Organization of Turkic States issues statement over tension on Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan border

The Organization of Turkic States (OTS) issued a statement regarding the tension on the Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan border, Report informs.

"Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) expresses grave concern about the ongoing armed clashes at the Kyrgyz-Tajik state border and calls for an immediate ceasefire and resolution of contradictions by political and diplomatic means around a negotiation table.

"The OTS condemns the aggression with the use of heavy military weapons against civilians and civilian infrastructure, including public schools, and urges to exercise maximum restraint and to take steps without delay to contain the incident and reduce tensions through available peaceful means.

"The OTS is closely monitoring the situation and expresses support to the efforts of the Kyrgyz Republic, a founding member of the OTS, for a peaceful solution to the situation and recalls the importance of the negotiations for lasting peace and stability in Central Asia.

"We hope that as a result of the negotiations, the two sides would pull back from hostilities, put aside mistrust, and take necessary steps leading to confidence building," it reads.