Kyrgyz U-turn on US base mooted

Thousands of US soldiers pass through the base en route to Afghanistan

Kyrgyzstan's president has raised the possibility of letting US forces remain at an airbase, which supports US and Nato operations in Afghanistan.

Kurmanbek Bakiyev said negotiations would have to take a different format, and cover new conditions of use.

His remarks, made in a BBC interview, are his first since announcing the closure of the Manas base last month.

Kyrgyz MPs have already passed a bill on the closure, and the US is actively exploring alternative supply routes.

Kyrgyzstan's parliament voted overwhelmingly in favour of closing the strategic US air base.

See map of existing and possible supply routes in the region

The US said that it would look at what it could offer to keep the base open - but was not prepared to pay any price.

Mr Bakiyev said at the time he had decided to close the base because Washington had refused to pay more rent for it.

Militant threat

Thousands of US soldiers pass through the Manas base every month on their way in and out of Afghanistan.

It is also home to the large tanker aircraft that are used for airborne refuelling of fighter planes on combat missions, and it serves as a key supply hub.

MANAS AIRBASE IN FIGURES Two hours' flight time from Kabul 15,000 US soldiers pass through every month on their way in and out of Afghanistan Houses 1,000 US soldiers alongside 100 Spanish and French troops Home of large tanker aircraft used for in-air refuelling of fighter planes 3,294 refuelling missions flown in 2008 providing 11,419 aircraft with fuel over the skies of Afghanistan

For the US, the decision comes at a critical moment, as the new administration of President Barack Obama plans a sharp rise in the number of its troops in Afghanistan.

With supply lines to Afghanistan via Pakistan increasingly threatened by militant attacks, Washington has intensified talks with other countries in the region.

Uzbek President Islam Karimov has said the US will be allowed to transport non-military supplies through his country, which has rail links with Afghanistan.

The US has also reached similar deals with Russia and Kazakhstan.

Washington used to have an air base in Uzbekistan that served troops operating in Afghanistan.

But Uzbek authorities closed it in 2005 after criticism from the US and EU over a crackdown on a mass protest in the town of Andijan.

EXISTING/POSSIBLE SUPPLY ROUTES TO TROOPS IN AFGHANISTAN 1. Manas airbase: the only US base in Central Asia, a vital transit point for Nato and US operations. Kyrgyz government wants it closed. 2. Karshi-Khanabad airbase: US forces were ordered out in 2005. Uzbekistan may agree to allow it to be used for non-military transports. 3. Bridge over Panj river: part-funded by the US, it was completed in 2007. May serve as another supply route into Afghanistan. 4. Khyber Pass: most supplies to US and Nato troops come through Pakistan. Increasing number of attacks in the area mean the US army is looking for back-up routes.

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