The European Union called on Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to resolve differences peacefully and through diplomatic means. EU said in a statement.
«Violent clashes erupted in the last few days between border guards along various sites at the border between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Tajikistan. We express our sympathy to those directly affected,» EU says.
It is noted that such escalation along the common border is detrimental to regional stability. The EU welcomes the ceasefire reached on Friday.
We call on both parties to ensure effective implementation of the ceasefire and spare no effort to de-escalate the tensions and reach a sustainable solution to existing differences as soon as possible.
From the statement of the European Union
Through its Special Representative for Central Asia and the EU Delegations in both countries, the EU has engaged in diplomatic contacts with the authorities of the two countries.
«We call for any differences to be solved by peaceful, diplomatic means. The EU reiterates its offer to provide assistance, as well as continued active political support for stability and prosperity in the region,» the statement says.
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. Shooting continues for the fourth day since September 14. About 87 people were wounded, casualties reported. As a result of the armed conflict on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border, residents of seven villages in Batken and Leilek districts, as well as from Dzhekendi village in Chon-Alai district of Osh region, left their homes.
The Border Service of the State Committee for National Security of the Kyrgyz Republic made an official statement that the heads of the security services of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, Kamchybek Tashiev and Saimumin Yatimov, agreed to ceasefire at 4 p.m. Presidents Sadyr Japarov and Emomali Rahmon also agreed to ceasefire. The Kyrgyz side completely stopped firing, while the Tajik side reduced intensity. But, according to the latest data from the Border Service of the State Committee for National Security of Kyrgyzstan, the Tajik side opened fire again.
