Fifth anniversary of OSCE Police Reform Programme in Kyrgyzstan marked with conference

BISHKEK, 22 November 2008 - Almost 100 officials participated in a conference today that marked the fifth anniversary of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek's Police Reform Programme. The Interior Ministry and the OSCE Centre co-organized the event.

The police programme's achievements and perspectives for further co-operation and improvements were discussed at the conference. Presentations highlighted the programme's different sections: community policing, forensics, police education and human rights.

Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere, Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, said the programme had been successful.

"Today we commemorate five years of fruitful co-operation," he said. "The Kyrgyz Police Reform Programme is admired by regional partners. Crucially, this programme has sought to build trust and respect for the judicial and law-enforcement system among citizens. This is vital for any democratic, progressive society. I consider it important that we continue to work towards having the Kyrgyz authorities assume full responsibility for all parts of the programme within a realistic time frame."

Interior Minister Moldomusa Kongantiev added: "The OSCE's assistance to the Kyrgyz Police programme helps strengthen law and order as well as the protection of citizens' rights and freedoms. Police officers support the reform. The OSCE Centre's substantial material technical support has increased quality and improved crime prevention and disclosure. In addition, officers learned about police spirit, respect of citizens and protection of rights during study tours to European Union countries and at workshops in the Police Academy. There is no doubt in the effectiveness of the OSCE Police project in Kyrgyzstan."

In addition to officials from the OSCE Centre and the Interior Ministry, the anniversary conference attracted participants from non-governmental organizations and the Police Academy.

The OSCE Police Reform Programme was launched in 2003 with a co-operation agreement between the OSCE Centre and the Kyrgyz Government. Under the programme, a stage-by-stage reform of Kyrgyz police was carried out by the government, relevant ministries and civil society institutions.