Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan Resolve Border Dispute Following Deadly Clashes

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have resolved a decades-old border dispute following an agreement signed by top security officials. The border spans over 970 km and requires presidential approval. The agreement follows deadly clashes resulting in significant casualties and the evacuation of many residents.

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have announced the resolution of a long-standing border dispute that has previously led to violent clashes between ethnic groups, resulting in the deaths of over a hundred individuals. On Friday, senior security officials from both nations signed an agreement demarcating their shared border, which stretches over more than 970 kilometers (600 miles). This agreement will require final approval from the presidents of both countries.

The notification of the agreement comes in the wake of tragic skirmishes in September 2022, where two days of conflict escalated into violence, claiming the lives of more than 100 people and forcing approximately 140,000 residents to evacuate their homes. Previous border confrontations, such as those in April 2021, also resulted in casualties, with 20 people killed and over 200 injured during those incidents.

In summary, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have taken significant steps toward resolving a protracted border conflict by signing an agreement to clarify state borders. This development marks an important milestone that aims to prevent future violent outbreaks, as evidenced by the deadly clashes of recent years. The agreement now awaits the endorsement of the respective presidents to move forward.

Original Source: www.jpost.com