Russian troops return from Kazakhstan

Moscow, Jan 15 (AP) Russia's defence ministry says troops that were deployed to Kazakhstan as violent demonstrations shook country have returned home.

troops were part of a force sent as peacekeepers by Collective Treaty Security Organisation, a Russia-led alliance of six former Soviet states. CSTO approved force of more than 2,000 on Jan 5 at request of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

demonstrations started on Jan 2 to protest a sharp rise in fuel prices. y quickly spre nationwide and descended into violence within several days. Protesters stormed government buildings and set m ablaze, and dozens of people were killed in clashes with country's security forces.

Russian Defence Ministry said Saturday that all of its planes carrying troops h returned. It was t clear wher troops from or CSTO countries remain in Kazakhstan. (AP) SCY SCY