OSCE Chairman calls for calm and dialogue in Kyrgyzstan

MADRID, 21 April 2007 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, called today for calm in Kyrgyzstan and urged the country's politicians to engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the political impasse.

He also said that the OSCE encouraged all sides to seek common ground for reforms in the country.

Police on Thursday evening dispersed protesters from a central Bishkek square following more than a week of demonstrations that demanded constitutional reform and the resignation of President Kurmanbek Bakiev.

The Interior Ministry said the police action came following what was described as hooligan escapades by the protesters.

"A solution to this situation can only come through political dialogue and negotiations based on democratic principles," Minister Moratinos said.

He also emphasized the importance of respecting fundamental freedoms, including freedom of the media.

After last week's visit by the Chairman-in-Office to Kyrgyzstan, the OSCE Secretary-General, Ambassador Marc Perrin de Brichambaut, arrived in the country on Friday morning. He will hold meetings with Prime Minister Almazbek Atambaev, the Speaker of the Parliament Marat Sultanov, Foreign Minister Ednan Karabaev, Interior Minister Bolot Nogobaev, Justice Minister Marat Kayipovand, and the Governor of Osh, Jantoro Satybaldiev, as well as with NGOs.