DUSHANBE, August 29, Asia-Plus -- A group of Tajik businessmen has applied to Asia-Plus, complaining about actions of Uzbek border guards.  They would like to now why there was no an official notification of closure of the Uzbek border.

The businessmen said they had known about the closure of the border only at the border itself.  “We spent our time and money for nothing because we failed to cross into Uzbekistan,” the businessmen said.  

            “Tajik border authorities refereeing to their Uzbek authorities told us that Uzbekistan had closed its border nearly for a month – from August 20 to September 15 – or “until further notice” in connection with celebrations dedicated to Uzbekistan’s Independence, which is marked on September 1,” they said.

            “According to the border authorities, at present only citizens of the Russian Federation and Uzbek national, returning to homeland, can cross into Uzbekistan,” said the businessmen.  “From Uzbekistan into Tajikistan, also only Russian citizens and Tajik nationals, returning to their homeland, as well as Uzbek nationals going to attend funerals of their relatives (if they have telex confirming this) can cross.”  

            Besides, officers of diplomatic missions and UN agencies having letters confirming their status can cross into Uzbekistan.   

To clarify the situation Agency-Plus’ correspondent has applied to Tajikistan’s MFA and border service as well as Uzbek Embassy in Dushanbe.  However, they said they do not have any information about closure of the Uzbek border.