Over the past days, there has been a serious escalation of tensions at the border between the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan, resulting in numerous casualties. The EU welcomes the agreement reached on Thursday by the Kyrgyz Republic and Tajikistan on a ceasefire and further negotiations for a political settlement of the border issues. The EU regrets the violence over the past days and expresses its sympathy to those who have lost relatives or friends.
«The European Union, including through its Special Representative for Central Asia, its EU Delegations and in Brussels, has been engaged in permanent diplomatic contacts with the authorities of the two countries. Both sides will need to undertake all the necessary steps to avoid any conflict in the future,» the EU statement says.
In view of the continued clashes in some areas today, the agreement needs to be implemented without delay for a lasting and peaceful solution.
From EU statment
As it is stressed, the EU stands ready to provide, if needed, technical assistance through its regional programmes dealing with border management and water management, as well as continued political support for a stability and prosperity in the region, which are key priorities of the EU Strategy on Central Asia.
Another border incident began on April 28 near Golovnoy water distribution point in Kok-Tash village of Batken region. Verbal skirmish developed into clashes: the parties began to throw stones at each other. Shootout started later.
At least 134 victims sought medical help, 13 people were killed, including a child, in Kyrgyzstan. According to the Tajik side, more than 150 people were injured and 7 were killed there.
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan agreed to cease fire and withdraw military forces to the places of their previous deployment on April 29 at night.
Golovnoy water distribution point is located at the source of the water canals replenishing Tortkul reservoir on the territory of Kyrgyzstan.
