Kyrgyzstan Requests Military Equipment From Russia

During Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Bishkek in September, he signed agreements on the creation of a new Russian military base in Kyrgyzstan, Russian military aid to Bishkek, and the construction of hydropower stations in Kyrgyzstan by Russian companies.

BISHKEK -- Kyrgyzstan has requested that Russia provide it with military equipment.

Kyrgyz Defense Council inspector Adylbek Kurbanov confirmed to RFE/RL on March 1 that a list of requested equipment had been sent to Moscow by Bishkek.

He did not give details about the request, saying the list was currently under review in Moscow.

On February 28, Russia's RIA Novosti news agency quoted Kyrgyz Defense Council Secretary Busurmankul Taabaldiev as saying that Bishkek had asked Moscow to provide Kyrgyzstan's armed forces with tanks, artillery, and heavy military machinery.

During Russian President Vladimir Putin's visit to Bishkek in September 2012, he signed agreements on the creation of a new Russian military base in Kyrgyzstan, Russian military aid to Bishkek, and the construction of hydropower stations in Kyrgyzstan by Russian companies.

With reporting by RIA Novosti