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