Only Russia may be allowed to use Ayni airfield, says Tajik minister

DUSHANBE, January 27, 2011, Asia-Plus —

Tajikistan conducting negotiations on use of the Ayni military

airfield only with Russia, Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zarifi told a

news conference in Dushanbe on January 27.

“The negotiations are not in the hot phase that means that we do not

conduct permanent dialogue,” said the minister, “The negotiations are

being conducted without any rash, as the need arises.” He added that

positions of the sides on that subject had already been determined.

We will recall that an official opening of the renovated Ayni

airfield belonging to the Tajik Ministry of Defense was held on

September 3, 2010.

According to the presidential press service, some 70 million U.S.

dollars have been spent by the Tajik and Indian sides for

rehabilitation of the airfield.

The airfield, located some 20 kilometers west of Dushanbe, now has

state-of-the-art navigational and defense technology. Its runway was

also extended to 3,200 meters so that all types of aircraft can