OSCE Chairman pledges support in improving electoral system in Uzbekistan

TASHKENT, 16 February 2005 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, pledged the Organization's support on Wednesday in improving the electoral system in Uzbekistan and assisting with economic reform.

In meetings with President Islam Karimov, Foreign Minister Elyer Ganiyev and the Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of Parliament Erkin Khalilov, the Chairman-in-Office also welcomed Uzbekistan's initiatives to bring about more co-operation among states in the region.

"The main political, economic and social integration processes in Central Asia cannot be successful without Uzbekistan's involvement," he said.

The Chairman-in-Office commended the personal efforts of President Karimov to promote integration in Central Asia and work towards the development of a single market in the region, adding: "Establishing such conditions could attract more foreign investment and ensure stable development and prosperity for the whole region." The recent parliamentary elections showed that an improved legislative framework was needed in Uzbekistan, Minister Rupel said.

"I appreciate the long-standing dialogue between the authorities of Uzbekistan and the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) regarding elections. We are all looking forward to continuing to work with the authorities and civil society, including the political parties, on improving the elections process." The Chairman-in-Office offered the OSCE's assistance to Uzbekistan in areas such as de-mining, if required, and said media reviews commissioned by the OSCE Representative of the Freedom on Media would be valuable in improving media legislation.

Minister Rupel encouraged the authorities to adopt concrete measures to follow up ideas to liberalize the criminal justice system outlined by President Karimov in a recent address to Parliament.

He said the OSCE supported market reforms and was ready in particular to promote small and medium-sized enterprise development. "We are keen to see a reduction in bureaucratic obstacles to small and medium-sized enterprises and development of the tourism sector, where Uzbekistan has impressive potential," he added.

He also raised some concerns voiced during a meeting with representatives of local NGOs.