Kazakhstan snubs NATO games in support for Russia

[bemildred]

Source: Reuters

ASTANA (Reuters) - Kazakhstan refused Tuesday to take part in NATO-organized war games in Georgia in a show of support for Russia, which has bitterly criticized the plan.

Russia, which fought a brief war with Georgia last year and strongly opposes its ambition to become a member of NATO, has protested against the alliance's plans to hold a series of exercises near the Georgian capital Tbilisi in May.

Kazakhstan, a former Soviet republic in Central Asia, on Tuesday backed Russia's position by pulling out. "No, we will not take part," Defense Minister Danial Akhmetov told reporters. "We are too busy. Yes, it's our final decision."

NATO has said it does not understand why Moscow is upset by the long-planned exercises involving 1,300 troops from 19 countries from May 6 to June 1.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/GCA-Russia/idUSTRE53K21L20090421

[Captain Hilts]

1. No surprise there. Kaz still holds the Russian space program, etc. Ties are tight.

The Soviet Union had a division of labour among republics and this one still functions.

[Vidar]

2. Good for Kazakhstan. NATO saber rattling should have died with the cold war.

[ohio2007]

3. there are 12 nations participating in war games off the coast of Florida

http://www.miamiherald.com/news/florida/AP/story/1008724.html

one less country participating in "Georgia" won't ad up to a hill of peanuts

:sarcasm:

Russia's entire fleet sailed out of Ukraine port so you know they are participating in some game ...somewhere anyway

[ohio2007]

4. Russia moves troops closer to Georgia's capital

NATO has said it does not understand why Moscow is upset by the long-planned exercises involving 1,300 troops from 19 countries from May 6 to June 1.






snip
Russia has stationed its forces just 25 miles (40 kilometers) from the Georgian capital, in violation of the EU-brokered cease-fire that ended last year's brief war. And in recent weeks, it has sent even more troops and armored vehicles to within striking distance of the city ahead of street protests against Georgia's president.

snip
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jfCx1N9TFck0QbhRQt7fnFP_Da1gD97MUNO82

[tabasco]

5. The US lost enormous influence in the world under AWOL Bush.

Bush made this country a pariah and a laughingstock.

I have many friends overseas who were shocked that a stupid cretin like Bush could become US President.