OSCE Chairman-in-Office condemns murder of Tajik politician

VIENNA, 24 September 1998 - The Chairman-in-Office, Polish Foreign Minister, Prof. Bronislaw Geremek, is deeply concerned about the assassination of Mr. Otohon Latifi, prominent member of the United Tajik Opposition. He strongly condemns this terrorist act which seriously jeopardizes the peace process in Tajikistan.

Mr. Otohon Latifi, as Head of the Legal Sub-Commission of the National Reconciliation Commission, played an important role in the preparation of a constitution for Tajikistan.

Professor Geremek expresses his condolences to the family of Mr. Latifi and hopes that the perpetrators will be brought to justice.

At the same time, Minister Geremek calls on the Government and the opposition to exercise maximum restraint and calls upon all parties to continue their efforts to implement the General Peace Agreement.