The Change Mariner

Russia opens air base to shore up Asia influence

Guardian Unlimited (UK):

In an attempt to shore up influence in a region it once ruled, President Vladimir Putin yesterday opened Russia's first airbase in central Asia since the break-up of the Soviet Union. Mr Putin and the Kyrgyz president, Askar Akayev, opened the Kant airbase, close to the capital, Bishkek, where 500 Russian military personnel and 10 Su-27 and Su-25 jets will be based.

"We intend to strengthen the security of a region whose stability is a growing factor in the international situation," Mr Putin said at the ceremony.