Anti-American movement intends to stage a picket in front of Manas terminal on July 7. The matter concerns the US AF base in Kyrgyzstan.

Several political parties (Communist, Liberal Progressive, Fellowship) and sympathizers are expected to attend the protest action. The movement itself began with demands of AF base withdrawal from Kyrgyzstan. These days, it demands annulment of base personnel's diplomatic immunity.

The movement was established in wake of the public outcry caused by the December 6 incident when Zachary Hatfield of the US Army shot Kyrgyz citizen Alexander Ivanov and escaped punishment.

The movement demands a thorough and unprejudiced investigation of the December 6 and a recompense for the Ivanovs. It also demands that the Kyrgyz authorities consider a revision of the clause of the 2001 treaty "On the status of servicemen of the AF base of the counter-terrorism coalition" that grants base personnel diplomatic immunity. It is this clause that puts them out of reach of the Kyrgyz justice for offences and crimes committed on the territory of the republic.

24.kg news agency reports indicate in the meantime that Kyrgyzaeronavigatsia (aeronautical service) warned the US Embassy in Bishkek that US aircraft and those of other countries of the counter-terrorism coalition might be left without its services. Local air controllers demand a pay for the services rendered to the US AF and others. As a matter of fact, it costs Kyrgyz aeronautical service 40-50% of the contingent gain while it cannot even afford new equipment.

"We regularly hear about what is invested in the Kazakh companies working for you," to quote from the open letter mailed to US Ambassador Mary Jovanonic. "For some reason, however, you never speak of the millions the US AF owes to Kyrgyzaeronavigatsia for five years worth of services since establishment of the AF base in Manas. Aircraft of the counter-terrorism coalition and US AF have been receiving preferential treatment not applicable to other aircraft. Our cooperation and partnership resemble a one-way street which is no longer acceptable."

Kyrgyzaeronavigatsia is convinced that it is entitled to what is due it because Kyrgyz air controllers are directly responsible for success of the operation in Afghanistan. "There are no guarantees that air controllers or their families are safe from radical extremists," the letter pointed out. Kyrgyzaeronavigatsia promises to set the deadline for termination of services unless its demands are met.