Chairman's envoy welcomes readiness to hold political dialogue in Kyrgyzstan under OSCE auspices

BISHKEK, 26 April 2005 - The Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office for participating States in Central Asia, Alojz Peterle, welcomed the readiness of Kyrgyz officials' to see the dialogue between political forces in the country held under the auspices of the OSCE.

"For its part, the OSCE is ready to facilitate a dialogue between all political forces in the country in order to ensure fairness and objectivity in the election called for 10 July," said Mr. Peterle. "We hope that by the middle of May, an appropriate date for this dialogue will be agreed upon."

The Personal Representative also welcomed the formation of a Constitutional Conference in Kyrgyzstan, established on Monday by a resolution passed by the country's Parliament.

The Conference is to work out a format for constitutional reform and create an effective democratic and law-based state, and will consist of parliamentarians, as well as representatives of civil society, the judiciary and executive branches of government.

Mr. Peterle, who arrived in Bishkek yesterday, also held a series of meetings with political leaders and potential presidential candidates to further discuss the establishment of a platform for an efficient dialogue between all political forces in Kyrgyzstan.

He also raised the issue of business development in the country: "Political stability is vitally important for the economic development of Kyrgyzstan," said the Representative. "It is important to ensure a good business climate in the country."