DUSHANBE, January 29, 2011, Asia-Plus  -- Tajik Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns Tajik citizens against tourist and other non-essential travels to Egypt in light of destabilization of situation in that country.

According to the MFA information department, the situation in Cairo and other large cities of Egypt remains complicated.  In this connection, MFA ordered Tajik Embassy in Cairo to take measure to ensure security of Tajik nationals living in this country, the source said.

Tajik citizens who are currently in Egypt are strongly advised to stay in places of residence and avoid travel around city and places of large gathering of people.

Nearly 1,000 Tajik nationals, primarily students, are now in Egypt.  No one of them was hurt, according the MFA information department.

Anti-government demonstrations began in Cairo and some other cities of Egypt on December 25.  International media outlet reported that Friday saw tens of thousands on the streets of Cairo, Suez, Alexandria and other cities in protests that continued into the night, defying a curfew.  BBC News reported on January 29 that medical sources said at least five people were killed in Cairo on Friday, with a further 13 losing their lives in Suez.  If confirmed, that would bring the death toll to at least 26 since the protests began on January 25.  Hundreds have been injured.