OSCE Centre in Dushanbe celebrates 30th anniversary of Helsinki Final Act

DUSHANBE, 30 September 2005 - The OSCE Centre in Dushanbe today celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, inviting Tajik officials, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps, international and non-governmental organizations, and the media.

"The Helsinki Agreement of 1975 marked the beginning of the process of détente that gradually thawed the Cold War," said Ambassador Alain Couanon, Head of the Centre.

"The OSCE began as a diplomatic Conference which helped to break down the barriers of mistrust between the East and the West, and then evolved into the largest regional security organization in the world".

The OSCE, which is engaged in conflict prevention and resolution, as well as other security and human rights-related activities, opened a Mission in Tajikistan in February 1994.

At that time, the country was experiencing a civil war that lasted from 1992 to 1997. The OSCE and the United Nations facilitated the signature of the Peace Agreement in 1997.

"The OSCE Mission played an important role in the process of restoring peace and rehabilitation, and subsequently in establishing security and stability to build a new democratic society on the basis of human rights," added Ambassador Couanon.

Over the past 11 years, the OSCE has been involved in different projects which have helped Tajikistan destroy landmines, arms and ammunition stockpiles, promote a political dialogue among different parties, and promote women's rights in an Islamic society.

It has also offered legal analyses and recommendations for new legislation and reforms, assistance in developing a free media, and has opened Centres for free legal advice and consultations.