Kyrgyz President has signed the bill on withdraw the Manas military air base

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The Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev has signed the bill on the closure of the American military base at Manas on February, 20 the press office of the President informed a REGNUM correspondent.

The vote, a resounding 78-1, signaled that Kyrgyzstan’s government is ready to follow through on its president’s threat to close the Manas Air Base. 

Once Kyrgyz authorities issue an eviction notice, the United States will have 180 days to leave the base.

It is worth mentioning that at a news briefing, State Department Deputy Spokesman Gordon Duguid said the air base is still operating, “there is a department for unforeseen situations in Pentagon and we have versions, in case the Kyrgyz President final decision”. According to Duguid it will not affect the U.S. war effort in Afghanistan."We will be able to continue our operations in Afghanistan fully and completely. The Pentagon is renowned for its ability to move troops, equipment and other materiel to all parts of the world," he said.