DUSHANBE, September 23, 2009, Asia-Plus  -- Today, the Deputy Governor of Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region, Shamsiddin Orumbekov, Deputy Mayor of Khorog, Bibinigor Sadonshoyeva, and U.S. Embassy Cultural Affairs Officer, McKenzie Milanowski, cut the ribbon to open the American Corner resource center in Khorog at the Khorog Educational Center, according to the U.S> Embassy in Dushanbe.

Milanowski welcomed guests at the American Corner and said that it will “provide access to the Internet, study materials, and information about grants, scholarships, and exchange programs in the United States.”  Milanowski went on to say, “I am confident that this American Corner will be a place where the people of Badakhshan will feel comfortable and welcome. It will serve as a center for the lively exchange of ideas and culture.”

American Corners are resource centers sponsored by the U.S. Embassy, which are located in local libraries or educational institutions. Besides the Corner in Khorog, American Corners are located in Dushanbe, Khujand, Kulob and Qurghon Teppa.  The five American Corners in Tajikistan are among 360 worldwide.