OSCE Chairman calls for constructive dialogue ahead of planned demonstration in Kyrgyzstan

ANKARA, 31 October 2006 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Belgian Foreign Minister Karel De Gucht, called today on the Kyrgyz authorities and the opposition groups in Kyrgyzstan to show calm and restraint during a demonstration planned for Thursday 2 November in Bishkek.

The opposition has called the demonstration to demand the resignation of the President.

"I call on all parties to act in good faith and respect the rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression," Minister De Gucht said.

"I also urge the authorities and the opposition to begin a constructive dialogue to identify ways to overcome differences within the framework provided by the law in order to find a mutually acceptable solution. Progress has to be achieved through peaceful, legal and constitutional actions."

The Chairman-in-Office offered OSCE support to facilitate such a dialogue.