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OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President visits Kyrgyzstan
BISHKEK 3 May 2001
BISHKEK, 3 May 2001 - From 1 to 3 May 2001, the President of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), Adrian Severin, visited the Republic of Kyrgyzstan as part of his official visit to three of the Central Asian OSCE participating States.
During the course of his visit, Mr. Severin met with President Askar Akaev, the Speakers of both Chambers of the Parliament, the Vice-Foreign Minister, representatives of political parties and non-governmental organizations. During the meetings, Mr. Severin was accompanied by members of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek and was briefed by the Mission staff.
The general goal of the visit was to assess the situation in Central Asia in general and in Kyrgyzstan in particular from the political, economic and security points of view. During the course of the discussions, it was stressed the need to address problems in these areas not only on a national level, but to increase regional cooperation as well. In this light, Mr. Severin noted that "the obstacles against a more effective regional approach in the fight against poverty, terrorism and religious extremism are in themselves a source of instability which must be addressed properly."
The Kyrgyz interlocutors all responded positively to a new initiative of the OSCE PA: the creation of a Trans-Asian Parliamentary Forum. Such a forum, which would be organized in the framework of the OSCE PA, is designed to bring together parliamentarians from the OSCE region as well as the Asian Partners for Cooperation in order to discuss various issues related to Central Asia.
It was noted that a certain progress had indeed been achieved during the period of independence in establishing democratic institutions. The Kyrgyz authorities were encouraged to continue developing these institutions and to focus their attention also on the practical functioning of these institutions. Institutions and laws can benefit the democratic process only if they function properly and are implemented in good faith.
In discussions related to economic and security matters, it was agreed that the Kyrgyz authorities are fully justified in placing a high priority on these issues and offered the support on the OSCE PA in finding solutions. In addressing these issues, the hope was also expressed that the Parliament would play a greater role and that the Kyrgyz authorities would continue their constructive cooperation with the OSCE Centre in Bishkek. At the same time, it was recommended that the attention given to economic development and security not come at the expense of the further development of democracy and pluralism.
In this regard, it was noted that one of the keys to democracy was a strong opposition, which was free to express its views through independent media outlets. "By offering a political alternative within the system, people will be less likely to resort to forms of political extremism, which is an increasing danger for the region," noted Mr. Severin. During the frank and constructive discussions, it was stressed that the OSCE PA and the Kyrgyz authorities could and should work together in the future since they have common goals related to the economic welfare of the country, regional stability and the further development of democratic processes.
For further information please contact Mr. Jan Jooren, Press Counsellor of the OSCE PA, e-mail: [email protected], tel. +45 33378040, fax. +45 33378030
During the course of his visit, Mr. Severin met with President Askar Akaev, the Speakers of both Chambers of the Parliament, the Vice-Foreign Minister, representatives of political parties and non-governmental organizations. During the meetings, Mr. Severin was accompanied by members of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek and was briefed by the Mission staff.
The general goal of the visit was to assess the situation in Central Asia in general and in Kyrgyzstan in particular from the political, economic and security points of view. During the course of the discussions, it was stressed the need to address problems in these areas not only on a national level, but to increase regional cooperation as well. In this light, Mr. Severin noted that "the obstacles against a more effective regional approach in the fight against poverty, terrorism and religious extremism are in themselves a source of instability which must be addressed properly."
The Kyrgyz interlocutors all responded positively to a new initiative of the OSCE PA: the creation of a Trans-Asian Parliamentary Forum. Such a forum, which would be organized in the framework of the OSCE PA, is designed to bring together parliamentarians from the OSCE region as well as the Asian Partners for Cooperation in order to discuss various issues related to Central Asia.
It was noted that a certain progress had indeed been achieved during the period of independence in establishing democratic institutions. The Kyrgyz authorities were encouraged to continue developing these institutions and to focus their attention also on the practical functioning of these institutions. Institutions and laws can benefit the democratic process only if they function properly and are implemented in good faith.
In discussions related to economic and security matters, it was agreed that the Kyrgyz authorities are fully justified in placing a high priority on these issues and offered the support on the OSCE PA in finding solutions. In addressing these issues, the hope was also expressed that the Parliament would play a greater role and that the Kyrgyz authorities would continue their constructive cooperation with the OSCE Centre in Bishkek. At the same time, it was recommended that the attention given to economic development and security not come at the expense of the further development of democracy and pluralism.
In this regard, it was noted that one of the keys to democracy was a strong opposition, which was free to express its views through independent media outlets. "By offering a political alternative within the system, people will be less likely to resort to forms of political extremism, which is an increasing danger for the region," noted Mr. Severin. During the frank and constructive discussions, it was stressed that the OSCE PA and the Kyrgyz authorities could and should work together in the future since they have common goals related to the economic welfare of the country, regional stability and the further development of democratic processes.
For further information please contact Mr. Jan Jooren, Press Counsellor of the OSCE PA, e-mail: [email protected], tel. +45 33378040, fax. +45 33378030