US vows to greater transparency over fuel supply deals for its air base in Kyrgyzstan
By APFriday, May 7, 2010
US vows more transparency over base in Kyrgyzstan
ALMATY, Kazakhstan — A senior adviser to President Barack Obama says the United States is committed to ensuring greater transparency in the supply of aviation fuel to a key U.S. air base in Kyrgyzstan.
White House official Michael McFaul said Friday that clarifying the procedure of how fuel is purchased would help eliminate speculation about activities at the base.
Perceived improprieties over the fuel supply deal have hurt the standing of the United States in Kyrgyzstan.
Kyrgyz prosecutors says that companies owned by a son of recently deposed President Kurmanbek Bakiyev avoided almost $80 million in taxes on fuel sold to Manas base. Manas acts as a key refueling point for warplanes flying over Afghanistan and a major hub for combat troop movement.
