OSCE Parliamentarians Focus on Central Asia

ALMATY, 8 June 2003 - Today, the President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Bruce George, concluded the Trans Asian Parliamentary Forum in Almaty, Kazakhstan, with a Final Statement summarizing the main conclusions. The main goal of the Forum, which brought together more than 90 parliamentarians from 25 OSCE participating States, was to raise awareness and increase parliamentary dialogue on issues of security in the trans-Asian dimension of the OSCE.

President George stated that terrorism remains one of the most serious threats to long-term security in the OSCE region, and that Central Asia is no exception. He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is not just about reaction to terrorist acts, but more importantly about understanding and addressing the roots of terrorism.

Also "we need to constantly assess the methods we are using in the fight against terrorism and remain ever so vigilant about the dangerous tendency to limit people's rights in the effort to enhance security. Limitations in fundamental freedoms and human rights in exchange for greater security is not a sacrifice we should be willing to make" said President George, who also called for a much more aggressive approach in addressing the financial basis of terrorist organizations.

He noted that Central Asia still has formidable obstacles to economic, social and political development, including terrorism and religious extremism; devastating environmental difficulties with shrinking seas, polluted rivers, dumping of radioactive waste; trafficking of arms and drugs; poverty and social upheaval and inadequacies in human rights. Emphasizing the close link between the economy and the environment, President George stressed that environmental issues must take a higher place on parliamentary agendas.

The Final Statement also highlights the relationship between fair elections and the level of trust in the authorities. It is important to hold inclusive elections that give an equal and unhindered chance to all political forces in a country. Finally the President expressed the hope that the discussions can be continued at a Second Trans-Asian Forum.