OSCE Chairperson-in-Office welcomes the acquittal of opposition politician in Kyrgyzstan

VIENNA, 9 August 2000 - The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Austrian Foreign Minister Benita Ferrero-Waldner welcomes the acquittal by the Bishkek Military Court of Mr. Felix Kulov. The Chairperson-in-Office recognizes this latest development as a positive sign for the pre-electoral atmosphere in the lead up to the presidential elections scheduled for 29 October. The OSCE will continue to pay attention to the situation in Kyrgyzstan, particularly as it relates to the elections and encourages Kyrgyzstan to make all efforts to promote the democratic development of the country.

On 7 August, Mr. Felix Kulov, opposition politician and leader of the Ar-Namys party in Kyrgyzstan was acquitted of all charges and released. Mr. Kulov had been tried before the Military Court in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan in closed session on three charges allegedly committed while he held the post of Head of the Ministry of National Security from 1997-1998.

Mr. Kulov had been in detention since 22 March when he was arrested from a Bishkek hospital while undergoing medical treatment. The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office had earlier expressed her dismay and alarm at the detention of Mr. Kulov.

For further information contact the Press and Public Information Section of the OSCE Secretariat, tel.: (+ 43-1) 514 36 180 or e-mail: info@osce.org