DUSHANBE, December 19, 2008, Asia-Plus  -- Members of the Majlisi Milli (Tajikistan’s upper chamber of parliament) have confirmed amendment to the AIDS law prohibiting deportation of foreign citizens and persons without citizenship living with HIV/AIDS.

The 17th session of the Majlisi Milli of the third convocation, presided over, by its speaker, Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloyev, was held on December 18.

Presenting the law on changes and addenda to the law on countering AIDS, the Majlisi Milli member Mamadsho Ilolov noted that they had been prepared by deputy of the Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament) Jumaboy Sanginov.

“The amendments stipulate that foreign citizens and persons without citizenship living with HIV/AIDS in the territory of Tajikistan will not be deported,” Ilolov said.

The majority of members of the Majlisi Milli voted for confirmation of this amendment made to the AIDS law.