MOSCOW, Feb 13: The transit via Russia of non-military supplies for Nato forces fighting in Afghanistan would start within days, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov was quoted as saying by RIA news agency on Friday.

The United States wants Russia to provide it with transit routes to supply Nato-led forces fighting Taliban insurgents in Afghanistan.

“We quickly confirmed that we are ready to do this as it fully conforms with the agreements that have been made with Nato, and literally within days such a transit will take place,” Mr Lavrov was quoted as saying.

In Washington, a State Department spokesman said the development would help US efforts in Afghanistan.—AFP