Bakiev: Kyrgyz, Russian Defense Ministries consider opening of anti-terrorism centre

Defense Ministries of Kyrgyzstan and Russia consider opening of anti-terrorism centre in Batken or Osh regions, Kurmanbek Bakiev the President of Kyrgyzstan said in an interview with New York Times.

Shorthand report of the interview, provided to the news agency 24.kg by the presidential press service, quotes Kurmanbek Bakiev:

“We have large economic programs with Russia such as construction of the Hydropower station Kambarata-1 and other projects. Russia has always been our strategic partner mainly in economic sphere. At that time we discussed establishment of anti-terrorism center in the south of Kyrgyzstan. North Kyrgyzstan faces no special problems. There is our neighbors China and Kazakhstan and the Kant airbase.

More problems we have in the south, in Batken region which borders with Tajikistan. In order to reinforce anti-terrorism activity and increase efficiency of control over terrorism in the south of Kyrgyzstan, our Defense Ministries consider opening of an anti-terrorism centre in the south - in Batken, Osh or Jalalabad regions of Kyrgyzstan. The centre could be used for joint anti-terrorist trainings of Kyrgyz and Russian servicemen. The issue is under consideration now,” the president said.