BISHKEK, January 6 (RIA Novosti, Yulia Orlova) - The second round of talks between the United States and the central Asian republic of Kyrgyzstan on the U.S. military base in the republic will begin soon, the Kyrgyz foreign minister said.
A national newspaper quoted Alibek Jekshenkulov Friday as saying, "Thanks to the constructive approach of both sides to such a sensitive issue as the presence within Kyrgyzstan's territory of an air base, the governments of both countries have agreed to review the agreement on conditions for the presence of military and civic personnel of the U.S. Department of Defense on the republic's territory. It is likely that following consultations we will reach mutually acceptable and positive decisions."
The military base was created four years ago after the September 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S., when Kyrgyzstan declared its full support for efforts to counter international terrorist movements.
In mid-2005, Kyrgyzstan proposed reviewing the agreement on the military base.
Kyrgyzstan demands that the U.S. pay higher rent for its base at the Manas airport in the country's capital.
Up until now, the U.S. has only paid a nominal sum for the base, Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev said.
