31.   The deployment of U.S. troops in Kyrgyzstan will have a tangible impact on the economy of this impoverished former Soviet republic in Central Asia, a U.S. commander said.

32.   The hit-and-run attack came as fighting between Islamic rebels and Tajik government troops intensified in the eastern part of this impoverished former Soviet republic in Central Asia.

33.   The impoverished former Soviet republic has been devastated by years of civil war, and smugglers have taken advantage of the weak government, widespread corruption and rugged terrain.

34.   The government of Kyrgyzstan, an impoverished former Soviet republic that borders China, declared a campaign against bribe-taking, embezzling and other official corruption last December.

35.   The hard-line, pro-Moscow government of Tajikistan, an impoverished former Soviet republic in Central Asia, has struggled for years against armed rebels.

36.   The impoverished former Soviet republic has become a key gateway for drug traffickers trying to reach Russia and Europe.

37.   The site is in strife-torn southern Tajikistan near the Pyandzh River, which runs between the impoverished former Soviet republic and Afghanistan.

38.   The talks are to focus on ways to cement the shaky cease-fire and reach a lasting peace settlement in the impoverished Central Asian republic.

39.   This impoverished former Soviet republic has struggled with Islamic extremist groups that the government sought to suppress with a crackdown on dissent, prompting international alarm.

40.   This impoverished former Soviet republic is eager to start bringing in cash through lucrative gas sales.