Kyrgyzstan To Supply Fuel To U.S. Air Base Directly

Kyrgyz authorities say they plan to set up 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 today by acting President Roza Otunbaeva orders the company to be formed over the next 10 days.

Kyrgyz prosecutors say that companies owned by Maksim Bakiev, the younger son of ousted President Kurmanbek Bakiev, avoided almost $80 million in taxes on aviation fuel sold to the Manas base.

The United States uses Manas to supply its forces fighting the Taliban in Afghanistan.

compiled from agency reports