U.S. Beefing Up Uzbek Borders

The U.S. government has presented equipment and vehciles worth more than $1.19 million to Uzbekistan's Customs and Border services.

The assistance is part of the Export Control and Border Security Program, under which Uzbekistan has received more than $5 million worth of equipment and training since 2000. The program is financed by the U.S. State Department.

Further substantial gifts to Uzbekistan are planned for this year and next, including two patrol boats for use on the Amu Darya River.