OSCE Centre helps fight money laundering and terrorism financing in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, 28 April 2005 - Establishing a financial intelligence unit and developing a national strategy to fight money laundering and terrorism financing are the focus of a meeting in Bishkek on 28 and 29 April.

It is organized by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the Kyrgyz Finance Ministry and the World Bank.

Representatives of the ministries of Justice, Finance, Foreign Affairs, as well as the National Bank will discuss international conventions and standards in this field, information exchange and legal assistance and the role of the Egmont and EurAsian Groups in countering the financing of terrorism.

"Kyrgyzstan stands ready to combat terrorism, money laundering and organized crime," said Finance Minister Akylbek Japarov. "A road 1000 miles-long begins with the first step. The current situation compels us to take concrete actions."

The Head of the OSCE Centre, Ambassador Markus Muller, said: "It is important to have a clear assessment of the current situation in Kyrgyzstan. Setting up a financial intelligence unit is a good initiative and the Centre is ready to help learn from best practices and implement them according to local needs."