Intensifying Kyrgyzstan, OSCE co-operation mutually beneficial, says OSCE Chairman

BISHKEK, 1 July 2008 - Kyrgyzstan is a key participant in the OSCE and an important factor for regional stability, said the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb, in Bishkek today.

"I appreciate the increased co-operation and dialogue Kyrgyzstan is showing in all aspects of security, and I hope we can further intensify this work for the benefit of regional and OSCE-wide security," Stubb said.

"The OSCE, its Finnish Chairmanship and its Centre in Bishkek places great importance on the dialogue that has been established between the civil society and the government."

Speaking after meetings with President Kurmanbek Bakiev, Foreign Minister Ednan Karabev, Parliament Speaker Aitibai Tagaev as well as representatives of political parties and civil society, Stubb said he welcomed Kyrgyzstan's work to strengthen border security and management. These activities fit into the Organization's plans to intensify engagement with Afghanistan, he added.

"Kyrgyzstan's ideas and readiness to be part of this process are welcome, particularly its support for customs training," Stubb said.

Stubb discussed the country's reform process in the meetings, emphasizing that the OSCE is ready to continue its support of the reforms, particularly in laws on political parties, freedom of assembly and freedom of religion matters as well as human rights.

"Once adopted and implemented, the reforms will help Kyrgyzstan better fulfil its OSCE commitments in these fields," he said. "The OSCE also is ready to work together with Kyrgyzstan to establish strong leadership and define effective strategies to combat corruption."

He also noted that the Organization was ready to support Kyrgyzstan's efforts to strengthen its travel document security as part of efforts to combat terrorism, and he welcomed the country's initiative to host an OSCE event on public-private partnership in countering terrorism.

"Such events can play a significant role in combating terrorism," Stubb said. "Also important in this fight are the UN Anti-Terrorism instruments and anti-terrorism conventions, which Kyrgyzstan has not yet joined or acceded to. I hope this will happen soon."