OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities visits Turkmenistan

ASHGABAD/THE HAGUE, 16 December 2004 - Rolf Ekeus, the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities, paid an official visit to Turkmenistan from 13 to 15 December.

During his meetings with government officials, he discussed issues such as a possible assessment of the living conditions of the national minorities in the country, education as a means of integration into society and comprehensive development of the dialogue between the OSCE and Turkmenistan.

The High Commissioner had meetings with President Saparmurat Niyazov, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers and Foreign Minister, Rashid Meredov, the Chairman of the Mejlis (Parliament), Ovezgeldy Atayev, and the First Secretary of the Political Council of the Democratic Party of Turkmenistan, Onjyk Musayev, as well as representatives of the diplomatic community and international organizations.

High Commissioner Ekeus last visited Turkmenistan in November 2003.