This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7873866.stm

The article has changed 9 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Kyrgyz closure of US base 'final' Kyrgyz closure of US base 'final'
(about 1 hour 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". Kyrgyzstan says its decision to close a US base that serves as a vital supply route for US and Nato operations in Afghanistan is "final".
It contradicts US statements that talks are ongoing about the base's future.It contradicts US statements that talks are ongoing about the base's future.
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. Meanwhile, the US has asked to move supplies through Russia, and Tajikistan has said it will allow the transit of non-military goods into Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, Tajikistan has said it will allow use of its airspace for moving non-military supplies into Afghanistan. Nato is understood to be increasingly concerned about the security of its supply routes through Pakistan.
Russia has reiterated a pledge to allow the transit of non-military Nato supplies across its soil - and says it is awaiting a detailed request from the US. Most of its supplies come through Pakistan's Khyber Pass, which has come under increasing militant attacks.
The US embassy and the [Kyrgyz] foreign ministry are exchanging opinions on this, but there are no discussions on keeping the base Aibek SultangaziyevKyrgyz government spokesman "As soon as that happens we will give the corresponding permission," said Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, quoted by Russian media.
But Moscow has stopped short of agreeing to share a military presence in the former Soviet Union with the US.
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 - 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 decision to close Manas was announced by President Kurmanbek Bakiev during a visit to Russia, which also has a military base in Kyrgyzstan. Manas, just outside the capital 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's flight away.
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. The base is used to refuel Afghan-bound planes, and is the first point of stop for the majority of coalition troops on their way in and out of Afghanistan.
The closure announcement came after Russia promised Kyrgyzstan $2bn (£1.4bn) in aid. However, Kyrgyzstan says the moves are not linked.
Kyrgyz MPs will vote on the closure later this month.
Russia has long opposed the presence of American military forces in Central Asia, says the BBC's Richard Galpin in Moscow.
Russia says it has agreed to a request from the US to allow the transit of non-military Nato supplies across its soil, but says it is waiting for details of specific shipments before issuing permissions.
The US embassy and the [Kyrgyz] foreign ministry are exchanging opinions on this, but there are no discussions on keeping the base Aibek SultangaziyevKyrgyz government spokesman US Kyrgyz base is pressure point
"As soon as that happens we will give the corresponding permission," said Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, quoted by Russian media.
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 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.
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.
Meanwhile, diplomatic sources say that the US is close to a deal with Uzbekistan as part of back-up plan.
The US left its air base there following a dispute over human rights in 2005.