Uzbekistan denies report on use of its territory

By Vladimir Radyuhin

MOSCOW, OCT. 12. Uzbekistan has denied an Indian media report that the U.S. may launch its commandos operation in Afghanistan from its territory.

Government sources in Tashkent told the Itar-Tass news agency that Uzbekistan had only opened its airspace and one airfield for humanitarian and search-and-rescue operations.

The sources quoted the Uzbek President, Mr. Islam Karimov, as saying that ``no combat land operations against Afghanistan will be allowed from the territory of Uzbekistan.'' He also ruled out any bombing raids from Uzbekistan. Quoting unofficial reports, Itar-Tass said a team of U.S. Air Force technicians was at Khanabad to prepare the airfield for receiving American transport planes.

A protocol signed by Uzbekistan and the U.S. on the terms of American military presence in the Central Asian republic expressly forbids the use of the Khanabad airfield for conducting military operations in Afghanistan. The document, excerpts from which were read in the Russian Parliament on Thursday, provides for the deployment of U.S. technical support personnel who will service aircraft and helicopters that will fly humanitarian and rescue missions only.

Klebanov to discuss defence deals

The Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Ilya Klebanov, who is arriving in New Delhi on October 14 on a three-day visit, will hold substantive discussions on the ongoing and new defence deals as Co-Chairman of the Indo-Russian Commission on military- technical cooperation.

This is the first top-level interaction between the two countries after the September 11 terrorist attacks on the U.S., which led to the lifting of American sanctions against India. Russian analysts are convinced that the re-opening of Indo-U.S. military cooperation will not affect India's defence ties will Russia.

``Indo-Russian collaboration in the military-technical sphere is deeper and closer than America's ties even with many NATO allies,'' Dr. Alexander Vaskin of the Russian-Indian Security Forum said. ``What counts here is trust and stability, the criteria on which America's record is not very encouraging. It will be remembered that the U.S. sanctions have hit the LCA project and grounded many of India's Jaguar attack planes.''

The expert believes that the new war on terrorism will whet India's interest in air-defence and anti-terrorist weapons. Russia's offer to design and build an integrated air defence system for India that will include elements from both countries is expected to be discussed during Mr. Klebanov's visit.

``It is crucial for India to have a comprehensive air defence system, considering that Pakistan can reach its territory even with short-range, let alone, medium-range missiles,'' he said.

Russia can also offer India a range of anti-terrorist gear such as its latest Degtyarov sniper rifles, portable grenade- launchers, pilotless reconnaissance `Pchela' (Bee) planes and various bullet-proof vests, which have all proved their worthiness in Chechnya.

During Mr. Klebanov's visit, both sides are expected to finalise a contract for Smerch Multiple Rocket Launchers, a far more powerful weapon than the Grad launchers available with the Indian Army.

The acquisition of an Advanced Jet Trainer for the Indian Air Force is also likely to be discussed at the Indo-Russian talks, with the Russian side offering India a choice of the MiG-AT and Yak-130 trainers.

On the eve of Mr. Klebanov's visit, the two sides reported progress on the purchase of the Admiral Gorshkov aircraft carrier, agreeing on the technical parametres of the carrier refit. A protocol signed in St. Petersburg on October 10 opens the way to price negotiations likely to get underway in December.

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Section  : International
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