According to the Associated Press, The White House said Thursday it would work with the government of Kyrgyzstan to "remedy" its decision to close a US air base which has been "vital" in the war in Afghanistan. The decision by the Central Asian state could prove a problem for the administration of President Barack Obama as the base was likely set to play a key role in his plans to boost US troop numbers in the Afghan war.
"We've seen the reports and I believe we've been in consultation with leaders there," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs told reporters."Obviously, Kyrgyzstan has provided an important air base in Manas that has been vital to our efforts and coalition efforts in Afghanistan and we look forward to working with them to remedy that situation," Gibbs said, referring to the closure plans.
Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev first announced the closure of the base in Moscow, fueling speculation the decision came under pressure from Russia, which has been irritated by the US presence in ex-Soviet territory.
The announcement was made with Dmitry Medvedev by his side, minutes after Russia granted Kyrgyzstan a loan of two billion dollars. But Russia has denied having influenced the Kyrgyz government.
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