Tajikistan and the OSCE will work together to promote regional security, says Chairman

DUSHANBE, 14 April 2007 - Tajikistan's active participation in the OSCE has contributed to making the region more secure, and the Organization looks forward to continuing and deepening this co-operation, the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, said today.

Speaking during a visit to Dushanbe, Minister Moratinos noted that the Organization had strengthened its activities in the politico-military dimension and in the economic-environmental field.

The Chairman-in-Office welcomed Tajikistan's efforts to strengthen border security and announced plans that detail how the OSCE will support Tajikistan in this field, including through training assistance and technical expertise.

Minister Moratinos also thanked Dushanbe for offering to host a regional conference that will focus on transit transportation and security in the OSCE area.

"I am happy that our co-operation is flourishing in the politico-military and the economic-environmental security fields. I hope that we can count on continued backing for the OSCE's support in the human dimension," he said after a meeting with President Emomali Rahmon.

Through its Centre in Dushanbe, the OSCE hopes to continue activities in fields such as promoting freedom of the media, human rights, penitentiary reform and democratization, as well as securing and eradicating excess small arms and light weapons and surplus conventional ammunition, Minister Moratinos said.

During the visit, which also included a meeting with Foreign Minister Hamrokhon Zaripov, the Chairman-in-Office offered the Organization's support to reshape a draft law on non-governmental organizations to ensure that it is in line with international standards.

"I would welcome a national debate involving civil society on this topic," he said, noting that he planned to meet with representatives of non-governmental organizations and political parties before leaving Dushanbe.

Minister Moratinos also said that 27 June marks the 10th anniversary of the signing of the successful peace agreement that ended Tajikistan's civil war.

"My Chairmanship fully recognizes this achievement in bringing about peace and security."

The Chairman-in-Office 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 Tajikistan and its neighbours.The visit to Dushanbe was part of a tour of Central Asia.