Kyrgyz interim leader retains US base

Kyrgyzstan's interim leader, Roza Otunbayeva, says her government will extend the lease of the US air base of Manas for one year.

She will guarantee the safety of ousted president Kurmanbek Bakiyev if he steps down and leaves Kyrgyzstan.

The current one-year agreement for the US to use the Manas air base expires in July. The base provides refueling flights for warplanes over Afghanistan and serves as a major transit hub for troops.

As for ousted President Bakiyev, Otunbayeva says her government will guarantee his security, but won't do so for his family members, whom the opposition has accused of corruption.

U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Robert Blake (L) and Kyrgyz interim government leader Roza Otunbayeva attend a news conference in Bishkek April 14, 2010. REUTERS/Vladimir Pirogov