OSCE Centre supports democratic development in Kazakhstan

ALMATY, 23 November 2006 - Prospects for democratic developments in Kazakhstan and ways to politically modernize the country were discussed at an international conference held today in Almaty.

Parliament deputies, government officials, international experts and civil society representatives took part in the event, organized by the OSCE Centre in Almaty, the Friedrich Ebert Foundation and the non-governmental organization Central Asian Foundation for Democratic Development.

"Recent developments in some key areas, such as registration of political parties, peaceful assembly and the media, remain somewhat contradictory," said Ambassador Ivar Vikki, Head of the OSCE Centre. "However, a positive potential to carry out further reforms has lately emerged, especially within media and election legislation, as well as on constitutional issues."

The event was part of the OSCE Centre's efforts to help Kazakhstan carry out democratic reforms.