DUSHANBE , January 18, Asia-Plus - Access to news and culture about the United States just became easier in Dushanbe .

On January 18, U.S. Charge? d''Affaires to Tajikistan Thomas Armbruster, President of Tajik Academy of Sciences Mamadsho Ilolov, State Advisor to the President of Tajikistan Karomatullo Olimov and Library Director Alla Aslitdinova officially opened the third American Corner in Tajikistan in the Central Scientific Library in Dushanbe .

The goal of the American Corner program is to provide up-to-date information on U.S. politics, economics, culture, history, democratic traditions and society, and promote cooperation and mutual understanding between the United States and other nations.    The U.S. Department of State provided the library with over $50,000 worth of books, equipment, software, videos, CD-Roms, DVDs, and other informational materials about the United States . 

The American Corner in Dushanbe will serve as an important link between the people of Tajikistan and the United States , and is part of a long-term U.S. Department of State program to establish American Corners across Tajikistan . The first American Corner in Tajikistan was opened at Kulob State University in the Khatlon Region in April 2005 and the second at Asiri Public Library in Khujand. 

The U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe and the Central Scientific Library, along with the Mayor''s Office of Dushanbe and government representatives, worked together to establish this American Corner in Dushanbe. 

The library provided the Corner with the space and English-speaking staff to assist patrons interested in pursuing their interest in American culture, while the U.S. Embassy will provide speakers along with the books and other materials from the United States .