OSCE Chairman calls for dialogue to defuse situation in Kyrgyzstan

LJUBLJANA, 21 March 2005 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, today urged all sides to engage in a dialogue to defuse the tension over the post-election situation in Kyrgyzstan.

"Violence can never be justified. Recent events in Jalal Abad and Osh might lead to an escalation of violence and have a negative effect on the political situation and stability in the country," the Chairman-in-Office said. In his view the government and the opposition must do their utmost to prevent any further aggravation of the situation.

"I call on all parties to refrain from using force in addressing electoral and political disputes, to abide by the rule of law and to respect fundamental principles of human and civil rights," Minister Rupel said.

"Both the authorities of Kyrgyzstan and the opposition should begin a constructive dialogue to assess the current situation and identify ways to overcome differences within the framework provided by the law."

The Chairman-in-Office offered the support of the OSCE to facilitate such a dialogue and said that his Personal Representative for the OSCE participating States in Central Asia, Alojz Peterle, stands ready to travel to Kyrgyzstan to assist in bringing about a peaceful resolution to the current situation.