Azeri republic, US agree on deploying troops to protect oil installations
POL-AZERI-US BAKU, May 21 (KUNA) The Azeri Government and the United States have signed on an agreement for deployment of American troops on Azeri territories to protect oil installations, a local news agency reported on Saturday. The news agency, "Toran," said the agreement was signed during a stopover in the country by the US Secretary of Defense Donald Ronald Rumsfeld on April 12, while traveling to Iraq. According to the accord, the Americans will deploy a small force, with mobile units, the news agency said, adding the first batch of these forces would start arriving in the country within the coming few weeks. The US troops will be stationed at three bases, formerly manned by Soviet troops, near the capital Baku, it said, adding that the troops would be able to use affiliate air strips. The US military deployment in the republic is seen as crucial in a region rich in oil and other raw materials. (end) nk. http://www.kuna.net.kw/Home/Story.aspx?Language=en&DSNO=735131
