05/02/2002
EDITORIAL NUMBER=0-09858

RUMSFELD IN CENTRAL ASIA

U.S. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld recently traveled to Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan to thank the people of those countries for their support in the war on terrorism.

In Kyrgyzstan, Mr. Rumsfeld met with President Askar Akayev and expressed United States appreciation for providing a major base for nearly two-thousand troops supporting operations against Taleban and al-Qaida terrorists in Afghanistan. Mr. Rumsfeld said, "The base at Manas [airport] has been exceedingly helpful and valuable to the coalition effort." The airbase has allowed coalition aircraft to fly over Afghanistan, refuel, and conduct security operations to prevent al-Qaida and Taleban from gathering and threatening the Afghan government. The base has also made possible the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.

Kazakhstan has announced that it is prepared to make additional contributions to the war on terrorism. President Nursultan Nazarbayev said he is prepared to allow U.S. and coalition aircraft to use Kazakhstan air space and railways to transport humanitarian cargo. Kazakhstan plans to send military officers to U.S. Central Command headquarters in Florida to serve as liaison for planning and coordination of anti-terrorism operations. In addition, Kazakhstan announced it would provide food, oil products, and other humanitarian supplies to Afghanistan.

Kazakhstan has already granted overflight rights for aircraft participating in Operation Enduring Freedom. More than three-hundred fifty aircraft have flown over Kazakhstan since the U.S.-led coalition began operations in October. As President Nazarbayev told Mr. Rumsfeld, "Everyone knows you can’t stand alone in that struggle [against terrorism]. You must fight jointly."

Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld also visited Turkmenistan, where he thanked President Saparmurat Niyazov for his "very fine cooperation with respect to humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan." Turkmenistan’s support will undoubtedly save many lives.

The United States is grateful for the help it is receiving from its coalition partners in the war against terrorism. Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan continue to provide invaluable assistance in the war to rid the region of the al-Qaida terrorist network. The U.S. will do all it can to prevent Afghanistan from ever again becoming a sanctuary for terrorists.