Khorog talks continue

KHOROG, Tajikistan – Militants and the government are negotiating in Khorog, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL)’s Tajik service reported August 10, quoting a diplomat knowledgeable about the process.

The talks began this week and include the majority of suspects accused of a role in the July 21 slaying of State National Security Committee Gen. Abdullo Nazarov, the diplomat told RFE/RL.

The diplomat had no information on whether the top suspect in the case, former insurgent turned border guard regional deputy commander Tolib Ayombekov, was participating in the talks. However, progress has occurred, with the two sides preparing a draft agreement that says force cannot solve the Khorog crisis, the diplomat said.

The sides are still negotiating the fate of Ayombekov and three other suspects. The government is demanding their surrender, while the other side wants assurances of a fair trial. The four suspects want amnesty, the diplomat said, adding that two of them – Imum Imumnazarov and Mukhammadbokir Mukhammadbokirov – are openly living in their own houses, protected by their own bodyguards.

Government troops entered Khorog July 24 in pursuit of the suspects resulting in the battle. The government has officially acknowledged 50 deaths.

In an interview with News.tj published August 10, Imumnazarov denied any role in Nazarov’s death and accusations of drug trafficking.