OSCE Special Envoy calls for return to legal framework in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, 13 April 2010 - Restoration of the rule of law, establishment of order and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, and close co-operation with international community are key elements for achieving stability in the country and improving conditions of people's lives, said Zhanybek Karibzhanov, Special Envoy of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, after a meeting with Roza Otunbayeva, interim administration leader of Kyrgyzstan today.

"Based on our assessment of the situation and following the co-ordination with international partners on the ground, I can state that only by setting the political situation on a firm legal footing will it be possible to restore the stability in the country, reassure the population and prevent the escalation on tensions in Kyrgyzstan," said Karibzhanov. "This requires a clear signal from all sides that they renounce further violence and will work to ensure the rapid and peaceful transition towards constitutional reform and new elections on the basis of dialogue and inclusiveness." The Special Envoy emphasized the importance of this factor for the development of relations with the international community.

Karibzhanov who was appointed Special Envoy by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, State Secretary and Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan, Kanat Saudabayev, on 8 April, has held extensive and wide-ranging meetings with leaders of the provisional government, representatives of political parties, local NGOs and members of former Parliament.

"During five days that I have been in the country, we have worked to contribute to the restoration of stability and prevent further escalation of the conflict", said Karibzhanov. "We established contacts with key political figures and facilitated dialogue between them, formed a comprehensive picture of the situation in the country, and assessed the need for potential enhanced OSCE assistance to Kyrgyzstan in light of recent developments".

The possible areas where the OSCE could enhance its activities include support to public safety, targeted economic and environmental activities, legislative reform, electoral assistance, monitoring of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and support to public participation.

The Special Envoy emphasized that to guarantee safety to all citizens in all parts of the country, it was critical to ensure effective policing with due regard to rights of the people.

"The primary factor for building public confidence, reassuring people and securing continued support for the activities of the new government is respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of the media," said Karibzhanov. He added that the OSCE, its Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Representative for Freedom of the Media stand ready to assist in this regard.

The work of the Special Envoy in Kyrgyzstan was closely co-ordinated with international partners - namely, the UNSG Special Envoy, Ambassador Jan Kubis, the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Ambassador Pierre Morel, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the CSTO, UN agencies and local Embassies.

"We believe that the situation in Kyrgyzstan requires urgent, efficient and well co-ordinated action from the international community", said Karibzhanov. He emphasized the special role that the OSCE has to play in the process, and said that a plan of action to support the restoration of stability and development in Kyrgyzstan will be presented for consideration by the OSCE participating States.