Dushanbe. January 6th. INTERFAX - The Tajik Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday that the republic is ready to take part in the CSTO peacekeeping operation to assist Kazakhstan.
"Guided by centuries-old friendship and the principle of strategic partnership, we express our support to Kazakhstan in its efforts to restore peace and tranquility in the country. Following our allied obligations within the framework of the Collective Security Treaty Organization, we intend to participate in a collective peacekeeping operation to assist Kazakhstan in order to eliminate the threat that has arisen," the statement published on the website of the country's foreign ministry said.
It is noted that "in Tajikistan, they follow the developments in fraternal Kazakhstan with sincere empathy."
"We note with serious concern the cases of violence against civilians and representatives of the law enforcement forces, the seizure of authorities, robberies. Of particular concern is the fact that unauthorized actions have led to the emergence of illegal armed formations, which have lethal weapons and special equipment at their disposal," the department emphasizes.
The statement says that Tajikistan fully shares the concern of the leadership of Kazakhstan about attempts to destabilize the situation in the country by stimulating protest sentiments.
"We are confident that the wise people of Kazakhstan and its leadership will be able to put an end to acts of violence in the shortest possible time through dialogue," the Tajik Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The Foreign Ministry expressed its deep condolences to the relatives and friends of those killed as a result of illegal actions.
The situation in Kazakhstan worsened on January 2, when rallies against a sharp increase in prices for liquefied gas began in Zhanaozen (a city in the Mangystau region, in the west of the country). Then they escalated into mass protests across the country with economic and political demands. On January 4 and 5, protesters clashed with security forces in Almaty. There are dead and injured. On the morning of January 5, the President of Kazakhstan dismissed the government.
Tokayev appealed to the heads of the CSTO states with a request to assist in overcoming the terrorist threat.
