OSCE Chairperson concerned over deadly clashes in Tajikistan
The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Eamon Gilmore, opening the first OSCE Permanent Council meeting of the 2012 Irish Chairmanship, Vienna, 12 January 2012. (OSCE/Jonathan Perfect) Photo details
DUBLIN, 25 July 2012 – The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, expressed his concern today over the violent clashes in the Gorno-Badakhshan region of Tajikistan that have left at least 42 dead and injured dozens others.
“This outbreak of violence, which has left dozens dead, is of great concern and I deeply regret the loss of life. I am particularly concerned by reports of civilian casualties and I urge all parties to exercise restraint,” he said.
The Chairperson also expressed concern for the safety of personnel working for international organizations in the affected region.