Press release issued by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

VIENNA, 11 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 Chairmanship, nor of all OSCE participating States.

OSCE PA President urges democratic developments in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, 11 June 2009 - Concluding a visit to Bishkek, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Joao Soares today stressed the importance of upholding OSCE election-related commitments during the upcoming Presidential election in Kyrgyzstan.

"The election is critical to Kyrgyzstan's future," Mr. Soares, who is on a week-long visit to three countries in Central Asia, stated. "The OSCE observation mission will be very closely monitoring events leading up to, and on election day - 23 July, as well as following the election. Kyrgyzstan must not miss yet another opportunity on the road to democracy."

After the parliamentary elections in December 2007, which left the second strongest party without seats in the parliament, the OSCE reported that the elections failed to meet a number of OSCE commitments and fell short of public expectations for further consolidation of the election process.

Mr. Soares expressed his concern about allegations of politically motivated violence in Kyrgyzstan and called for the upcoming election campaign to be held in a peaceful manner, with full respect for all participants to campaign freely.

The President encouraged active participation by all citizens in the election process and assured that the OSCE, comprising both the Parliamentary Assembly and the ODIHR, would deploy a comprehensive election mission with many observers. He noted his intention to appoint an experienced politician to lead the parliamentary delegation and to deliver balanced conclusions following the election.

The OSCE PA delegation led by President Soares met with high-level officials during the visit to Kyrgyzstan, including the President of the Republic, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Speaker of parliament, presidential candidates and political party representatives from major parties both in parliament and not represented in parliament, as well as representatives of civil society.

Following his meeting with the delegation of Kyrgyzstan to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Mr. Soares said: "I am pleased to note that the Kyrgyz delegation to our Assembly consists of several parties. Pluralism and openness are very important."
The President also underlined his support for the work being done by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

President Soares' visit to Kyrgyzstan followed a visit to Kazakhstan. Today he visits Tajikistan.