International Relations: U.S seeks to enhance military cooperation with Central Asia

The United States is seeking to expand military cooperation with former Soviet countries in Central Asia.

Gen John P. Abizaid, head of the US Central Command, said the US military was looking for help to stabilise neighbouring Afghanistan, but had no intention to set up new military bases in the region

Associated Press reports that following talks with senior officials in the Kazakh capital, the General said, "Over time, I would imagine that the level of cooperation would go up, but the level of presence will go down."

He also denied rumours that the US military wants to set up a base on the Kazakh coast, not far from Iran.

* Unable to load the "flags" normally used to accompany an article