Kyrgyzstan to demand withdrawal of US troops
AKIPress refers to Russian news agency RIA Novosti that informs that the President Bakiev has made a statement that Kyrgyzstan will eventually insist that the United States removes its military airbase from the country. American airbase at Manas airport is located about 30 kilometers east of the capital and has about 1000 American troops. In his interview to RIA Novosti Kurmanbek Bakiev said:
We will [eventually] raise the issue of its closure. That’s for certain.
Earlier this month, Kyrgyz Minister of Finance Tazhikan Kalimbetova disclosed the information regarding the payment for rent of the airbase in the sum of $17.5 million a year. She also said that even though Russia encourages Kyrgyzstan to insist on withdrawal of US troops from the country, the existence of the airbase contributes to country’s economy as it produces jobs.
No one can be sure of seriousness of the President’s words regarding the airbase removal. Looks like politicians are used to play a big political game. It could be hard for the government to refuse from such a bunch of money. It already allowed Russian airbase to pay no rent and does not impose any charges for the use of Kant airbase.
on February 23rd, 2008 at 5:34 pm
The president Bakiev wants more money that is all.
the base will never removed from its place. At worst it will be transformed into a medical hospital or a recreation center. Bakiev can not do anything with Americans. Over and above too many kyrgyz people work there.
on February 25th, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Agree. It’s again one of these little myrk hames to get more money, evoking ‘patriotism’ and ‘independence’ when it suits them.
on March 11th, 2008 at 8:28 am
There are good sides and bad sides of having US base in Kyrgyzstan.
Good sides:
1) Many Kyrgyz citizens have jobs at the base and have better salaries comparing with local companies;
2) Our government receives good money;
3) Military spend money here, so there is good income for our cafes, restaurants and other;
4) Cultural exchange
Bad sides:
1) There is pollution from military plains that throw fuel to KG territory; it leads to no harvest, people diseases and etc.
2) One American killed a Kyrgyz citizen (Russian) and left the country without punishment just paying 50000 USD.
3) Most American military guys are having fun with our girls and leave them, at the same time our girls dream to marry them. Of course some girls also date with Americans cos’ they want to go to US or cos’ of money, but not all.
4) It’s sad to realize that USA and Russia are interested in the territory of our country and do everything to get a leading role in KG.
on March 11th, 2008 at 5:06 pm
“Good sides:
2) Our government receives good money;
3) Military spend money here, so there is good income for our cafes, restaurants and other;”
I don’t know if that are ‘good sides’ in the end. Given the nature of the Kyrgyz governement, and given the fact that most cafés, nightclubs, restos, … that the Crusader occupiers patronise are in the hands of certain (often regime-connected) mafias, I would say that in practice, ‘good sides’ 2. and 3. come down to ‘feed massive corruption in the country’.
“Good sides:
4) Cultural exchange”
Yes indeed: drugs, prostitution, Protestant sects and their slave ideology (to which Kyrgyzstani who work at the base have to convert first, BTW).
“3) Most American military guys are having fun with our girls and leave them, at the same time our girls dream to marry them. Of course some girls also date with Americans cos’ they want to go to US or cos’ of money, but not all.”
“4) It’s sad to realize that USA and Russia are interested in the territory of our country and do everything to get a leading role in KG.”
But Asel, what had you imagined then? That the US and Russia are really there to ‘help’ and ‘protect’ Kyrgyzstan against evil terrorists? In reality, they spit on you.
on March 15th, 2008 at 1:53 pm
“AP - As of March 14, the US DoD has announced in a closed door session that US Forces will begin a drawdown in June of ‘08 and achieve a 100% withdrawal from Manas Air Base, Kyrgyzstan, no later than September 30, ‘08. ”
My question is “Who will provide for the people that ‘had’ jobs on the base?”