Kanybek Imanaliev: Sending of Kyrgyzstanis to Syria-experience for soldiers

Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee for International Affairs, Defense and Security Kanybek Imanaliev commented to 24.kg news agency on Russia's negotiations with Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan over sending military forces to Syria.

«According to the military doctrine, Kyrgyzstan undertakes to participate in anti-terrorist operations. In addition, as a member of the CSTO, Kyrgyzstan has the right independently, in view of its obligations under international treaties, to determine the reasonability of its participation in each case," Kanybek Imanaliev said.

«If the leadership of the country considers our participation in Syria expedient, then the decision must be taken by the Parliament, there must be at least two-thirds votes of the total number of deputies. No such proposal has been submitted to our committee so far," Kanybek Imanaliev added.

Answering the question whether he personally supports sending of our military to Syria, the MP said: «Yes I do, if there is a little risk, and the mission is more peacekeeping in nature, and as explained, for the purpose of monitoring. Firstly, this is a great experience for our soldiers. And, secondly, since we are members of the CSTO, Russia is our strategic partner in matters of security. I think this corresponds to our national interests.»

If such an offer comes to Parliament, I think the majority will support it, since ISIL and international terrorism are a common threat.

Kanybek Imanaliev