Against background of detiorating security situation (200 words)

Published: 1/25/2001

The Tajik News Agency reports that Iran and Tajikistan have opened a new route between Khujand (in Northern Tajikistan's Sodhdi region) and Mashhad, in North Eastern Iran. The weekly flight is being offered, by the Soghd aviation enterprise of the Tajikistan Airlines, using a Yak-40, at a cost of $260 for the round trip The difficulties of travelling by road between the two countries, due to changes in visa regulations (relating to the security situation on the Iranian/Tajikistan border), are expected to see flights well subscribed; particularly for religious pilgrims wishing to visit Islamic religious sites. The issue of regional security was the focus of a recent visit to Danshube, by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Yyacheslav Trubnikov, to discuss bringing the recently repaired Chkalovsk Air Base in northern Tajikistan, into operation. The re-establishment of a Russian military presence in the region (the first since the break up of the USSR) reflects concerns on both sides of the border, about incursions of Islamic militants into the country. Russian military sources indicate that the re-opening of the facility, will allow Russian aircraft to give ground support to the Central Asian republics.

Article ID: 2322