USBEKISTANS PRESIDENT REQUIRED STRENGTHENING THE NATIONAL
DEFENSE








TASCHKENT, 2 March (of RIA Nowosti rIA-Nowosti-Korrespondent Valeri
Nijasmatow).  Usbekistans president Islam Karimow stressed the
necessity for a perfection of the defense system and strengthening the
defense of the country in view of the continuous attempts of armed
gangs to penetrate in Usbekistan required.  After its words this is
connected primarily with the increasing dimensions of the drug traffic
and the religious extremism.

Karimow explained in a session of the national security council of the
republic, which he leads.

The president placed the function to the bosses of the military
districts and the armed authorities to perfect the combat preparation
of the federations and units of the armed forces Usbekistans and to
equip these with modern military equipment.