OSCE promotes implementation of OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security in Central Asia

ALMATY, 22 September 2008 - Fostering co-operation among government ministries, parliamentarians and senior military personnel involved in the oversight of the armed forces in Central Asia is the purpose of a three-day OSCE seminar that opened in Almaty today.

The seminar aims to help the five Central Asian countries fully implement their commitments stemming from the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security. The Code is a key document under which OSCE participating States commit to exercise democratic parliamentary oversight of armed, internal and security forces.

"The Code of Conduct is a solid basis for ensuring democratic control of armed forces and promoting security in the whole OSCE region, including in Central Asia. Regional co-operation can help countries fulfill their commitments," said Ambassador Alexandre Keltchewsky, Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana.

During the seminar, experts will discuss experiences and future initiatives to promote the implementation of the Code. Special focus will be given to national practices on democratic control of military, paramilitary and internal security forces as well as of intelligence services and the police. The seminar will also cover topics relating to the effective guidance of the armed forces and their accountability to constitutionally established authorities.

"Today's event is a good opportunity for exchanging views and helping to identify areas of common interest and co-operation on implementing the Code of Conduct in the region," Keltchewsky added.

The seminar is organized by the OSCE Conflict Prevention Centre together with the OSCE Centre in Astana, and co-organized and sponsored by the Swiss Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport. It is hosted by the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

More information about the Code of Conduct can be found at: Code of Conduct