Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan Resolve Longstanding Border Dispute

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have resolved a border dispute that led to violent clashes, killing over 100 people. Security officials signed an agreement defining the borders over 970 km, pending presidential approval. The resolution aims to improve stability after recent conflicts caused mass evacuations and significant casualties.

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, both former Soviet republics in Central Asia, announced on Friday the resolution of a longstanding border dispute that has incited violent clashes among ethnic groups, causing over one hundred fatalities. Security officials from each nation formally signed an agreement claiming the borders along a total of 970 kilometers (approximately 600 miles) after settling disagreements concerning specific sections. This agreement now awaits ratification by the presidents of both countries.

The recent tensions resulted in two days of confrontations in border areas, leading to more than 100 deaths in September 2022 and the evacuation of approximately 140,000 residents. Previous confrontations in April 2021 also had deadly outcomes, with 20 fatalities and over 200 injuries documented.

In summary, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have made significant strides toward resolving a critical border dispute, thereby aiming to reduce ethnic conflict in their border regions. The signed agreement between top security officials marks a hopeful turn in their long-standing tensions, pending approval from the respective presidential offices. This resolution is crucial for peace and stability in the area.

Original Source: www.jpost.com