MOSCOW, May 29 (RIA Novosti) - The Russian government
has approved the extension of the lease of an airbase in
Kyrgyzstan to 49 years with an automatic prolongation every 25
years.
The modified agreement, which was agreed on between the
Russian Foreign Ministry and the Kyrgyz authorities, will
replace the existing deal, which specifies a 15-year lease with
an automatic extension every 5 years.
Russia established in October 2003 its airbase in Kant,
about 20 miles west of the Kyrgyz capital. The Russian base
currently deploys about 400 troops, as well as 20 combat and
transport planes, helicopters, and L-39 trainers.
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