NATO official urges Kyrgyzstan not to close U.S. airbase

Source: Xinhua | 02-03-2009 10:25

ALMATY, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- A NATO official Monday urged the Kyrgyz government not to close a U.S. military base, according to news reaching here from Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan.

If the Kyrgyz government decides to close the Manas airbase, it would be "regrettable," said Robert Simmons, NATO secretary general's special representative for the Caucasus and Central Asia, who was paying a visit to Kyrgyzstan.

The base serves as a "vital link" for NATO's military operations in Afghanistan and the international anti-terror fight, Simmons argued.

The base, located on the outskirts of Bishkek and home to over 1,000 military personnel, was established in 2001 after the start of the U.S-led military operation in Afghanistan. Recent media reports said the Kyrgyz government was considering to shut it down.

Editor:Zhang Pengfei