US won't speculate on Kyrgyzstan airbase future

Washington won't speculate on the future of its airbase in Kyrgyzstan beyond July 2014, the expiring date of the agreement that allows it to use the facility, the U.S. ambassador in Bishkek said. "The President of Kyrgyzstan, Almazbek Atambayev, expressed his commitment to fully follow the existing agreement, which is valid until July 2014," Ambassador Pamela Spratlen said Thursday in response to questions from Facebook users. The base, located at Manas international airport, went into service in December 2001. U.S.-led coalition forces in Afghanistan have used it to support the military operation "Enduring Freedom" since the 9/11 terror attacks. Last November, Atambayevs said upon his election that the U.S. must withdraw unconditionally from the base once the agreement expired, or create a civic traffic center in conjunction with Russia. Spratlen said the U.S. would consult with Kyrgyzstan on the fate of the base, adding it was important "for America and for Kyrgyzstan."