BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan (AP) -- Kyrgyzstan's parliament voted Thursday to close a key U.S. air base in the country -- a move that could hamper President Barack Obama's efforts to increase the number of U.S. forces in Afghanistan. Deputies voted 78-1 for the government-backed bill to cancel the lease agreement on the Manas air base, a transit point for 15,000 troops and 500 tons of cargo each month to and from Afghanistan. Two deputies abstained.If President Kurmanbek Bakiyev signs the bill and Kyrgyz authorities issue an eviction notice, the United States will have 180 days to vacate the base.
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Bakiyev unexpectedly called this month for the closure of Manas, complaining that the United States was not paying enough rent for the base.