Press release issued by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

VIENNA, 5 June 2009 - The following is a press release issued by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly today. The views expressed in this press release do not necessarily reflect those of the OSCE Chairmanship, nor of all OSCE Participating States.

OSCE PA President Soares visits Central Asia next week

COPENHAGEN, 5 June 2009 - OSCE PA President Joao Soares will visit three countries in Central Asia next week.

With the visit from 7 to 14 June to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, President Soares aims to show support for the work of the OSCE field missions in the region. The President has regularly stated that the OSCE's most important work is conducted by field missions, and he looks forward to getting further acquainted with the details of their work.

The visit is also aimed at increasing dialogue on regional and international issues with representatives of the three Central Asia countries, as the President is scheduled to meet with the region's parliamentary, and governmental leaders, as well as with representatives of civil society.

In Bishkek, the delegation will also discuss preparations for the 23 July presidential election in Kyrgyzstan. Kyrgyzstan has invited OSCE observers to monitor the election.