OSCE Chairman-in-Office encourages Kazakhstan to move ahead on further political reforms

ASTANA, 27 March 2006 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht, has described Kazakhstan's bid for the Chairmanship of the Organization in 2009 as both a challenge and an opportunity for the OSCE and for Kazakhstan. Without speculating on the outcome of the decision-making process, he called on Kazakhstan to rise to the occasion and ensure the right conditions to increase political pluralism.

During meetings over the past 24 hours in Astana with President Nursultan Nazarbayev and Foreign Minister Kassymzhomart Tokaev, the Chairman-in-Office welcomed the recent establishment of the State Commission on the Development and Realization of the Programme of Political Reforms: "The Commission's establishment is a step in the right direction and further steps should be taken to strengthen the promotion of political pluralism and to enhance civil society."

"Now that Mr. Nazarbayev has been re-elected as President, he has the mandate to push ahead with political reforms", the Chairman-in-Office added.

He agreed with his Kazakh interlocutors that the three dimensions within the OSCE were equally important, reinforcing the comprehensive approach to security. In this respect, Minister De Gucht also pledged the Organization's support in addressing serious environmental issues, such as awareness-raising about radio-active contamination in regions where this remains a problem.

Noting Kazakhstan's increased efforts to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism, Minister De Gucht pledged continued OSCE support to help the country to adopt measures in line with international obligations and best practices. He urged Kazakhstan to establish an independent institution for combating these societal ills, pointing out that combating organized crime was a top priority for Belgium's presidency.

During the meetings in Astana, Chairman-in-Office viewed positively the recent registration of the political party Real Ak Zhol ("Real White Path"). He also underlined the importance of having a vital and vibrant civil society and an independent media operating without fear of harassment. He spoke of the importance of independent ODIHR election observation missions and noted that such missions should meet the highest possible standards.

The Chairman-in-Office then concluded his visit to Kazakhstan in the commercial capital Almaty, where he met with representatives of political parties and non-governmental organizations to discuss their opinions on the future of the country.

Kazakhstan has taken an increasingly active role in the OSCE, and will host several high-level conferences. In co-operation with the OSCE Special Representative on Trafficking in Human Beings, the Government will convene an international conference in Astana. Likewise, It will be the site of a conference on intercultural, inter-religious and interethnic understanding. Kazakhstan will share its positive experience with other OSCE states in promoting tolerance and mutual respect.