Obama, Kyrgyz leader met in White House
"President Obama joined a meeting with National Security Advisor Tom Donilon and Kyrgyzstani President Roza Otunbayeva in the White House to discuss US-Kyrgyzstani relations and US support for Kyrgyzstan's democracy," spokesman Jay Carney said, AFP reported.
"Obama reaffirmed the US commitment to support Kyrgyzstan's efforts to consolidate its democracy," the spokesman said.
The US president also voiced thanks for "Kyrgyzstan's support for the Transit Center at Manas and said the US has taken steps to improve transparency about the Transit Center and payments connected to it, and pledged to maximize the benefits for the Kyrgyz people," the spokesman said, referring to a US military installation near Bishkek.
"President Obama and President Otunbayeva emphasized that building democracy is a daily struggle, and noted that Kyrgyzstan has taken positive steps so far to establish a parliamentary democracy and hold free and fair elections," Carney said.
Donilon "noted that her courage in leading Kyrgyzstan through a difficult transition to democracy provides hope for Central Asia and inspiration for people around the world who are pursuing their universal rights."
Earlier, Otunbayeva said she would ask for US help in protecting the borders of her country, a key strategic point in the allied war effort in Afghanistan.
Otunbayeva, a former ambassador to Washington, was speaking to a US audience during a visit that includes talks with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
"We work closely with Russia by the way on this regard. I do seek assistance here in Washington also... Border troops need lot of financial support."
Otunbayeva said her country has only three border agents per kilometer compared with seven for Tajikistan, and "nine to 12" for Uzbekistan.
Last week the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) expressed concern over inter-ethnic clashes in Kyrgyzstan. Kazinform cites Trend News. See www.en.trend.az for full version.
