Uzbekistan closes border with Kyrgyzstan ahead of Independence Day
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 22 August 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Uzbekistan closes border with Kyrgyzstan ahead of Independence Day, 22 August 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57db9a2e2d.html [accessed 20 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 22, 2016
By RFE/RL's Kyrgyz Service
Uzbekistan has temporarily closed its border with Kyrgyzstan ahead of festivities marking the 25th anniversary of the country's independence.
The Kyrgyz Border Guard Service said in a statement that the border was closed as of August 22.
The Border Guard Service said Kyrgyz citizens who entered Uzbekistan before the border closure will be allowed to return.
It said foreigners and employees of diplomatic missions and international organizations will be allowed to cross the border.
It is not clear when the border will be reopened, the statement said.
Uzbekistan marks its independence day on September 1.
Relations between the two Central Asian neighbors has been tense since 2010 when ethnic clashes between local Uzbeks and Kyrgyz in southern Kyrgyzstan left hundreds, mainly Uzbeks, dead and thousands displaced.
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
