29 Jun 2012 15:01

CSTO will continue strengthening military component without Uzbekistan - Russian Gen. Staff chief

MOSCOW. June 29 (Interfax-AVN) - Uzbekistan's decision to suspend its membership of the Collective Security Treaty organization carries more minuses than pluses, but the organization will continue without Tashkent, said Russian General Staff Chief, Army General Nikolai Makarov.

"We will, as previously, make all necessary steps jointly with our allies, to strengthen the organization's military component and to ensure security in its zone," he told reporters on Friday.

"Uzbekistan's position on the CSTO has been followed with concern by the Russian military leadership in recent years," he said.