OSCE Chairman-in-Office holds fruitful discussions in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, 6 June 2001 (OSCE) - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Geoana, visited Kyrgyzstan today, as part of a tour of Central Asia, to find ways of reinforcing security and stability in the region. The advantages of a regional approach, together with a sound dialogue with the political opposition and further development of civil society were the main topics addressed in Kyrgyzstan, where Mr. Geoana met with the President, the Speakers of both chambers of the Kyrgyz Parliament, as well as the Foreign Minister and representatives of political parties, NGOs and media outlets.

On the political and security aspects, Mr. Geoana stressed the importance of a regional approach to tackle the problems of extremism, trafficking in drugs, weapons, human beings, and the growth of extremist movements in a discussion qualified as substantive and fruitful. Kyrgyzstan has been trying to strengthen national and regional security through its participation in regional security forums (the Collective Security Agreement, Shanghai Five, and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-building Measures in Asia).

The Chairman-in-Office welcomed the Comprehensive Development Framework Programme developed with the assistance of the World Bank in order to set up the economic strategy of the country for the next ten years. "This is an excellent vehicle engaging all parties in a fruitful future for this nation", said Mr. Geoana, who offered OSCE's assistance in the fields of water management, environment protection, good governance and transparency.

On the human dimension, Mr. Geoana stressed the importance of a sound dialogue with the opposition. He welcomed the three new draft laws currently under discussion, prepared with the participation of the OSCE (on an Ombudsman institution, Freedom of Assembly, and Freedom of Religion), urging that they fully comply with OSCE commitments. "I think we had a positive discussion which we wish and expect to be followed by concrete action", said Mr. Geoana at the closure of his meeting with the Kyrgyz President.

OSCE has been present in Kyrgyzstan since January 1999. The OSCE Center in Bishkek promotes the implementation of OSCE principles and commitments as well as the co-operation with the Kyrgyz Republic within the OSCE framework with special emphasis on the regional context in all OSCE dimensions including economic, environmental, human and political aspects of security and stability.

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