Troop Immunity to be Lifted

In a December 7, 2006 story, The Dispatch Online reports on a request by President Kurmanbek Bakiyev for the revocation of the diplomatic immunity afforded a U.S. soldier stationed with American troops in Kyrgyzstan. The national authorities intend to investigate the killing of a driver by the soldier at the gate to a military base leased to the United States.

An agreement between the two nations exempts U.S. military personnel from local criminal prosecution. The agreement is under review for an extension. Kyrgyzstan is particularly concerned because servicewoman Jill Metzger disappeared from the base last September which frustrated another investigation by Kyrgyz authorities. -- Clemens Kochinke, Berliner, Corcoran & Rowe, LLP, Washington. Kyrgyzstan Troop Immunity

Tue, 21:14:31 12 Dec 2006 / / Embassy Law Link

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