Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan agree to cease fire

Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan have agreed on a ceasefire regime from 7:00 local time (4:00) on September 16.

Kyrgyzstan claims that Tajikistan continues shelling. Representatives of the countries are going to hold a meeting due to the escalation of the border tension. Kyrgyzstan's Foreign Ministry expressed a note of protest to Tajikistan, Kommersant reports.

"During the talks, the heads of the border agencies of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan agreed on a ceasefire from 10:00 for the meeting. However, the Tajik side continues shelling Kyrgyz positions," the Border Service of Kyrgyzstan reported.

"Starting at 8:30 (5:30), the Border Service of the Kyrgyz National Security Committee demands a cease-fire and negotiations. However, neither at 8:30 nor at 10:00 (7:00) did the Tajik side fulfil the agreements," the Border Service added.

The Kyrgyz Foreign Ministry reported that it handed a protest note to Tajikistan in connection with the shelling.

"The Kyrgyz side demanded to strictly observe all the agreements reached, cease-fire and withdraw military formations, as well as not to create a situation that could lead to an escalation of the situation in the border territories," the Foreign Ministry said.

The ministry also reported that the  Kyrgyz and Tajik foreign ministers held telephone talks about the situation on the Kyrgyz-Tajik border.