MOSCOW. July 13 (Interfax) - An agreement to allow Sweden to carry weapons, military equipment, troops and civilians through Russian air space to Afghanistan was submitted by Russian President Vladimir Putin to the State Duma on Friday for ratification, according to information from the Duma database.
Putin appointed Deputy Foreign Minister Vladimir Titov as his representative at the ratification debates in the lower house, which will dissolve for a summer break after Friday's session and will hold its ratification vote on the accord when it reconvenes in September.
Swedish armed forces are involved in the NATO-led military operation in Afghanistan.
The agreement would exempt Swedish cargo traveling to Afghanistan from customs duties but would make it subject to customs control. Swedish personnel would have their papers checked by Russian border guards. Russia would be authorized to use additional types of control if it considers them necessary.
Sweden would bear all the expenses for airport and air traffic control services.
Under Clause 2 of Article 12 of the agreement, the accord has been in effect provisionally since October 11, 2011, the day it was signed.