Kyrgyzstan and the United States reached a new agreement to maintain American access to Manas airport outside Bishkek, effectively reversing an earlier order to expel US forces from the facility. Under the arrangement, Manas will be redesignated a civilian "transit centre" rather than a military base, restricted to non-lethal cargo such as medicine, fuel, construction materials, and clothing.
The financial terms represent a substantial upgrade for Kyrgyzstan. Annual rent rises from $17.4 million to $60 million, with additional US payments covering infrastructure improvements ($36 million), navigation equipment ($30 million), development aid ($20 million), counter-narcotics programs ($21 million), and counter-terrorism assistance ($10 million), bringing the total package to roughly $177 million.
Foreign Minister Kadyrbek Sarbayev cited concern over instability in Afghanistan and Pakistan as the basis for the government's reversal. The one-year deal, described as temporary, awaited ratification by parliament.
President Kurmanbek Bakiyev had announced the base closure while visiting Moscow in February, the same day Russia unveiled a large aid package for the country. Moscow denied any role in the original decision. A retired Russian general described the outcome as a return to the prior arrangement under a different name and higher rent.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in June 2009, in its own words.