Joint statement by the delegation of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the delegation of the United Tajik Opposition on the outcome of the round of the inter-Tajik talks held in Moscow from 26 February to 8 March 1997

The round of the inter-Tajik talks held under the auspices of the United Nations took place from 26 February to 8 March 1997. The delegation of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan was headed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Talbak Nazarov, and the delegation of the United Tajik Opposition by the First Deputy Leader of the United Tajik Opposition, Hodja Akbar Turajonzoda. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Gerd Dietrich Merrem, served as intermediary during the talks. Observers from the Islamic State of Afghanistan, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the Russian Federation, Turkmenistan, the Republic of Uzbekistan and the organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) were present at the talk.

There was a discussion of the military problem related to the reintegration, disarmament and disbandment of the armed units of the United Tajik Opposition as well as the reform of the governmental power structures of the Republic of Tajikistan. The discussion of this group of complicated issues, which are of vital importance for promoting the process of national reconciliation, constituted an important step in enhancing mutual trust. The signing of the Protocol on Military Issues that took place was a further important step on the path towards the successful completion of the inter-Tajik political dialogue.

The sides decided to hold the next round of talks beginning on 9 April 1997 in Tehran, in accordance with the kind invitation by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

The sides express their profound gratitude to the Government of the Russian Federation for its hospitality and assistance in organizing and holding the talks in Moscow. They also express their gratitude to the representatives of the observer countries and international organizations for their assistance and support during the talks.

The delegations of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and the United Tajik Opposition express their sincere appreciation to the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and the staff of his mission for their efforts in achieving progress at the talks.

Talbak Nazarov, Head of the Delegation of the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan

Khoja Akbar Turajonzodah, Head of the Delegation of the United Tajik Opposition

Gerd Dietrich Merrem, Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for Tajikistan

8 March 1997, Moscow

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