OSCE Chairmanship concerned about violence in Kyrgyzstan, welcomes release of arrested MP

VIENNA, 19 March 2002 - The Portuguese Chairmanship of the OSCE is concerned about the recent tension and clashes in Kyrgyzstan, specifically in the Jalal-Abad province, the home of the Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Judicial and Legal Affairs, Asimbek Beknazarov. The Chairmanship expresses its deep sympathy to the families of the victims of the tragic events that happened in the last two days in the southern part of the country. The Chairmanship calls on the Kyrgyz authorities to investigate the events and to bring all culprits to justice.

The Chairmanship welcomes today's release from custody of Mr. Beknazarov. For more than two months the Chairmanship of the OSCE and the Centre in Bishkek have monitored the developments in Kyrgyzstan caused by the arrest of the Deputy. The OSCE Centre in Bishkek, through its Field Office in Osh, has been regularly monitoring his trial and has followed the case since his arrest on 5 January.

OSCE Chairmanship commends the Kyrgyz leadership for demonstrating its political will to contribute to calming the situation by releasing Mr. Beknazarov from custody, pending the end of the court case, and hopes that this decision will contribute to finding a peaceful end to the tension.

The Portuguese Chairmanship encourages the Kyrgyz authorities to promote fairness and openness of the judicial system in the country, and to stress the importance of implementing all existing legal procedures in a just and transparent manner.

The OSCE Centre in Bishkek will continue to monitor the trial of Mr. Beknazarov, as it has done since the court started its deliberations on 11 March, and it stands ready to assist the host country in its efforts to build a democracy based on the rule of law.