Kyrgyzstan says it is open to talks over base

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Kyrgyzstan says it is open to talks over base
By Leila Saralayeva - The Associated Press
Posted : Thursday Mar 5, 2009 15:01:08 EST

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan — Kyrgyzstan is willing to negotiate a new deal allowing American troops to operate there despite its recent decision to shut a U.S. air base essential to the war in Afghanistan, the president’s spokesman said Thursday.

The Central Asian nation last month ordered the United States to vacate the Manas air base within six months. President Kurmanbek Bakiyev announced the closure shortly after Russia pledged $2.15 billion in aid and loans for impoverished former Soviet nation.

Presidential spokesman Almaz Turdumamatov said the decision on Manas would not be changed but indicated that a separate arrangement allowing U.S. troops in the country could be negotiated.

“The decision on the base is final and by this year every last American soldier will have left the territory of Kyrgyzstan,” he said. “Notwithstanding, the doors for negotiation with the United States are open and we are prepared to consider a new agreement.”

Bakiyev’s office also quoted him as saying that Kyrgyzstan is ready to provide a corridor for transit of non-lethal U.S. military supplies headed for nearby Afghanistan. Its neighbors Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan have also agreed to such transit.


Rest of article at: http://airforcetimes.com/news/2009/03/ap_kyrgyzstan_airbase_030509/%2e