WASHINGTON - Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says it is regrettable that the government of Kyrgyzstan (KEER-guh-stan) is considering forcing the U.S. out of an air base near the Kyrgyz capital.

The base has been used for years as an air logistics hub for U.S. military operations in Afghanistan. The U.S. also has aerial refueling aircraft at the base.

Speaking to reporters at the State Department, Clinton said that regardless of what final decision the Kyrgyz government makes about closing the air base, the United States will proceed with its plans for building up forces in Afghanistan.

She declined to comment on U.S. interest in making new arrangements with another nation - Uzbekistan - for supply routes into Afghanistan.





The Associated Press, February 5, 2009