UN chief urges Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan to observe ceasefire

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan ceasefire and urged efforts to ensure it holds, Report informs referring to Xinhua.

"The secretary-general has been following developments along the Kyrgyz-Tajik border with concern," said Stephane Dujarric, the chief spokesman for the top UN official. "He extends his condolences for the lives lost in the clashes last week and wishes a speedy recovery for those involved."

Guterres welcomes the contacts that have taken place between the presidents, prime ministers and foreign ministers of the two countries and urges both sides to take all necessary measures to ensure that the ceasefire agreed to on May 1 holds, Dujarric said.

The secretary-general also notes that his special representative for Central Asia, Natalia Gherman, remains in direct contact with the authorities on both sides and reiterates the UN readiness remains ready to provide support, as necessary, the spokesman said.