US signs Afghanistan transit deal with Tajikistan

The United States and Tajikistan have agreed a deal on the transit of non-military cargoes for Western operations in Afghanistan, US Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher said on Tuesday. "Yes, it's done," Boucher said in response to a question about the long-expected transit deal with the ex-Soviet republic that neighbours Afghanistan. The transit of cargoes destined to support Western troops in Afghanistan could begin as soon as one month from now, Boucher said during a visit to the Tajik capital. Washington has been seeking new routes for supplies to Afghanistan after Kyrgyzstan announced earlier this year that it was closing a key US air base, and amid increasing stability along the main transit route through Pakistan.