Putin, Rakhmonov, Rabbani Examine Afghan Military-political Situation And Peace-settlement Options

President Vladimir Putin of the Russian Federation, who arrived in Dushanbe tonight, left for the Tajik President's suburban residence immediately upon arrival. The Presidents of Russia, Tajikistan and the Islamic republic of Afghanistan, namely Vladimir Putin, Emomali Rakhmonov and Burhanuddin Rabbani, still continue to negotiate. According to the Tajik President's administration, the present-day conference is dealing with the Afghan military-political situation and ways of settling the Afghan crisis. Putin is accompanied to the Tajik capital by Russia's National Security Council Secretary Vladimir Rushailo, Foreign Minister Igor Ivanov and deputy presidential-administration chief Sergei Prikhodko. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Ivanov and Emergency Situations Minister Sergei Shoigu are also staying in Dushanbe. Putin and Rakhmonov negotiated face-to-face, after the Russian delegation's arrival. At first, the President of Tajikistan informed his Russian counterpart about humanitarian corridors on Tajik territory for the purpose of aiding the people of Afghanistan. A news conference would be expected to take place, after Putin, Rakhmonov and Rabbani complete their negotiations.