Kyrgyz parliament discusses U.S. airbase closure

BISHKEK, February 19 (RIA Novosti) - The Kyrgyz parliament started discussing on Thursday the termination of a deal that allows the U.S. to use the country's Manas airbase.

The parliamentary faction of the Kyrgyz ruling party Ak Zhol unanimously voted on Wednesday to approve the closure of the airbase. Ak Zhol has over 70 seats in the 90-member parliament.

A simple majority of 46 seats is needed to pass the bill. A total of 87 lawmakers are present at the session.