DUSHANBE, November 6, Asia-Plus — The United States is ready to assist Tajikistan with training of military personnel for participating in peacekeeping operations, the US Central Command chief, Admiral William J. Fallon, remarked at a briefing in Dushanbe on November 6 following a meeting with President Emomali Rahmon.
According to him, the US Government offered Tajikistan to train its military personnel. “We are ready to provide financial and technical assistance to Tajikistan in training of a contingent of Tajik peacekeeping personnel and the Tajik Government is currently considering our proposal,” said the US Central Command chief, “The United States could train Tajik servicemen through various exchange programs as well as providing them an opportunity to study at US military colleges.”
Speaking to journalists, Admiral Fallon noted that the United States and Tajikistan have common interests such as fight against terrorism, extremis and drug trafficking, as well as maintenance of stability and security in the Central Asian region. “Tajikistan supports the international collation forces by doing well in protection of the border with Afghanistan and giving the coalition’s aircraft an opportunity to use its airfields.”
The US Central Command chief also noted that during the meeting they had also discussed issues related to further expansion of bilateral cooperation between the United States and Tajikistan, potentials of development of the Central Asian region, and rational use of water and energy resources in the region.
During his one-day visit to Dushanbe, Admiral Fallon also held talks with Tajik Defense Minister Sherali Khairulloyev.
Admiral Fallon’s visit to Tajikistan is a part of his tour of the Central Asian region. Mr. Fallon and his wife arrived in Dushanbe from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and today evening, they will leave for the United States.
Admiral Fallon is a graduate of the Naval War College, Newport, R.I., the National War College in Washington, D.C., and has a Master of Arts degree in International Studies from Old Dominion University. His awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and various unit and campaign decorations.
He assumed duties as the commander, U.S. Central Command on March 16, 2007, replacing the retiring General John P. Abizaid.
Fallon, the former chief of the U.S. Pacific Command, now leads more than 200,000 service members deployed in CENTCOM’s area of responsibility, which includes 27 nations throughout Southwest Asia, the Middle East and the Horn of Africa. Fallon is the first naval officer to assume command of CENTCOM, which began as the Rapid Deployment Joint Task Force in 1980.
U.S. Central Command conducts operations to attack, disrupt and defeat terrorism, deter and defeat adversaries, deny access to WMD, assure regional access, strengthen regional stability, build the self-reliance of partner nations’ security forces, and protect the vital interests of the United States within the area of responsibility.
