DUSHANBE, September 1, 2010, Asia-Plus — Information released by some media that the United States is allegedly seeking use of Ayni airfield does not correspondent to the facts, Mr. Robert Blake, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, told reporters in Dushanbe today, following his meeting with President Emomali Rahmon.
Moreover, the United States does not intend to establish any kind of base on Tajik territory, Mr. Blake noted.
He said that his country appreciates partnership with Tajikistan in the spheres of security, border control strengthening, fight against drug trafficking and creation of democratic and free society in Tajikistan. “Besides, economic projects would also become priorities of our cooperation,” Mr. Blake noted.
According to him, he conveyed to the Tajik leader US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s wish for holding talks with him in New York on sideline of the upcoming UN General Assembly session.
