Central Asia Nuclear-Free Zone

Sometimes I sit on interesting stories wondering whether to pass them on or not. In this case, I was hoping for some further news on the treaty recently signed regarding the Central Asia Nuclear-Free Zone. Here's the story from UPI:

U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan welcomes the creation of the Central Asia Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone, calling it an important step towards peace and security.

In a statement by Annan read out Friday by Yuriko Shoji, the U.N. resident coordinator in Kazakhstan, Annan said the establishment of weapons-free zones strengthens the global nuclear non-proliferation efforts, reinforces global efforts to achieve a nuclear-free world and improves global and regional peace and security.

"May the efforts of the central Asian states help move us further in that direction," the statement said.

Annan also acknowledged some states had expressed concerns about Friday's agreement and called on the five Central Asian nations to ensure its effectiveness.

(snip)

The treaty was signed by representatives from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan in the northern Kazakh town of Semipalatinsk, near the now-defunct testing ranges where the then Soviet Union exploded more than 400 atom bombs.

The story does not indicate which states had "expressed concerns" about the agreement. But I checked several other stories and one of the countries that has concerns seems to be the U.S., apparently because, at some future time, it might need to use a base from which to launch nuclear weapons. Here's a story by Natasha Mayers of the Kennebec Journal that elaborates further but without giving sources:

Are we crazy? The Bush administration is objecting a groundbreaking treaty that set up a nuclear weapon-free zone in Central Asia this week. Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan have committed themselves not to produce, buy, or allow the deployment of nuclear weapons on their soil. Isn't this exactly what we should be applauding and encouraging?

The U.S. is opposing this treaty because this is a very strategic region and the U.S. is reticent to give up the option of deploying nuclear weapons there in the future.

Manas airbase in Kyrgyzstan is one of the six most important U.S. military bases in the world, established as a hub for multinational operations following Sept. 11. It is close to Afghanis-tan and located near the immense energy reserves of the Caspian Basin, as well as the Russian and Chinese frontiers.

The United States has been involved in planning potential nuclear use scenarios for Iran.

I don't consider the second article a verified story in all its particulars but it would make a good question at a White House press conference. It would be curious to see how Tony Snow would answer the question. I'm sure there are many interested parties who would like to hear the answer.