Russian news agency ITAR-TASS
November 4
ubstantial progress has been achieved during
the military operation in Afghanistan, US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld
said in Tashkent today.
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Speaking at a news conference after his talks with Uzbek President Islam Karimov, he expressed gratitude to the leadership of this country for its assistance in carrying out the antiterrorist operation, and in particular for granting one of its military airfields to the American forces. Rumsfeld arrived in Uzbekistan today after visiting Russia and Tajikistan. Observers believe the main aim of the visit is Washington's desire to convince the Uzbek leadership of the need to give its consent for carrying out military operations against Afghanistan directly from the republic's territory. |
Tashkent had previously agreed to grant its resources to the USA only for carrying out humanitarian and search-and-rescue operations. However, Rumsfeld acknowledged at the briefing that there had been no changes to the agreement previously reached with Tashkent.