Kyrgyz President Reforms Border Security

A Tajik guard on the border with Kyrgyzstan (file photo) (RFE/RL) May 23, 2006 -- Kyrgyz President Kurmanbek Bakiev has stripped the National Security Service of its responsibility for guarding the country's borders.

The decree, which was made public on May 22, also says the president himself will from now on appoint the head of the border guard administration and his first deputy.

Kyrgyz media believe the reform was prompted by a recent border clash that claimed the lives of at least six Kyrgyz servicemen and civilians. Kyrgyz authorities blame the May 12 incident on alleged Islamic militants who reportedly entered the country from Tajikistan.

(AKIpress, 24.kg)