American expert: Kyrgyz authorities want to get more money from the USA

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People in the United States, including those in government, believe the issue on further use of Manas air base is ultimately about money. Had the Americans been willing to pay an exorbitant increase in rent, the Kyrgyz would have allowed the arrangement to on, told Robert Legvold, Professor in the Department of Political Science at Columbia University, expert on Russia in an interview to a REGNUM correspondent on March, 9.

“While it is clear the Russian leadership for the last three or four years has been eager to see the Americans leave Manas and has made that plain to the Bakiyev government”, said the expert, adding that while the $2 billion aid package worked out between the Russian and Kyrgyz government in early February made it much easier for Bakiyev government”.

“Had the Americans been willing to pay an exorbitant increase in rent, the Kyrgyz would have allowed the arrangement to on. And conceivably they may yet”, underlined the expert.

“Russia's role is seen as unhelpful, particularly when one would expect assistance in maintaining the base if they Russians are serious about wanting the war to stabilize Afghanistan to succeed. But it is not seen as decisive”, said Robert Legvold.