The United States has criticised a new law passed by the Tajik parliament which bans religious parties.

The legislation in effect prevents the the Islamic opposition contesting elections due to be held this year.

A State Department spokesman, James Rubin, said the law was a violation of the peace agreement, and expressed concern over a clause requiring political parties already registered to register again.

The BBC Central Asia correspondent says the US comments are the strongest response yet from the international community.

President Rahmonov said there was no choice but to ban religious parties as Tajikistan is a secular state.