Uzbekistan Blames Kyrgyz Soldiers For Border Incident

Uzbek-Kyrgyz border crossing (file photo) (AFP)

June 2, 2006 -- Military authorities in Uzbekistan blame Kyrgyz border guards for an armed incident that allegedly has left one civilian seriously wounded.

A pro-government website in Tashkent quoted an official with the Uzbek military prosecutor's office as saying the incident took place on June 1 in the eastern Namangan region. The official said four Kyrgyz border guards illegally entered the country and that one of them shot a 26-year-old villager. He said authorities have opened a criminal investigation.

There was no official official reaction from Kyrgyzstan.

The 1,300-kilometer border that separates the two countries has been a source of many disputes and incidents.

Uzbek state-run media recently blamed Kyrgyzstan for allegedly closing a number of border checkpoints in violation of existing bilateral agreements.

Meanwhile, reports say officials from both countries are expected to hold border delineation talks on June 9 in Namangan.

(press-uz.info, NTS)