OSCE Chairperson, on visit to Osh, emphasizes importance of dialogue and reconciliation for stability and development in Kyrgyzstan

OSH, Kyrgyzstan, 2 March 2011 – Reconstruction and development in Kyrgyzstan must be inclusive and involve all communities, said the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis, on a visit to the city of Osh in southern Kyrgyzstan today.

“Dialogue with all communities is critical to achieve reconciliation. This is essential for long-term stability,” said Ažubalis following meetings with Sooronbay Jeenbekov, the Governor of Osh province, and Melis Myrzakmatov, the Mayor of Osh.

“The OSCE, in co-ordination with the international community, is committed to helping Kyrgyzstan to ensure that reconstruction and development are undertaken with the full respect of rights of all members of society.”

While in Osh, Ažubalis met local police and international experts from the OSCE Community Security Initiative, which is supporting local police in implementing democratic principles in their work. He also met representatives of civil society and the local community.

"In my meetings with local police and community members we discussed the range of security challenges that they face, including drug trafficking and organized crime, and how the OSCE can offer further support through its programme activities, particularly through the OSCE Centre in Bishkek and its Field Office in Osh," he said.

The Chairperson will be in Bishkek tomorrow to meet Prime Minister Almazbek Atambaev and other high-level officials, as well as representatives of political parties, civil society and the diplomatic community, to discuss OSCE support for further strengthening stability and implementation of OSCE commitments in Kyrgyzstan.