27 Jul 2015 11:10

Decision to place Russian military base in Kyrgyzstan justified - Atambaev

CHOLPON-ATA. July 27 (Interfax) - The presence of the Russian military base in Kyrgyzstan is right, however in future the country has to ensure its own security, Kyrgyz President Almazbek Atambaev said.

"The decision on the Russian [military] base - to invite [it to be present in the republic] back then and now - was right," Atambaev said at a meeting with reporters on Monday.

"The presence of the Russian base is conditioned by the threat and dangers Kyrgyzstan cannot withstand," he said.

"As to the Russian base, it was opened upon the Kyrgyz request, we have a long-term agreement today but sooner or later Kyrgyzstan should defend itself without relying on bases of brotherly friendly countries," Atambaev said.