January 17, 2002	Thursday	Ziqa’ad 2, 1422

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KABUL, Jan 16: Kabul’s airport, heavily damaged during the US bombing, was officially reopened on Wednesday after being cleared of bombs and mines.

“This is the start of a new era for Afghan aviation,” interim Air Transport and Tourism Minister Abdul Rahman said as the national carrier Ariana announced plans to resume international services next week with the lifting of year-long UN sanctions.

The airport, which has had limited use for domestic flights since early last month, was cleared for full service after weeks of mine clearance and repairs to the main runway.—AFP