Russia Considering New Base in Kyrgyzstan

IN EDM, Roger McDermott writes that Russia is seriously contemplating sending as many as 1,000 troops to a new military base in Kyrgyzstan

Reports suggest that Acting President Kurmanbek Bakiyev is open to the idea of an additional Russian base, while a recent visit to Kyrgyzstan by Andrei Kokoshin, Chairman of the Russian State Duma's CIS Affairs Committee, resulted in members of Kokoshin's delegation suggesting that officials on both sides were considering the prospect of expanding Russia's military presence in the country. It is interesting, however, to note that the same individuals said that nothing would be announced until talks on the issue are concluded (Interfax, May 25; Polit.ru, May 30).

That attitude may help explain why so many other Kyrgyz and Russian officials are busily denying that such plans are under examination. On May 31 Roza Otunbayeva, acting Kyrgyz foreign minister, stated that creating more military bases in Kyrgyzstan "has not been looked at or discussed at any level." She equally dismissed media reports that China is also interested in offering to deploy troops in Kyrgyzstan, falling back on statements familiar from the old regime that no one in the Kyrgyz government seeks to facilitate the country becoming home to a collection of foreign military bases (Itar-Tass, May 31). But the formation of a new base in the country under the aegis of the SCO is certainly a realistic option, though the entry of Chinese troops may complicate still further the dynamics of Kyrgyzstan's emerging post-Akayev foreign policy. A contribution to an SCO security body operating within the Fergana Valley might allow Chinese participation without the controversy of China sending troops abroad.