DUSHANBE, February 21, 2013, Asia-Plus — Washington does not plan to use Tajikistan’s infrastructure during the withdrawal of its troops from Afghanistan, Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert O. Blake, Jr. told journalists here yesterday after a meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon.
“The President of the United States noted during one of meetings that the United States intends to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan by February of the next year,” said Assistant Secretary Blake. “But as far as I know, there are no intentions to withdraw the troops through Tajik territory.”
Assistant Secretary Blake appreciated Tajik government’s support for providing stability in the region.
“I saw an opportunity to appreciate Tajik president’s support for initiatives on providing stability in neighboring Afghanistan as well as support for all efforts taken by the coalition to provide stability in Central Asia,” Mr. Blake said.
Assistant Secretary Blake noted that issues related to expansion of bilateral cooperation in strengthening borders and combating drug trafficking and terrorism had also been among major topics of his meeting with President Rahmon.
Speaking to journalists, U.S. Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Robert Blake also called on Tajikistan’s leadership to hold a fair, democratic, and transparent presidential election. “We also discussed a number of issues related to the upcoming presidential election in Tajikistan. We asked the head of state to ensure holding of free and transparent presidential election in November.”
He also noted that wider civil liberties were necessary for the further development of civil society.
Blake started his two-day visit to Dushanbe on February 20 and has reportedly met with NGO representatives and civil-society activists.
Blake is expected to take part in the annual U.S.-Tajik consultations during his stay in Tajikistan.
