Kyrgyzstan OKs deal for U.S. base

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, June 25 (UPI) -- Kyrgyzstan's Parliament ratified an agreement to allow the United States to maintain operations at a major transit hub for NATO forces in Afghanistan.

The agreement now goes to Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev for his signature, the U.S. Defense Department said Thursday.

"It's not a done deal until the president signs it," Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said. "Out of respect for their processes, we've been trying to give them the time and space to give this the consideration that it needs."

The vote finalized an agreement that basically reverses a decision in February to evict U.S. forces from Manas Air Base, apparently brought about by Russian pressure and promises of financial aid, The New York Times reported.

The agreement, signed Monday, came after intense lobbying by Washington, including a letter from U.S. President Barack Obama to Bakiyev seeking greater cooperation in the fight against terrorism.

The pact provides for a transit center at Manas International Airport, operated by the United States, to provide logistical support to coalition forces in Afghanistan, Whitman said in a release. Defense officials said the United States agreed to pay $60 million a year to use the base, up from $17.4 million in the previous arrangement.

Russia hasn't commented on the measure, calling it Kyrgyzstan's "sovereign right," the Times said. However, the Russian daily Kommersant quoted an unnamed official as saying the deal surprised Moscow, and an "adequate response" would be made.