Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to mediate in the crisis situation between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Friday.
"Given our commonality in various formats - this includes the CSTO and others - of course, the president is always ready to play an intermediary role in resolving acute problems that may arise between the participating countries. He has repeatedly and effectively demonstrated it," said Peskov.
"Both sides have established contact through foreign ministers. We are, of course, concerned about this news [about the conflict on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border], we are following closely and we welcome the decision taken on the ceasefire. We hope that it will be a sustainable ceasefire that will avoid further such excesses," the head of the state's press secretary stressed.
The situation on the border between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan escalated on April 28 in the area of the Golovnoy water intake, which each side considers its territory. On April 29, the conflict between residents of border villages of the two countries escalated into an armed clash between Kyrgyz and Tajik servicemen. Kyrgyz authorities say the Tajik military used machine guns and mortars during the clash. Bishkek also accused Dushanbe of trying to seize the water intake. Later that evening, the two sides agreed to a cease-fire and withdrawal of the military units to their permanent bases. According to the latest figures, 13 Kyrgyz killed and more than 100 wounded, while Dushanbe reported eight dead and 31 wounded.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS