DPT: Zaparov’s statement is an encroachment on the territorial integrity of Tajikistan

The Democratic Party of Tajikistan (DPT) has issued a statement criticizing the recent remarks made by the President of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Japarov.

Photo: Internet

In the statement from the Democratic Party of Tajikistan, published on the party chairman Saidjafar Usmonzoda’s Facebook page on the evening of October 26, it is stated that Kyrgyzstan’s actions, in accordance with international norms, are considered pressure on Tajikistan.

DPT leader Saidjafar Usmonzoda noted that Japarov’s statement regarding the transfer of the Murghab district to Kyrgyzstan is an encroachment on the territorial integrity of Tajikistan.

“Delving into his ‘patriotic operation’ and violating good neighborly intentions, Sadyr Japarov claims the return of the Murghab district, which allegedly belongs to Kyrgyzstan. In previous disputes, historians have addressed this issue, and its repeated mention is made for a major provocation. From a political standpoint, this statement is an attack on the territorial integrity of Tajikistan,” the DPT statement reads.

It is also noted that recently Kyrgyzstan has been increasing the number of military personnel at the border with Tajikistan and providing special benefits to the army. The country is also purchasing weapons and ammunition from the United Arab Emirates and Turkey, most of which are intended for border guards.

The head of the Democratic Party described the current policy of the President of Kyrgyzstan as “very dangerous” for both countries and the region, emphasizing that the leadership of the neighboring country is inciting the Kyrgyz people against Tajikistan, daily raising the level of threats, pressure, and influence on public opinion.

Recall that on October 23, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov stated to Kyrgyz media at a press conference:

“In the Leilek district, Tajikistan demands the return of 21,000 hectares of land, claiming that they have passed to us. Then we should be given Murghab, which is much larger in area.”

The authorities of Tajikistan have not responded to Japarov’s statement. The statement from the Democratic Party of Tajikistan is currently the first official reaction from political parties in Tajikistan. However, other parties officially operating in Tajikistan have not yet responded, and their official position on such issues has not been voiced.