OSCE Chairperson discusses Astana Summit follow-up, reform progress in Kazakhstan

ASTANA, 28 February 2011 - The OSCE Chairperson, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis, emphasized the importance of taking forward the momentum gained at the Astana Summit and sustaining Kazakhstan’s reform progress following a meeting today with the President of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev.

“The Astana Commemorative Declaration represents the reaffirmation of the Organization’s core values and commitments at the highest level," he said.

Ažubalis emphasized Kazakhstan’s 2010 Chairmanship increased awareness of the Eurasian dimension of the OSCE, and pledged that the Lithuanian Chairmanship would remain focused on issues of Eurasian security throughout 2011.

“The Lithuanian Chairmanship enjoys co-operation with Kazakhstan within the OSCE Troika. We and all the international community valued Kazakhstan’s efforts in resolving the crisis in Kyrgyzstan last year. Kazakhstan’s continued engagement in this respect is very important,” stressed the Chairperson.

In his meeting with President Nazarbayev, Ažubalis also discussed the Lithuanian Chairmanship’s priorities for 2011, including advancing the settlement of unresolved conflicts and promoting media freedom, energy security and regional co-operation, in particular with border management and fighting transnational threats.

“I am also confident that in view of the upcoming presidential election we can continue the dialogue with the Office of the Democratic Institutions and Human Rights on further implementing election-related and other commitments; I trust this co-operation will be extended to the election observation mission for the 3 April presidential election,” he said.

Ažubalis also met the 2010 Chairperson-in-Office, Kazakhstan's Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev.

Ažubalis called for the continued co-operation of Kazakhstan in implementing democratic reforms, including with respect to media freedom. He invited Kazakhstan to actively participate in a forthcoming event organized by the Chairmanship and the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media on the safety of journalists.

The Chairperson also stressed the positive role played by the OSCE Centre in Astana and the need for its continued activities.

Ažubalis will meet Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev, the Chairman of the Senate and Ural Mukhamedzhanov, the Chairman of the Parliament (Majilis) later today.

Tomorrow the Chairperson will be in Almaty to meet representatives of political parties and non-governmental organizations. He will travel to Kyrgyzstan for meetings in Osh and Bishkek on 2 and 3 March.