WASHINGTON -- A former Kyrgyz government official says U.S. President Barack Obama's Afghan strategy is very important for the stability of Central Asia, RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service reports.
Former State Property Minister Ravshan Jeenbekov told RFE/RL that increased military operations in Afghanistan might cause Taliban fighters to flee to neighboring countries, including Central Asian states.
Jeenbekov, who lives in self-imposed exile in the United States, said the weakest countries in the region -- including Kyrgyzstan -- would be the most vulnerable if that occurred.
He said Central Asian leaders should fully support Obama's strategy on Afghanistan and contribute to its implementation.
Kyrgyzstan hosts a NATO Transit Center at Bishkek's Manas Airport, allowing nonweapon supplies to be sent to NATO troops in Afghanistan.
Obama announced on December 1 that 30,000 additional U.S. troops will be deployed to Afghanistan to bring the number of coalition troops there
to more than 140,000.
Former State Property Minister Ravshan Jeenbekov told RFE/RL that increased military operations in Afghanistan might cause Taliban fighters to flee to neighboring countries, including Central Asian states.
Jeenbekov, who lives in self-imposed exile in the United States, said the weakest countries in the region -- including Kyrgyzstan -- would be the most vulnerable if that occurred.
He said Central Asian leaders should fully support Obama's strategy on Afghanistan and contribute to its implementation.
Kyrgyzstan hosts a NATO Transit Center at Bishkek's Manas Airport, allowing nonweapon supplies to be sent to NATO troops in Afghanistan.
Obama announced on December 1 that 30,000 additional U.S. troops will be deployed to Afghanistan to bring the number of coalition troops there
to more than 140,000.