OSCE Centre promotes access to information in Kazakhstan

ASTANA, 15 October 2007 - Promoting transparency in the law-making process by enhancing co-operation between media and the Parliament is the aim of a two-day training course co-organized by the OSCE Centre that started today in Astana.

Thirty-five journalists from media outlets that report on the work of Kazakhstan's Parliament are taking part in the course, which is being conducted by national and international experts. Reporting on parliamentary activities in accordance with national legislation and international experience with the interaction between media and legislators, as well as the gender aspects of legislature, are among the topics to be discussed.

"It is important to provide the public with truthful information on the activities of the Parliament. In this respect an independent and pluralistic media plays an important role in ensuring transparency in the activity of the states institutions," said Ambassador Ivar Vikki, Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana, addressing the training participants.

The training course, which is jointly organized by the OSCE Centre in Astana, the United Nations Development Programme and the Parliament of Kazakhstan, constitutes an important element of the Centre's activities to promote freedom of expression in the country.