Tajikistan/Afghanistan

Tajikistan to allow US supplies through, after closure of airbase

Article published on the 2009-02-06 Latest update 2009-02-06 15:03 TU

A watchtower neat the Manas US airbase, near Bishkek.
(Photo: Reuters)

After the closure of a vital airbase in Kyrgyzstan, the Tajik government has announced that it will allow supplies for US and Nato forces through its borders.

The Kyrgyz government announced they would close the Manas airbase during a visit to Moscow in which Russia said they would provide the country with an aid package worth more than 1.5 billion euros.

Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon said he will allow vital supplies, such as construction materials, medicines, fuel and water to travel across the country by road.

“Tajikistan is ready to offer the United States and Nato countries help with the transit of humanitarian and commercial supplies to Afghanistan,” said Rakhmon.

The closure of the airbase puts pressure on supply lines to US forces at a time when President Barack Obama is looking to increase the number of troops in the country.

But Russia has said it will allow non-military supplies across its soil as soon as the US detail exactly what items it needs for forces in Afghanistan.

The Manas airbase will be shut as soon as the agreement with the US is cancelled and it is unlikely the Kyrgyz authorities will change their mind.

While Tajikistan has made it clear that supplies should also aid restoration of the country.

“They should be destined not only for the military but it is also important they are used for the reconstruction of Afghanistan,” said Rakhmon.