OSCE Chairman-in-Office welcomes abolition of exit visas in Turkmenistan

BUCHAREST, 28 December 2001 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Geoana, welcomes the decision taken by the President of Turkmenistan, Saparmurat Niyazov, to abolish the exit visa requirement.

The decree, to enter into force on 1 January 2002, is a direct outcome of a meeting between the Chairman-in-Office and the President of Turkmenistan during a visit by Mr. Geoana to Ashgabat on 8 June 2001.

"I am optimistic about the lifting of the exit visa regime. This shows that the main basis for our work in the OSCE is the commitment of the participating States to our common values and norms. In the current regional context, when other States are adopting measures aimed at reinforcing their national security, sometimes at the price of restricting basic freedoms and liberties of their citizens, Turkmenistan choose to abolish a non-democratic procedure. I believe the authorities will make sure that all Turkmen people will benefit from it", Mr. Geoana said.

The Chairman-in-Office expressed his full support for the timely and proper implementation of the provisions of the presidential decree by the responsible ministries and agencies, namely the Ministries of Justice, Foreign and Internal Affairs, and the National Security Committee.