hectares of land in a Bishkek suburb to enlarge the air base of coalition forces.
It is located at the Manas international airport of the Kyrgyz capital since December 2001, and it is mostly manned by servicemen and equipment of the US Air Force.
The base operates under a UN mandate and is called upon to support the coalition's operation in Afghanistan. "We have no such information that the US intends to expand its presence in Manas," the office of the Kyrgyz head of state commented on the situation in an interview with Itar-Tass.
However, the topic of a possible increase in the American military
presence in Kyrgyzstan is now actively discussed by politicians and
political scientists in the republic.
Most of them are inclined to draw a conclusion that if Bishkek agrees to such a proposal by the US, it may lose an important strategic partner in the person of Russia.
Some political scientists called on the republican leadership, if they start discussing this question with Washington, to hold at first
consultations with partners in the Collective Security Treaty Organisation and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
