CENTRAL ASIAN MILITARY COOPERATION, NATO EXERCISE ON TRACK.

The Defense Ministers of Uzbekistan, Kazakstan, and Kyrgyzstan have conferred in Tashkent on establishing a permanent committee of the Chiefs of Staff of the three countries, which comprise the Central Asian Union. The ministers also reviewed the development of the joint CentrasBat and preparations for an upcoming Central Asian-NATO military exercise. The meeting’s host, Uzbek defense minister Gen. Rustam Ahmedov, commented that the Central Asian Union is acquiring an institutionalized military component. (Interfax, April 28)

Tensions High in Wake of Pyatigorsk Bombing.