CSTO cannot interfere in border conflict, head of State Duma committee says
The CSTO cannot interfere in the conflict between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. The head of the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs Leonid Kalashnikov stated. RIA Novosti reports.
According to him, the countries themselves should wish to involve intermediaries from Russia.
The CSTO Secretary General Stanislav Zas on Thursday called on the Tajik and Kyrgyz sides to an immediate ceasefire on the border between these states. He had telephone conversations with the Secretaries of the Security Councils of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, Nasrullo Makhmudzoda and Marat Imankulov.
The day before, at 6.15 p.m., the border guards of Tajikistan blocked a section of Batken — Isfana road in Tort-Kocho area of Batken region. The border units of Kyrgyzstan, deployed on this section of the border in Batken region, switched to an enhanced mode of service. The both sides exchanged fire. The Tajik military used mortars and grenade launchers.
At night, the parties agreed on a complete ceasefire, withdrawal of additional forces and equipment from the border, opening of Batken — Isfana road for traffic and joint patrolling of border areas in order to prevent conflicts.
