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Kyrgyz closure of US base 'final' Kyrgyz closure of US base 'final'
(about 2 hours later)
The Kyrgyzstan government has said its decision to close a US base that serves as a vital supply route for US and Nato operations in Afghanistan is "final".The Kyrgyzstan government has said its decision to close a US base that serves as a vital supply route for US and Nato operations in Afghanistan is "final".
The closure plan was announced earlier this week, after Russia had promised Kyrgyzstan $2bn (£1.4bn) in aid. Kyrgyz MPs will vote on the issue this month.The closure plan was announced earlier this week, after Russia had promised Kyrgyzstan $2bn (£1.4bn) in aid. Kyrgyz MPs will vote on the issue this month.
The Pentagon had said it is still in talks about the base. The Pentagon has said it is still in talks about the base.
Meanwhile, Tajikistan has said it will allow use of its airspace for moving non-military supplies into Afghanistan.Meanwhile, Tajikistan has said it will allow use of its airspace for moving non-military supplies into Afghanistan.
Diplomatic sources say that the US is close to a deal with Uzbekistan as part of back-up plan for the potential loss of its military hub in Kyrgyzstan.
The US shut its air base there following a dispute over human rights in 2005.
Critical timingCritical timing
Manas, near Bishkek, is the only US base in Central Asia and is a vital transit point for Nato and US operations in Afghanistan. Manas, near Bishkek, is the only US base in Central Asia and is a vital transit point for Nato and US operations in Afghanistan - an hour and a half flight away.
The base is used to refuel Afghan bound planes but importantly it is the first point of stop for the majority of coalition troops on their way in and out of Afghanistan.
"The decision has been made," said Kyrgyz government spokesman Aibek Sultangaziyev."The decision has been made," said Kyrgyz government spokesman Aibek Sultangaziyev.
"The US embassy and the [Kyrgyz] foreign ministry are exchanging opinions on this, but there are no discussions on keeping the base.""The US embassy and the [Kyrgyz] foreign ministry are exchanging opinions on this, but there are no discussions on keeping the base."
The move to shut the base comes at a critical moment, just as the new administration of US President Barack Obama plans a sharp increase in the number of American troops in Afghanistan. The decision to close Manas was announced by President Kurmanbek Bakiev during a visit to Russia, which also has a military base in Kyrgyzstan.
Moscow has promised a $2bn aid package to the impoverished Central Asian state but denies its involvement in the Kyrgyz government decision to shut the base.
For the US, the base closure comes at a critical moment, as the new administration of President Barack Obama plans a sharp increase in the number of American troops in Afghanistan.
For Russia, on the other hand, its closure would be a significant diplomatic victory as it seeks to reassert its influence in all former Soviet republics and beyond, analysts say.For Russia, on the other hand, its closure would be a significant diplomatic victory as it seeks to reassert its influence in all former Soviet republics and beyond, analysts say.
Moscow has given its support for Nato re-supplying its forces in Afghanistan, but has stopped short of agreeing to share a military presence in the former Soviet Union with the US.Moscow has given its support for Nato re-supplying its forces in Afghanistan, but has stopped short of agreeing to share a military presence in the former Soviet Union with the US.
The Manas base was set up in 2001 to assist the US military operation against al-Qaeda and the Taleban in Afghanistan.The Manas base was set up in 2001 to assist the US military operation against al-Qaeda and the Taleban in Afghanistan.
Under the lease agreement, the US must be given six months' notice to close its operations.Under the lease agreement, the US must be given six months' notice to close its operations.