Tashkent, 25 October 2001 (RFE/RL) -- A senior UN official says Uzbekistan has agreed to allow the United Nations to move humanitarian aid across its border into northern Afghanistan. Kenzo Oshima, UN undersecretary-general for humanitarian aid said today Uzbekistan has said it will allow the UN to use a river port in the southern city of Termez and barges to move aid to Afghanistan. He said the Uzbek government has also agreed to open Termez airport to humanitarian agencies to allow them to stockpile humanitarian cargoes.
Oshima did not say when the aid will start moving but he said he was flying to Termez later today to inspect facilities. Oshima is currently in Tashkent where he met with Uzbek President Islam Karimov yesterday.
In Tehran, the UN refugee agency said more than 2,000 Afghan refugees arrived overnight and early today at Afghanistan's border with Iran.
UNHCR spokesman Andre Mahecis said the Afghans were moved into a refugee camp on Afghan territory controlled by the Taliban.
Oshima did not say when the aid will start moving but he said he was flying to Termez later today to inspect facilities. Oshima is currently in Tashkent where he met with Uzbek President Islam Karimov yesterday.
In Tehran, the UN refugee agency said more than 2,000 Afghan refugees arrived overnight and early today at Afghanistan's border with Iran.
UNHCR spokesman Andre Mahecis said the Afghans were moved into a refugee camp on Afghan territory controlled by the Taliban.