"According to our data, (the US) is planning to establish military bases in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan," Russia's top military officer, General Nikolai Makarov, was quoted as saying by Interfax news agency.

US officials have repeatedly denied such plans.

The Manas Air Force Base in Kyrgyzstan is currently the only US military base in Central Asia.

Following the September 11, 2001 terror attacks, Russia welcomed the US military presence in Central Asia but later grew nervous over the growing number of American troops in the oil-rich region.

In 2005, Uzbekistan shut down a US military base used to support missions in Afghanistan. However, both Uzbekistan and neighbouring Central Asian giant Kazakhstan have recently sought closer ties with Washington.

Makarov said America's growing military presence in Europe and Washington's support for Georgian and Ukrainian bids to join NATO was threatening for Russia.

"The US has encircled all the world's regions with military bases, including Europe," he said, speaking at the Academy of Military Sciences.

He also expressed doubt that ties between Russia and the US would improve under the Barack Obama's new administration which takes over from President George W. Bush next month.

"If someone thinks that the situation in the world principally changes with the arrival to the White House of the new administration, then he will make a grave mistake," Makarov said.

Related Links
News From Across The Stans

Memory Foam Mattress Review

SPACE MEDIA NETWORK PROMOTIONS Solar Energy Solutions Tempur-Pedic Mattress Comparison ... Newsletters :: SpaceDaily :: SpaceWar :: TerraDaily :: Energy Daily XML Feeds :: Space News :: Earth News :: War News :: Solar Energy News