Constructive dialogue from all sides could help Kyrgyzstan move forward, OSCE Chairman says

BISHKEK, 13 April 2007 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, encouraged all parties in Kyrgyzstan today to engage in a constructive dialogue to overcome the political impasse.

Concerned about demonstrations in Bishkek, he said he hoped the issues could be resolved peacefully through negotiations which would include all sides.

"The OSCE has supported Kyrgyzstan's constitutional process, and the Organization remains ready to facilitate a dialogue aimed at preventing further escalation of tensions and improve the current situation," the Chairman-in-Office said during a visit to Bishkek.

"It is important that this process is handled in accordance with democratic principles and the rule of law, through a constructive dialogue between the Government and the opposition."

Speaking after a meeting with President Kurmanbek Bakiev, Minister Moratinos said he hoped that Kyrgyzstan and the OSCE could strengthen co-operation to the benefit of both.

The OSCE has supported Kyrgyzstan's police reforms for more than three years, and this work continues in order to strengthen democratic policing.

"I welcome this process and look forward to the realization of concrete steps that are part of the reforms," said Minister Moratinos.

The Chairman-in-Office also highlighted the important role of the OSCE Academy, a regional institution based in Bishkek.

"The OSCE and its Spanish Chairmanship are proud to support this institution, which educates the region's future leaders in fields such as media and democracy, conflict prevention, human rights, mission preparation, election observation and negotiation skills," he said.

Minister Moratinos also noted that the 2007 Spanish OSCE Chairmanship had made fully engaging Central Asia a priority for the Organization, reflecting the vital role played by Kyrgyzstan and its neighbours.

The visit to Bishkek was part of a tour of Central Asia.