CHOLPON-ATA, Kyrgyzstan, August 01, SPA -- Russia clinched a tentative deal Saturday allowing it to establish a second military base in Kyrgyzstan, where the United States also has animportant air base, The Associated Press reported. Under the terms of a joint memorandum, Russia couldsignificantly boost the number of troops it has deployed inthe Central Asian nation for a period of up to 49 years. Russian forces will be charged with «protecting Kyrgyzsovereignty» and repelling attacks by internationalterrorist groups, it said. A definitive agreement detailing the status of theproposed base and Russia's existing Kant base will besigned by November.--SPA www.spa.gov.sa/689178