Tajikistan refuses posting Russian border guards
The Russian military used to patrol along the sensitive Tajik-Afghan border but pulled out in 2005.
By IAR Desk
According to the reports in the Afghan and Tajikistan media, a statement by Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin has said that there was no consideration of posting Russian border guards in the Tajik-Afghan border.
The Tajik Foreign Ministry issued a statement that they were not considering the possible return of Russian border guards to the Tajik-Afghan border despite the tense situation along it.
According to media reports during a meeting called by the Security Council of Tajikistan on July 21, issues related to aggravation of situation at the Tajik-Afghan border which is in the southern part of the Gorno Badakhshan Autonomous Region (GBAO) had been discussed.
In course of ensuring national security in the area bordering Afghanistan, the government had decided to take measures and also has ordered to strengthen the border – without calling into action Russia.
Addressing reporters in the Tajik capital Dushanbe Foreign Minister Muhriddin last week said that “The situation on the border with Afghanistan remains tense but we are able to protect our borders against any terrorist groups.” He said that Tajikistan has not considered the possibility of the return of Russian border guards, and it has not been on the agenda.
The Russian military used to patrol along the sensitive Tajik-Afghan border but pulled out in 2005. Later, the task was handed over to Tajikistan. Russia’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrey Rudenko had earlier said that they (Russia) could consider the issue of return of their border guards if Tajikistan made a request.
