Press release issued by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly

VIENNA, 15 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 in Tajikistan: common approaches needed

DUSHANBE, 15 June 2009 - Concluding a visit to Tajikistan today, the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Joao Soares encouraged more regional co-operation in tackling the security challenges in Central Asia.

President Soares' comments came at the end of a week-long visit to Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.

"Increased co-operation between Central Asian states on the many security challenges they face can produce real improvements for the people here. Migration, increasing trade and tackling organized crime and drug trafficking all require common approaches. The OSCE's challenges do not stop here at the Afghan border," said Mr. Soares at a border checkpoint in the southern Khatlon region.

Soares encouraged further democratic reforms in the country, including increasing political pluralism. Tajikistan is preparing for parliamentary elections in 2010 and the OSCE is working to support the country in meeting its international commitments in this regard.

In Tajikistan, the President of the OSCE PA met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Hamrokhon Zarifi; the Chairmen of the Parliament, Mahmadsaid Ubaidulloev and Saidullo Hairulloev; as well as representatives of political parties and civil society.

Welcoming the active work of the delegation of Tajikistan to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the President said: "I look forward to discussing common concerns, including labour migration, with my Tajik colleagues during the upcoming OSCE PA Annual Session in Vilnius."

In Tajikistan, Soares took the opportunity to visit several OSCE projects and offices throughout the country, including in Kurgan-Tyube and Khorog.

"Having seen projects such as a Women Resource Centre and a Labour Migration Centre run by the OSCE Office in Tajikistan, I can personally attest to the practical solutions the OSCE is implementing here," he said.

Visiting the future Khorog campus of the University of Central Asia, President Soares commented:

"Through education, energy, health and communications projects, the Aga Khan network is investing in the future of Tajikistan. Such long-term assistance is crucial to developing a secure and prosperous region."

President Soares welcomed co-operation between the OSCE and the Aga Khan Development Network in Tajikistan.

The regional visit by President Soares was intended to support the work of the OSCE field missions in Central Asia and to meet with officials in the region.