Uzbekistan allows supplies for Afghanistan

WASHINGTON, April 4 (UPI) -- Uzbekistan agreed Friday to allow the United States to use it as a transit point for the shipment of "non-lethal" supplies to Afghanistan.

Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said the agreement between the two countries covers rail and road transport as well as air, the Novosti news agency reported. Supplies that would be allowed include food, medical equipment and construction supplies but not weapons or ammunition.

Kyrgyzstan announced in February it was closing the Mamas air base, which had been a U.S. supply route. Whitman said talks with the country are still under way.

Ukraine said Thursday it would allow shipments for Afghanistan.

The ground route through Pakistan has become more difficult because of the Taliban resurgence along the border with Afghanistan.