Lorne Craner, the U.S. assistant secretary of state for democracy, human rights, and labor, told journalists after meeting with Tajik President Imomali Rakhmonov on 13 November that the U.S. State Department finds Tajikistan\'s progress in democratization to be \"impressive,\" especially considering the country\'s long civil war (1992-97). Craner, who is on a visit to Tajikistan with Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Elizabeth Jones, cited as top priorities for Tajikistan the adoption of new legislation on elections and on the media. Jones praised the level of cooperation that has developed between the United States and Tajikistan in dealing with Afghan issues, and named the development of Tajik civil society and economic reforms as areas for further cooperation. She also stressed the importance of regional integration, and promised U.S. assistance to Tajik border forces in countering the illegal drug trade. (RIA-Novosti)