DUSHANBE, June 30, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- The fact that a border cooperation agreement will be signed during Russian president’s visit to Tajikistan in September does not mean the renewed stationing of Russian border guards along the Tajik-Afghan border, MP Shodi Shabdolov, who is also leader of the Communist Party of Tajikistan (CPT), told Asia-Plus in an interview.

“Most likely, this agreement will determine the level of cooperation between the two countries in training of personnel for Tajik border guard forces, Russian armament and materiel supply to Tajikistan for Tajik border troops, exchange of operational information and so forth,” said Shabdolov.  “It is plain to everyone that the Tajik-Afghan border is now the front line of fight against terrorism and trafficking in drugs and weapons.  Therefore, all the CIS nations must provide financial support for strengthening of this border because it is also the external border of the Commonwealth of Independent States.”

According to him, control of the Tajik-Afghan border is financed from Tajikistan’s slender budget, “and thereby Tajikistan pays for tranquility and security of its CIS partners alone.”  “Why doesn’t Russia get its spaces forces involved in patrol of this border?  Other CIS nations could also provide assistance to our country with controlling the southern border of CIS,” Shabdolov added