Formation of the Kyrgyz-Tajik Border in the Fergana Valley: Border Negotiations and Conflict Potential

After the collapse of the USSR, the newly independent states of Central Asia agreed to recognize the former Soviet administrative borders as interstate borders. However, these administrative boundaries were not clearly marked on maps and on the ground, sometimes appearing only as broad outlines several kilometers deep on maps, forcing the Central Asian states to engage in a series of complex and often interconnected bilateral negotiations to define their borders. The most intractable border disputes between Central Asian states concern the Fergana Valley, where the phenomenon of enclaves/exclaves has become widespread, and all three countries that share it — Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan — have both historical claims to each other's territory and economic interests in using transport communications, distribution of water and raw materials. Negotiations on border demarcation in the Fergana Valley were accompanied by tension and remained incomplete due to many controversial issues. Despite disagreements regarding the delimitation of a number of sections of the Kyrgyz-Tajik border, bilateral negotiations continue with a broad understanding that border issues must be resolved. Border disputes between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in the Fergana Valley should be resolved on the basis of compromises acceptable to the parties and the norms of international law.