Iran Condemns Assassination of Tajik MinisterIran on Saturday condemned the assassination of Tajikistan's Culture Minister Abdurakhim Rakhimov early in the day and voiced sympathy with the Tajik government and nation over the "bitter event."The "inhuman move" during the celebrations to mark the 10th anniversary of Tajikistan's independence is aimed at harming the fragile peace in the republic, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Hamid Reza Asefi said, quoted by the official IRNA news agency. Rakhimov, 49, one of the organizers of the anniversary, which falls on September 9, was shot dead by unidentified assailants as he was leaving his house in the capital of Dushanbe early Saturday. The Tajik government described it as a "terrorist act" designed to destabilize the country. Asefi noted that since its independence in 1991, Tajikistan has traversed a difficult path to restore peace and stability and attain development and progress. Assassination is a "disgraceful phenomenon," which should be condemned, he added. Iran is confident that such "blind" measures will not leave a mere effect on the determination of Tajikistan to establish durable security and peace, Asefi stressed. Tajikistan, a former republic of the Soviet Union, declared independence on September 9, 1991. Iran has maintained good relations with Tajikistan since its independence. |
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