Kyrgyzstan to set up state company to supply fuel to US base

Kyrgyzstan to supply fuel to US base directly

BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan — Kyrgyz authorities say they plan to create a state-owned company to provide a U.S. air base with fuel, replacing a series of private intermediary firms set up under the recently deposed government.

A decree signed Tuesday by interim President Roza Otunbayeva orders the company to be formed over the next 10 days.

Kyrgyz prosecutors say that companies owned by a son of deposed President Kurmanbek Bakiyev avoided almost $80 million in taxes on aviation fuel sold to the Manas base. The base acts as a key refueling point for warplanes flying over Afghanistan and a major hub for combat troop movement.

Officials at Manas said earlier this month that the base was due to receive fuel until last Sunday, but further deliveries would be subject to talks between the U.S. government and Kyrgyzstan.