OSCE Chairman's personal representative discusses elections with Kyrgyz authorities

BISHKEK, 27 May 2005 - Alojz Peterle, Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairman-in-Office for Central Asia, today discussed the Organization's assistance for Kyrgyzstan's 10 July presidential election with Deputy Prime Minister Adakhan Madumarov and the Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC), Tuigunaaly Abdraimov.

Mr Abdraimov repeated Kyrgyzstan's commitment to organize free and transparent elections in compliance with OSCE standards. He expressed his satisfaction with the good level of co-operation between the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, and his government.

The CEC Chairman also welcomed the readiness of the international donors to provide additional financing for election-related activities in the country.

A possible Code of Conduct for presidential candidates was also discussed.
Mr. Peterle also discussed the visit of acting President Kurmanbek Bakiev to Vienna on Monday to address to the OSCE Permanent Council.

Deputy Prime Minister Madumarov gave Mr Peterle an update on the current situation in Kyrgyzstan and the work of his government. They discussed the preparations for the presidential election and the situation in the south of the country.

Mr. Peterle plans his first visit to Osh on Monday, 30 May.