OSCE Centre holds meeting on role of political parties in Tajikistan

DUSHANBE, 10 November 2006 - The role of political parties in developing a democratic society in Tajikistan was the focus of a meeting organized today by the OSCE Centre in Dushanbe.

"One of the main characteristics of a democratic society is the pluralist party system," said Klaus Rasmussen, Acting Head of OSCE Centre. "This is the foundation for diversity and freedom of opinions in society. Political parties play a key role in this system because they represent the balance of interests."

Karomatullo Olimov, Advisor to the President of Tajikistan, underlined that political parties had played an important role in the development of Tajik society. "They were key in strengthening the pluralism in our country," he said.

The event, which was part of an OSCE-supported project to develop dialogue between the authorities and civil society, brought together more than 70 government officials, representatives of political parties, media and national minorities, as well as members of non-governmental and international organizations.