Minister of Internal Affairs of Kyrgyzstan Shamil Atakhanov and Uzbek Interior Minister Lt. Gen. Bakhodir Matlubov discussed the situation in the enclave of Sokh by phone, KirTAG reported on Monday quoting the press service of the Kyrgyz Ministry of Interior.
"During the conversation, issues related to Sokh were discussed. Mutual interest in and mutual intentions for a speedy settlement of the situation were emphasized and expressed," the statement said.
"Currently, the situation in Batken region remains stable, people are showing restraint. Explanatory work among the population is being conducted in order to avoid further conflict", the Kyrgyz Interior Ministry noted.
Today, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Kyrgyzstan, Shamil Atakhanov left for Batken region.
As previously reported, all hostages (16 citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic) have been released to Kyrgyzstan. According to the Uzbek side, there are no remaining hostages.
Currently, relevant measures aimed at the further stabilization of the situation and prevention of the escalation of the border conflict are being undertaken.
As Kyrgyz AKIpress news agency reported earlier, several hundred residents in the Uzbek enclave of Sokh on Sunday attacked a Kyrgyz border guard base in Batken region.
According to the agency, the incident took place when a large group of residents from the Uzbek village of Khushyar attacked Kyrgyz frontier guards who were erecting supports for electricity transmission lines in Kyrgyzstan's Batken region on Sunday. The villagers tried to seize firearms from the frontier guards, injuring some in the process, RIA Novosti reported.
According to Uzbekistan's Committee on Protection of the State Border under the Service of State Security, the conflict on Uzbek-Kyrgyz border was provoked by Kyrgyz frontier guards.