16:53, 16 сентября 2022, Bishkek - 24.kg news agency , Maria ORLOVA
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Russia calls on Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to urgently take measures to stop the escalation on the border of the two countries. RIA Novosti reports, citing the ministry.
«The Russian side continues to follow with concern the tense situation on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border, which sharply escalated again on the night of September 16 as a result of another round of armed confrontation... We call on both sides to take urgent comprehensive measures to steadily transfer the situation to a political and diplomatic channel, suppressing any attempts at escalation, as well as provocations by third parties,» the ministry said in a statement.
The Foreign Ministry declared its readiness to provide any assistance acceptable to partners. «We draw attention to the presence in the «arsenal» of a wide range of means allowing to ensure favorable external conditions for negotiations and border demarcation,» the ministry added.
Shooting began at several sites of the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan on the morning of September 16. According to the Border Service of the State Committee for National Security, at about 6 a.m. the Tajik side started firing at the border detachments and positions of the Kyrgyz side. Later, the Tajik side began mortar shelling of border outposts and border villages in Leilek and Batken districts. At least 42 people were wounded. Shooting continues for the third day. As a result of the armed conflict on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border, residents of seven villages in Batken and Leilek districts left their homes.