OSCE Personal Representative for Central Asia discusses possible assistance to Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, 27 March 2005 - The Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman in Office for Central Asia, Alojz Peterle, has welcomed the efforts of the Kyrgyzstan interim government to improve the security situation in the country.

Following a meeting with acting President and Prime Minister Kurmanbek Bakiev on Saturday, Mr Peterle said: "We focussed on possible OSCE co-operation with the interim government in order to strengthen security and the democratic process in the country."

Acting President and Prime Minister Bakiev expressed appreciation for the OSCE's activities in Kyrgyzstan and stressed his interest in the Organization becoming even more involved in future.

In meetings with the Speaker of Parliament Ishenbai Kadyrbekov, acting Interior Minister Temir Subanov and acting Foreign Minister Roza Otunbaeva, the Personal Representative discussed possible OSCE assistance in maintaining public order, constitutional and legal issues and in the conduct of future elections.


He stressed the need to involve civil society.

"Particular attention must be given to the legal aspects of the ongoing political changes", Mr Peterle said. "It is imperative to restore security and stability in the country. We will discuss possibilities for further involvement of the OSCE in the democratic processes."

OSCE Secretary General Jan Kubis was expected to arrive in Bishkek on Sunday.