Kyrgyzstan says Russian base must withdraw once contract expiresDecember 1, 2016 - 13:35 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Russia will remain Kyrgyzstan’s strategic partner, but the republic must rely on its own power from a military viewpoint, Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambayev told a press conference on Thursday, December 1, according to RIA Novosti. “I think we were absolutely right about the Hansi base (the US air base at the international airport of Kyrgyzstan’s capital was withdrawn by Atambayev's decision ),” noted the Kyrgyz President. “Five years have passed, and time has shown that it was the right decision.” Kyrgyzstan must rely only on its own power in the future, he said, adding that the decision also concerns the Russian base. Atambayev also noted that after the expiry of the agreement, the Russian base “will have to leave” the territory of Kyrgyzstan. He added that the Russian authorities have responded with understanding. The joint Russian military base is stationed in Kazakhstan’s territory. Under bilateral Kyrgyz-Russian agreements, the countries operate four military facilities. In 2009, the term of the agreement was extended for 49 years with the possibility of automatic extension of 25-year periods. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Russia provides info about arrested Armenian ex-MP Russian law enforcement agencies have provided information about the arrest of Tigran Urikhanyan. Lemkin Institue slams Pashinyan's “cryptic engagement with Genocide denial” The Lemkin Institute is alarmed over Pashinyan’s statements “questioning Armenia's legal basis to pursue justice against Turkey”. 41 detained as antigovernment protests continue in Yerevan 41 people were detained in Yerevan as people demanding Pashinian’s resignation stage campaigns of civil disobedience. Armenia votes for UN resolution granting Palestine new rights The U.N. General Assembly voted by a wide margin on May 10 to grant new “rights and privileges” to Palestine. |