Russia throws weight behind provisional Kyrgyz govt.

[FarCenter]

Russia on Thursday threw its weight behind the provisional Kyrgyz government, which took power in the capital and several regions of the ex-Soviet Central Asian state after two days of violent protests in which 74 people died and more than 500 were injured.

Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin spoke on the phone with Kyrgyz opposition-nominated premier Roza Otunbayeva, who asked Moscow for economic assistance, Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

"It is important to note that the conversation was held with Otunbayeva in her capacity as the head of a national confidence government," Peskov said. He said Putin told Otunbayeva that Russia was ready to offer humanitarian aid to Kyrgyzstan.

In 2009, Russia allocated a $2 billion soft loan to Kyrgyzstan and $150 million in financial assistance. The leaders of both countries denied suggestions that the loan was linked to Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiyev's plans to close a U.S. military base located a short distance from the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek.

<SNIP>http://en.rian.ru/exsoviet/20100408/158484451.html

[FarCenter]

1. Was the revolution caused by diversion of energy to the US base

In another news report, 35000 US personnel go through Kyrgyzstan each month. Also, a large fraction of the mid-air refueling flights over Afghanistan are done out of the US base in Kyrgyzstan.

This must require the delivery of a lot of jet fuel to the US base.

The following is a story from February.

http://dev.eurasianet.org/node/32747
Kyrgyzstan: Utility Price Hike Squeezes Citizens

Utility consumers in Kyrgyzstan are bracing for the arrival of their first bills since energy and hot water tariffs skyrocketed at the outset of the new year. For many, the new utility rates may serve as a dose of cold reality that fuels anxiety about a potential decline in living standards.

Utility consumers in Kyrgyzstan are bracing for the arrival of their first bills since energy and hot water tariffs skyrocketed at the outset of the new year. For many, the new utility rates may serve as a dose of cold reality that fuels anxiety about a potential decline in living standards.

Pressed by the frail Soviet-era infrastructure, as well as by regular electricity shortfalls, officials say they need more revenue so that they can invest in the energy sector. Last fall, Prime Minister Daniyar Usenov unveiled a plan to increase tariffs in two phases in 2010, starting on New Year’s Day and jumping again in July.

January bills are due to arrive at homes in the next few days. Some analysts worry about the public reaction to the hikes. In 2010, heating costs are rising by 400 percent; electricity by 170 percent. The price of hot water - a fee calculated according to the size of a resident’s dwelling -- more than doubled at the start of the year.
<SNIP>

[Arctic Dave]

2. I wonder what the reaction the US will have if they are asked to leave.

Will they set up a GITMO Kyrgyzstan?

[FarCenter]

3. Most likely they will attempt to extend the deal for whatever added dollars are requested.

The Manas air base is too important. Without it, the US surge becomes an ebb. I doubt that you can supply forces in Northern Afghanistan from the Indian Ocean seaports.