Kyrgyzstan wants U.S. to pay 100 times more for military base

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L15415268.htm

ALMATY, Feb 15 (Reuters) - Kyrgyzstan wants the United States to pay 100 times more for the use of a military base in the Central Asian country, President Kurmanbek Bakiyev was quoted as saying on Wednesday.

U.S. forces moved into Central Asia, traditionally a Russian sphere of influence, when they started the hunt for Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan in 2001, establishing bases in Kyrgyzstan and neighbouring Uzbekistan.

But Washington has faced suspicions from leaders across the region that it is out to unseat some governments. Uzbekistan evicted U.S. troops last year after Washington criticised Tashkent over the suppression of a rebellion in the eastern town of Andizhan.

Now Kyrgyzstan wants more money.

[rodeodance]

1. our 'carrots" are running out. Only cash counts.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

2. We shouldn't have introduced the "free market" to the ex-commies.

They learn fast.

[leesa]

3. Somehow I don't think this is a new concept. I say good for them. It is

likely to cost them much more in the end if/when we decide to overthrow their government and murder their citizens.