DUSHANBE, April 23, 2013, Asia-Plus  -- U.S. Ambassador to Tajikistan, Mrs. Susan M. Elliot, and a group of officials from the U.S. Department of State met with Muhiddin Kabiri, leader of the Islamic Revival Party (IRP), at IRP’s headquarters in Dushanbe on April 22.

According to IRP’s website, the sides discussed issues related to the recent attack on the IRP deputy head Mahmadali Hayit, the political situation in the country, the upcoming presidential election in Tajikistan and observance of the rights and freedoms of believers in the country.

Mr. Kabiri reportedly noted that Hayit’s health condition was now satisfactory.  The IRP leader stressed that not only the recent attack on Mahmadali Hayit but also the current situation around the party evoked serious concern.

U.S. Ambassador, for her part, noted that the attack on the IRP deputy head should be investigated thoroughly and without prejudice, the IRP’s website said.

Muhiddin Kabiri reportedly said that restrictions on religious freedom in the region led to increase in extremism in society.    

Mrs. Jane Zimmerman, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of State in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor and Mrs. Lynne Tracy, US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asia also attended the meeting.