MOSCOW. Nov 14 (Interfax-AVN) - Russia does not intend to set up a military base in Uzbekistan, a well-informed source in Moscow told Interfax-Military News Agency on Monday, while commenting on the forthcoming signing of a treaty on partnership between Russia and Uzbekistan.
"After Americans pull out of the Karshi-Hanabad base in Uzbekistan (by early 2006 - Interfax-AVN), relations between Moscow and Tashkent will acquire a new impetus, including in the military sphere. But no such issue as the deployment of a Russian military base in Uzbekistan is on the agenda," the source said.
The treaty due to be signed during Uzbek President Islam Karimov's visit to Moscow contains no direct commitments concerning the base's deployment, he said.
"At the same time, the document stipulates the possibility of allowing Russia to use Uzbek military installations under force major circumstances related to regional security," the source said.
Karimov, who arrived in Moscow on Monday, is planning to meet with President Vladimir Putin and sign a bilateral partnership treaty.