US Beefs Up Stakes in Caspian

During a stop in Kazakhstan yesterday, US Defense Secretary, Donald Rumsfeld pledged the US will work to ensure security in the Caspian region and within Kazakhstan itself.

The US will focus particularly on helping Kazakhstan's military ensure the security of pipelines and installations around its Caspian coastline. The US has pledged to spend $5 million this year on weapons, armour and training to help the country build up its navy.

Kazakhstan decided last year to set up its own navy and will take delivery of its first battleships in coming months.