Kyrgyzstan Initiates Procedure to Exclude Tajikistan from CSTO

Bishkek is initiating a procedure to exclude Tajikistan from the CSTO, writes economist.kg, referencing Kyrgyzstan's Security Council Secretary Marat Imankulov.

“Issues arising between member states should be resolved peacefully. If anyone tries to use force, we propose to remove them from the organization. Why is it necessary when you become a CSTO member and expect protection from external threats, but end up with conflict within the organization? It’s time for our countries to review certain provisions of the charter that address such situations,” stated Imankulov.

At the same time, Imankulov emphasized that he considers Tajikistan a friendly country.

The situation at the Kyrgyz-Tajik border deteriorated on September 14. According to Kyrgyz sources, Tajik border guards entered the border zone of the Batken region of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday and “captured combat positions.” In contrast, the Tajik side claims that the situation at the border escalated after Kyrgyz border guards opened fire from mortars at a Tajik outpost.