Russia to significantly boost military presence in Central Asia!

[AGENDA21]

MOSCOW: Russia will significantly boost its military presence in Kyrgyzstan amid speculations about a possible shutdown of an American air base in the Central Asian state.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia would expand its air base in Kyrgyzstan.

"It is one of our priorities to continue building up the military base at Kant (airport)," the Russian leader said after talks in the Kremlin with visiting Kyrgyz President Kurmambek Bakiyev.

Snip..

Mr. Bakiyev said the Russian airbase "helps guarantee the security and stability, not only of Kyrgyzstan, but also of the Central Asian region as a whole."

http://www.hindu.com/2006/04/25/stories/2006042505661500.htm