First stage of negotiations on border is underway: President Zhaparov

Bishkek, April 27, 2021 . / Kabar / . Negotiations on the borders are at the first stage, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov said in an interview with Piramida TV channel. He noted border issues with China and Kazakhstan have been resolved, it still needs to be done with neighboring countries - Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. "Only when we have completed border demarcation and delimitation we can talk about safety. Just yesterday there was an incident on the border, two guys were kidnapped and beaten, they were questioned about how much military, equipment there is. These stories will continue until we solve the border issues. Whether we want to or not, we have to do it. The border issue has to be resolved through negotiations. Local residents may be against the land exchange, we'll include them in the negotiation process," the president said. Zhaparov noted the issue of borders will be solved taking into account the opinion of the people. "Previously, the authorities were solving border issues secretly by signing agreements, then after the parliament’s approval the document was sent to president to sign. People found out about it only when the iron nets appeared. We decided not to repeat the mistakes of the previous authorities and it would be better to solve the issue with people's consent. The border issue is solved in four stages. A working committee drafts the agreement, then presidents get acquainted and, after receiving an approval, send it to the parliament, where it is ratified and then presidents signs it. Now we are only at the first stage of negotiations," the Kyrgyz leader said. Zhaparov also called on journalists, bloggers and activists not to spread panic about the lands allegedly being given away. "Everything will be solved peacefully, through negotiations," he added.