DesertFox
08-26-2007, 08:36 PM
Afghan and Tajik leaders have inaugurated a new bridge linking their countries across River Panj.
The $37m (£18.4m) project, a US gift, replaces an intermittent ferry service across the fast-flowing river.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44079000/jpg/_44079705_bridge_203jpg.jpg
Critics fear the bridge may help the
spread of extremism - and drugs. More
importantly, it may truncate training for
the countries' joint swimming team.
"This bridge of friendship is an historic event," said Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon at the ceremony.
His Afghan counterpart, Hamid Karzai, said he hoped it would improve economic and trade co-operation "between the countries and the region."
The bridge - nearly 700m (yards) long and 11m across - will replace an unreliable ferry which was the only way of getting across the River Panj.
More (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6964429.stm)
The $37m (£18.4m) project, a US gift, replaces an intermittent ferry service across the fast-flowing river.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44079000/jpg/_44079705_bridge_203jpg.jpg
Critics fear the bridge may help the
spread of extremism - and drugs. More
importantly, it may truncate training for
the countries' joint swimming team.
"This bridge of friendship is an historic event," said Tajik President Emomali Rakhmon at the ceremony.
His Afghan counterpart, Hamid Karzai, said he hoped it would improve economic and trade co-operation "between the countries and the region."
The bridge - nearly 700m (yards) long and 11m across - will replace an unreliable ferry which was the only way of getting across the River Panj.
More (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6964429.stm)