SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS ON TAJIKISTAN GOVERNMENT, UNITED TAJIK OPPOSITION, TO END RENEWED FIGHTING
Press Release
SG/SM/6548
SECRETARY-GENERAL CALLS ON TAJIKISTAN GOVERNMENT, UNITED TAJIK OPPOSITION, TO END RENEWED FIGHTING
19980505 Following is the text of a statement attributable to the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan, issued on 1 May:The United Nations Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT) has reported severe fighting between government forces and elements of the United Tajik Opposition (UTO) east of Dushanbe and within the eastern city limits. The fighting began yesterday, apparently triggered by the arrest of three opposition members on criminal charges. UNMOT and the Contact Group [of Guarantor States and Organizations for the implementation of the General Peace Agreement] are making strenuous efforts to contain the situation.
The Secretary-General is very concerned at this flare-up of hostilities, which carries the risk of escalation. He calls on the Government and UTO to work together to stop the fighting and to restore calm.
* *** *