Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan and China discuss arms cut

    By T.Nurmagambetov
    Military officials from Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan and China have discussed arms reduction on mutual borders during a special seminar in Astana, a press statement from the Kazakh Defense Ministry said on Wednesday.
    A regional seminar aimed at sharing experience in carrying out agreements between Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and China and for strengthening confidence in the military sector and reducing armed forces at the borders is nearing completion in Astana. The relevant agreements were signed in 1996 and 1997.
    Representatives from the Chinese armed forces, Russia, Tajikistan, representatives from departments and offices of the Ministry of Defense of Kazakhstan, the regional Armed Forces and the Border Guard Service commands of Kazakhstan attended the seminar.
    Delegates discussed almost all major provisions of the two agreements: the inspection and notification activities, confidence-building measures, information exchange and the prospects for the use of an information communication network between the states to the agreements, as well as the activities of the Joint Control Group, according to Trend.