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Russia ready to support Tajikistan in fighting against extremism

According to Russian presidential aide, this issue will be on top of the agenda at the meeting between Putin and his Tajikistani counterpart on September 14 in the framework of the CSTO summit

MOSCOW, September 11. /TASS/. Russia is ready to render assistance and political support to Tajikistan in overcoming the complicated situation with extremism, presidential aide Yury Ushakov told journalists on Friday.

Talking about the upcoming meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Tajikistani counterpart Emomali Rakhmon on September 14 in the framework of the CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) summit, Ushakov said the sides will discuss Russia’s support for Tajikistan. The leaders already discussed this issues in the telephone conversation last Saturday.

"Our president expressed firm support to Tajikistani leadership’s efforts in bringing the situation in the republic to order, in ensuring stability," the presidential aide said. "Of course, we are ready to render assistance, political support. I think that this issue will be on top of the agenda at the meeting," Ushakov added.

The presidential aide did not specify what kind of support measures he means. "This issue will be discussed by our leaders. If any help is needed, Russia will provide it," Ushakov stressed adding that he does not know "what direction the discussion will take and whether any additional assistance is needed apart from political support which we publicly discussed numerous times."

On September 4, Tajikistan’s former deputy defense minister Abdukhalim Nazarzoda tried to stage an armed rebellion. Groups of Nazarzoda’s supporters attacked the defense ministry and a military unit, and after seizing arms and ammunition, went into hiding in the Ramit mountain gorge. Nine policemen were killed in two attacks last week. According to Tajikistan’s special services, 14 rebels were liquidated and 59 more detained during the military operation in the mountain gorge.