US to render assistance to OSCE police force in Kyrgyzstan.

18/7 Tass 43

BISHKEK, July 18 (Itar-Tass) - The United States will render great
aid to an OSCE police force which will soon be stationed in Kyrgyzstan's
south, said here on Sunday US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg.
According to the deputy secretary, the US administration now centres
on rendering aid to Kyrgyzstan in the form of top priority needs.
Steinberg said that the US examines the question on rendering aid in
raising the professional level and competence of Kyrgyz law enforcement
bodies, as well as the US is also ready to render assistance in
democratisation and protection of human rights in the republic, he added.
The deputy secretary noted that it is necessary to carry out not only
national, but also international investigation to establish reasons for
the tragic events that had taken place in Kyrgyzstan's south. Steinberg
noted that the situation in southern Kyrgyzstan is now fragile, but there
is hope that the republic along with its partners, including the United
States, will be able to achieve stability.
Replying to reporters' questions, he also specially stressed that his
visit is not connected with a possibility of prolonging periods of stay in
Kyrgyzstan of the international coalition force and of opening another US
military base in the republic's south. Steinberg said in conclusion that
he and the president of the transition period Roza Otunbayeva did not
discuss this question, and this was not the aim of his visit.
The deputy secretary arrived in Kyrgyzstan during his tour of Asian
region countries. He held talks with the Kyrgyz president on Sunday
morning, at which he confirmed the US intention to promote building up
democracy in the republic.
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