Editor in Chief: Moh. Reza Huwaida Friday, March 29th, 2024

Fate of US Base Depends on Afghan Situation: Otunbayeva

Fate of US Base  Depends on Afghan  Situation: Otunbayeva

BISHKEK - Kyrgyzstan's outgoing president says the decision on whether to allow the U.S. air base to remain in the country after its lease ends in 2014 depends on developments in nearby Afghanistan.
RozaOtunbayeva said Tuesday she favors turning the Manas base at the capital's main airport into a civilian aviation facility, but concedes that the illegal drug trafficking business poses a security threat to Kyrgyzstan.

The United States has used the base as a key logistical hub for military operations in Afghanistan since 2001.

Otunbayeva's elected successor, AlmazAtambayev, will take power as president on Thursday and he has said the base should be closed when the lease expires. (AP)