DUSHANBE, January 7, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- France will not increase its military contingent deployed at the Dushanbe airport to support operations in Afghanistan, outgoing French Ambassador to Tajikistan, Mr. Mr. Olivier Maitland Pelen, announced at a meeting with reporters in Dushanbe today.

According to him, by French authorities’ decision the strength of French military personnel in Afghanistan will be increased this year; however, the Dushanbe airport remains just service port for them, and therefore, increase in French personnel strength in Tajikistan is not provided for.  May be the number of service materiel will be increased, Mr. Pelen said.

On the agreement between Tajikistan and France on construction of international terminal at the Dushanbe airport, French diplomat noted that the last issues of beginning of the construction work were still under consideration.