October 20, 1999

Kirghiz negotiations with Islamic rebels, in Tajikistan, have apparently failed, with only two hostages released. Kirghiz officials blamed squabbling between Kirghiz and Tajik officials for the collapse of the peace talks. But it is expected that talks with the rebels will resume in order to obtain the release of four Japanese engineers. Japan has refused to pay ransom and the incident is holding up further economic aid from Japan.