Giving brief information about the US ties with former Soviet countries in the Central Asia, diplomat described them as "very positive." "We have worked very well with Kazakhstan from the very beginning and we expanded cooperation," he said adding that he means "extra economic spheres" and "certain volume of political reforms." "The "year of the OSCE" lies ahead for Kazakhstan," the diplomat said pointing to Kazakhstan’s chairmanship in the organization in 2010.
"We have good and expanding relations with Turkmenistan," Baucher said. "We achieve progress in ties with Uzbekistan and seek ways of balanced steps forward. I tripped to Tajikistan very recently. We try to help this country and support not only humanitarian programs, but also reforms. Kyrgyzstan is our partners in many respects from education to numerous other spheres."
In response to the question whether the US is finally going to leave Manas base in the Bishkek airport, he said contacts and discussions on this issue are continuing.
According to decision of the Kyrgyz authorities, American forces must withdraw by 20 August. US claims that this issue can be re-examined.