Moscow watched with concern the aggravation of the situation on the border of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, now the situation has stabilized, but tension persists, Russia is ready to help resolve controversial issues, according to the comments of the official representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation Maria Zakharova on the ministry’s website.
The conflict in the region began on April 28 over the section of the Golovnaya water distribution point located in the upper reaches of the Isfara River. An attempt by one of the parties to establish video surveillance there led to an incident between the citizens of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, who threw stones at each other. Later, the situation escalated into a conflict with the participation of the military of the two countries and the use of firearms.
“Moscow was watching with concern the sharp exacerbation of the situation on the disputed section of the border between our brotherly Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Tajikistan. Unfortunately, as a result of armed clashes there are human casualties. A significant number of victims on both sides. At the moment, the situation has stabilized, but the tension is still is still preserved”, – the message says.
Russia expressed condolences to the relatives and friends of the victims and welcomed the agreements reached between the parties the day before.
Moscow calls on the parties to come to stable and long-term agreements that would help normalize the situation and support the decision of Bishkek and Dushanbe to create a joint working group.
“Russia, following the principles of strategic partnership and alliance with Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, is ready to assist in every possible way in resolving any controversial issues by political and diplomatic methods”, – the Foreign Ministry concluded.
On the evening of April 29, the parties agreed on a ceasefire and the withdrawal of military units. The Foreign Ministers of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan also agreed to organize joint patrols at the border.
On Friday morning, Sputnik radio reported that the head of the Kyrgyz special services went to Tajikistan for negotiations.