NATO Secretary-General discusses regional situation in Dushanbe

DUSHANBE, July 19 (Itar-Tass) - The world community appreciates
Tajikistan's contribution to stabilising the uneasy situation in
Afghanistan and in the region in general, the republic's security service
told Itar-Tass on Monday citing NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh
Rasmussen as saying at the talks with Tajik Security Council Secretary
Amirkul Azimov.
On Sunday, Rasmussen made a short stop at the airport of Dushanbe on
his way to Kabul, where an international conference on Afghanistan opens.
"During the talks the Tajik authorities reiterated their firm and
consecutive position on a political solution to Afghanistan's problem and
the soonest possible post-crisis restoration," Tajik Security Council
Secretary Amirkul Azimov told Itar-Tass.
"It is necessary to put an end to the chaos in Afghanistan in the
shortest possible time and take all necessary measures for long-suffering
people of this friendly neighbouring country to find peace and
tranquillity," he said.
During the talks the NATO Secretary-General and the Tajik Security
Council Secretary focused on drugs trafficking and the need for tougher
fight against drug producers and drug dealers.
Rasmussen also held a short meeting with Tajik Defence Minister
Sherali Khairulloyev and after this left for Kabul.

-0-isk/kud