Central Asia: Russia Urges United Effort Against Terrorism

Russian Security Council Secretary Vladimir Rushailo, who has started a regional tour with a visit to Kazakhstan, said today that the Central Asian countries have agreed to take part in the fight against terrorism. Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan have formally said they will cooperate with the U.S.-led campaign to combat terrorism, but it is not yet clear what form this support will take. Rushailo said that the methods, timing, and scope of the participation by Russia and the Central Asian states in such operations are still to be decided. Rushailo is expected to travel from Kazakhstan to Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.