Even with an overflights agreement with Russia, the United States of America has stated that, the use of Russian airspace for U.S supply flights, that are essential for the military operations in Afghanistan still hasn’t been approved. The statement was made by the U.S State Department.

The overflights deal between Russia and the United States that was made during the Moscow summit in the month of July this year, still isn’t ratified yet and the intricate details of the deal are under intense negotiations. If the deal finally get through, it will open up a much needed supply route for the U.S supply flights and will enable 4,500 U.S transport flights over Russian airspace.

According to Ian Kelly (Spokesman, U.S State Department),

“We anticipate that regular flights will start as soon as we’ve worked out these remaining logistical details. One of the points that we’re trying to iron out is notification processes that have to be in place. And we’re also working with other countries on the transit routes since anything overflying Russia to go to Afghanistan would have to fly over other countries as well.”

While the United States and Russia have been busy figuring out the details of the U.S overflights deal, the nation of Slovakia has announced that, it will be increasing it troop commitment to Afghanistan top around 500, which would be double the number of current Slovakian troops stationed in Afghanistan.

The British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown who has been rallying the NATO allies to commit more troops to the region, welcomed Slovakia’s decision to double its troop commitment and stated that, 10 more countries are expected to commit their resources to Afghanistan.

In a statement, Mr. Brown said,

“This shows the coordinated effort we’re all prepared to make to train up the Afghan forces to ensure they can take control of their own territory. The announcement by the Slovakian prime minister that he is prepared to bring extra troops to Afghanistan is very important.”

Via Space War.