OSCE
Access to Fergana.ru should be restored immediately and Internet should remain free in Kyrgyzstan, says OSCE media representative
27.02.2012. Category:Kyrgyzstan
VIENNA, 27 February 2012 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, called today for the block on news site Fergana.ru in Kyrgyzstan to be lifted and urged the authorities to ensure that the Internet remains free in the country.
Kyrgyzstan’s Internet service providers last week started enforcing a parliamentary resolution to block Fergana.ru, an independent online portal specialized in Central Asian political issues. The parliament (Jogorku Kenesh), citing Fergana.ru’s coverage of the June 2010 violence in Kyrgyzstan’s south, last year requested that the government take steps to deny Internet users access to the portal.
“This effective ban, which was decided without even a court sanction, should be lifted immediately. Disrupting the free flow of information on the Internet contravenes OSCE media freedom commitments and constrains debate on issues of public interest,” Mijatović said.
“In a letter I sent on 23 February to Asylbek Jeenbekov, the speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh, I criticized the resolution and pointed out that legislators should not adopt laws or resolutions that aim at restricting freedom of the media, including online, but should ensure that the Internet remains a free forum to exchange information and ideas.”
“It is unfortunate that Kyrgyzstan, which lately took a number of steps toward enhancing media freedom, including decriminalization of defamation, made a decision that goes in the opposite direction,” she added.
Mijatović welcomed the statement of Presidential spokesperson Kadyr Toktogulov, who questioned the blocking of Fergana.ru, and said she hoped Internet users will be soon able to freely access this website again.
OSCE
Kyrgyzstan’s Internet service providers last week started enforcing a parliamentary resolution to block Fergana.ru, an independent online portal specialized in Central Asian political issues. The parliament (Jogorku Kenesh), citing Fergana.ru’s coverage of the June 2010 violence in Kyrgyzstan’s south, last year requested that the government take steps to deny Internet users access to the portal.
“This effective ban, which was decided without even a court sanction, should be lifted immediately. Disrupting the free flow of information on the Internet contravenes OSCE media freedom commitments and constrains debate on issues of public interest,” Mijatović said.
“In a letter I sent on 23 February to Asylbek Jeenbekov, the speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh, I criticized the resolution and pointed out that legislators should not adopt laws or resolutions that aim at restricting freedom of the media, including online, but should ensure that the Internet remains a free forum to exchange information and ideas.”
“It is unfortunate that Kyrgyzstan, which lately took a number of steps toward enhancing media freedom, including decriminalization of defamation, made a decision that goes in the opposite direction,” she added.
Mijatović welcomed the statement of Presidential spokesperson Kadyr Toktogulov, who questioned the blocking of Fergana.ru, and said she hoped Internet users will be soon able to freely access this website again.
OSCE
ASTANA COMMEMORATIVE DECLARATION
03.12.2010. Category:Kazakhstan
Parallel Conference calls on OSCE Summit to make true comprehensive security commitment
02.12.2010. Category:Kazakhstan
Civil society organizations from Europe, Central Asia, Caucasus and North America call on the OSCE participating States to reinforce the mechanisms to promote and monitor compliance with the OSCE commitments in the human dimension, on conflict prevention and resolution, and on forging new partnerships with civil society. Over 200 civil society organizations from across the OSCE space met in a Parallel Conference on 28 and 29 November in Astana. “The core of the OSCE’s comprehensive concept of security has always been the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law. We express our determination to contribute towards its full realization”, said Sonia Zilberman of CIVICUS, one of the conference organizers.More ...
The OSCE's dilemma
02.12.2010. Category:Kazakhstan
Despite the complaints of the Euro-Atlantic democracies about its poor record on democratic reforms and human rights, Kazakhstan was granted this year's chairmanship of the Organisation of Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). It was a historic decision, the first time a former Soviet republic had been given the chair of an international organisation.More ...
OSCE summit looks to the fringes of Europe
30.11.2010. Category:Kazakhstan
The Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the OSCE, is convening for its first summit for 11 years. It’s being held on the first two days in December in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.
All 56 OSCE members, from across the northern hemispere are to discuss ways of mutually improving security through fighting terrorism and organised crime, preventing conflicts and promoting democracy and human rights.More ...
All 56 OSCE members, from across the northern hemispere are to discuss ways of mutually improving security through fighting terrorism and organised crime, preventing conflicts and promoting democracy and human rights.More ...
OSCE: Kyrgyzstan's vibrant and pluralistic parliamentary elections constitute further consolidation of democracy
11.10.2010. Category:Kyrgyzstan
BISHKEK, 11 October 2010 - Marked by political pluralism and a vibrant campaign, yesterday's parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan constituted a further consolidation of the democratic process and brought the country closer to meeting its international commitments on democratic elections, international observers concluded in a preliminary statement issued today. They stressed, however, that there remains an urgent need for a profound reform of the electoral legislation. More ...
OSCE police mission for Kyrgyzstan stalls
03.09.2010. Category:Kyrgyzstan
An OSCE police advisory mission had been expected to be deployed in strife-torn southern Kyrgyzstan by the end of August. But given the Central Asian nation’s muddled political situation, it now looks like the deployment won’t happen until late October, if at all.
Some prominent Kyrgyz political figures -- led by Melis Myrzakmatov, the combative and independent-minded mayor of Osh -- have staunchly opposed the deployment of a foreign mission on Kyrgyz soil. Internal opposition has prompted provisional President Rosa Otunbayeva to backtrack on deployment plans. The issue has become so politicized that sources close to the OSCE police mission believe deployment is unlikely to proceed before parliamentary elections on October 10. [For background see EurasiaNet’s archive].
Ethnic violence southern Kyrgyzstan in June left at least 400 dead and 400,000 displaced. Two international-led investigations found fault with the response of Kyrgyz law enforcement officials, helping to prompt Otunbayeva to ask the OSCE to send a police-monitoring mission. On July 22, the OSCE Permanent Council agreed to send a 52-member, unarmed Police Advisory Group to train and assist Kyrgyz law enforcement officers. The initial deployment was to be for four months in and around Osh.More ...
Some prominent Kyrgyz political figures -- led by Melis Myrzakmatov, the combative and independent-minded mayor of Osh -- have staunchly opposed the deployment of a foreign mission on Kyrgyz soil. Internal opposition has prompted provisional President Rosa Otunbayeva to backtrack on deployment plans. The issue has become so politicized that sources close to the OSCE police mission believe deployment is unlikely to proceed before parliamentary elections on October 10. [For background see EurasiaNet’s archive].
Ethnic violence southern Kyrgyzstan in June left at least 400 dead and 400,000 displaced. Two international-led investigations found fault with the response of Kyrgyz law enforcement officials, helping to prompt Otunbayeva to ask the OSCE to send a police-monitoring mission. On July 22, the OSCE Permanent Council agreed to send a 52-member, unarmed Police Advisory Group to train and assist Kyrgyz law enforcement officers. The initial deployment was to be for four months in and around Osh.More ...
OSCE media freedom representative commends appointment of supervisory board for Kyrgyzstan's public service broadcaster, urges swift reform
31.08.2010. Category:Kyrgyzstan
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatovic, commended today the appointment of a supervisory board for Kyrgyzstan's public service broadcaster and called on the board to move rapidly to provide viewers with fair and impartial news coverage.More ...
A test for mutual security
17.06.2010. Category:Kyrgyzstan
Politically driven ethnic violence in Kyrgyzstan has already claimed more than 100 lives and threatens to erase the country’s progress toward self-government following the April ouster of President Kurmanbek Bakiyev.
It is an ominous sign that a society which had undertaken impressive reforms aimed at creating the region's first parliamentary democracy is now teetering on the brink of outright civil war and state failure.More ...
It is an ominous sign that a society which had undertaken impressive reforms aimed at creating the region's first parliamentary democracy is now teetering on the brink of outright civil war and state failure.More ...
Kazakhstan's foreign minister on his country's unlikely new role as Europe's democracy watchdog.
17.03.2010. Category:Kazakhstan
In a landmark for Central Asia, Kazakhstan this year has taken over the rotating chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) -- a key intergovernmental organization that monitors everything from security cooperation to political and human rights in 56 member states across Europe. It is the first former Soviet state, the first Muslim country, and the first country east of Austria to assume the chairmanship. But Kazakhstan is hardly a paragon of European democracy. Its authoritarian government, headed by longtime President Nursultan Nazarbayev, doesn't allow political parties to compete freely, is routinely accused of violating human rights, and is officially classified as "Not Free" by the U.S. NGO Freedom House. So how, ask critics, can Kazakhstan possibly be charged with upholding democratic standards in other countries?
JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty ImagesMore ...
JOHN MACDOUGALL/AFP/Getty ImagesMore ...
Despite certain positive steps, Tajikistan's parliamentary elections failed to meet many key OSCE commitments
01.03.2010. Category:Tajikistan
DUSHANBE, 1 March 2010 - Yesterday's parliamentary elections took place peacefully, but despite certain small positive steps failed to meet many key OSCE commitments, the international election observation mission concluded in a preliminary statement issued today.More ...
Interim Report No. 2 of the Election Monitoring Tajikistan
24.02.2010. Category:Tajikistan
INTERIM REPORT No. 2, 29 January – 13 February 2010, ODIHR
22 February 2010
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
• The process of candidate registration, which was inclusive overall, concluded on 8 February. Seventy-three candidates were registered from eight party lists to compete in the single nationwide constituency and 153 candidates were registered to compete in 41 single-mandate constituencies. Six political parties as well as 70 self-nominated candidates are represented in the single-mandate constituency contests.More ...
22 February 2010
I. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
• The process of candidate registration, which was inclusive overall, concluded on 8 February. Seventy-three candidates were registered from eight party lists to compete in the single nationwide constituency and 153 candidates were registered to compete in 41 single-mandate constituencies. Six political parties as well as 70 self-nominated candidates are represented in the single-mandate constituency contests.More ...
Richard Holbrooke: US has no plans to deploy military base in Uzbekistan
24.02.2010. Category:Uzbekistan
The government of the United States has no plans to open a military base in Uzbekistan, Richard Holbrooke, a U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan and Pakistan said on Sunday in Astana. Mr. Holbrooke is taking a tour around Central Asian republics. Before coming to Kazakhstan he already visited Afghanistan, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan while after meetings in Astana he will give a visit to Caucasus and, specifically, Georgia.
© Carson.Wiens
More ...Kazakhstan's role to be positive, but not decisive in talks over Nagorno-Karabakh conflict
16.02.2010. Category:Kazakhstan
The role of Kazakhstan as the OSCE Chairman-in-Office in 2010 will be positive, but not decisive in talks over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, experts say.More ...
US Congress Hearing "Kazakhstan's Leadership of the OSCE": Video
09.02.2010. Category:Kazakhstan
The video of the CSCE Hearing on „Kazakhstan’s Leadership of the OSCE“ is now online:
More ...
More ...
OSCE media freedom representative criticizes 'misuse' of libel laws to muzzle the press in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Hungary
08.02.2010. Category:Kazakhstan | Tajikistan
Miklos Haraszti, the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, condemned today as "dangerous attempts at censorship" lawsuits initiated by high-ranking government officials in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Hungary against domestic media outlets for reporting on critical statements made by other public figures.More ...
Interview with CSCE Co-Chair A. Hastings on Kazakhstan
05.02.2010. Category:Kazakhstan
Co-Chairman Hastings Interview with Erica Marat of Voice of America
Question:Good morning, Congressman Hastings. It is our pleasure to have you here at VOA. My question is: you supported Kazakhstan’s bid to chair the OSCE back in 2007. Please tell us the main reason for your support.
Co-Chairman Hastings:That’s a very good question and, I had been involved at that time in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe for almost 12 years and including at some point a few years back becoming the president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE. I worked with the Central Asian countries pretty much six or seven years after they gained their independence in the early ‘90s until today.More ...
Question:Good morning, Congressman Hastings. It is our pleasure to have you here at VOA. My question is: you supported Kazakhstan’s bid to chair the OSCE back in 2007. Please tell us the main reason for your support.
Co-Chairman Hastings:That’s a very good question and, I had been involved at that time in the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe for almost 12 years and including at some point a few years back becoming the president of the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE. I worked with the Central Asian countries pretty much six or seven years after they gained their independence in the early ‘90s until today.More ...
Kazakhstan's foreign minister on his country's unlikely new role as Europe's democracy watchdog.
05.02.2010. Category:Kazakhstan
In a landmark for Central Asia, Kazakhstan this year has taken over the rotating chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) -- a key intergovernmental organization that monitors everything from security cooperation to political and human rights in 56 member states across Europe.More ...
OSCE Chairperson meets U.S. Secretary of State Clinton
05.02.2010. Category:Kazakhstan
The U.S. role in the OSCE is key to the renewed security dialogue launched in the Organization, said the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Kazakhstan's Secretary of State and Foreign Minister, Kanat Saudabayev, today after talks with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.More ...
Not a fair deal - Turkmenistan's relations with the West
04.02.2010. Category:Turkmenistan
When Turkmenistan began opening up to the outside world following the death of President Saparmurat Niazov three years ago, the theory was that increased economic engagement by Western states would encourage a more general relaxation of policy in such areas as human rights and political liberties.
Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov with Hillary Clinton: Photo by US State Department.More ...
Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov with Hillary Clinton: Photo by US State Department.More ...
OSCE Chairmanship discusses prospects of Transdniestrian settlement process
03.02.2010. Category:Kazakhstan
The Special Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office for protracted conflicts, Ambassador Bolat Nurgaliyev, concluded a three-day visit to Moldova today.More ...
OSCE welcomes Kazakhstan as chair, but raises its record on rights
03.02.2010. Category:Kazakhstan
The U.S. arm of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) has welcomed Kazakhstan as the new chair of the organization but cautioned the former Soviet republic that it must improve its own rights record if it wants to be effective in its new role.
OSCE Chairman n Office Kanat Saudabaev says his government will deepen the OSCE's humanitarian engagement in Afghanistan
February 02, 2010More ...
OSCE Chairman n Office Kanat Saudabaev says his government will deepen the OSCE's humanitarian engagement in Afghanistan
February 02, 2010More ...
CSCE calls for Kazakhstan to lead OSCE by example
03.02.2010. Category:Kazakhstan
Leaders of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe today welcomed Kazakhstan’s leadership in organizing their Chairmanship of one of the world’s leading rights organizations, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, but Commissioners called on the newly-installed Chair-in-Office to lead the OSCE by example and improve its domestic human rights record.More ...
Overcoming the current crisis of confidence is crucial to tackling new threats to security, OSCE Chairperson tells U.S. Helsinki Commission
02.02.2010. Category:Kazakhstan
It is crucial to overcome the current crisis of confidence between states to tackle new challenges and threats to security, the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Kazakhstan's Secretary of State and Foreign Minister, Kanat Saudabayev, said today to the U.S. Helsinki Commission.More ...
Kazakh official warns against quitting Afghanistan
01.02.2010. Category:Kazakhstan
When Kazakhstan's foreign minister, Kanat Saudabayev, begins a five-day U.S. visit in Washington on Monday, one of the main topics of discussion is likely to be a proposal to hold a summit meeting of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.More ...
Kazakhstan to intensify OSCE engagement to support security and stability in Afghanistan
01.02.2010. Category:Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan will play an active role in furthering OSCE initiatives to strengthen Afghanistan's borders, develop co-operation and enhance law enforcement activities, said the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Kazakh Secretary of State and Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev, at the international London Conference on Afghanistan today.More ...
Kazakhstan only part of the solution for Nabucco
18.01.2010. Category:Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is not ready to supply gas to Nabucco at this stage, but Astana is willing to consider supporting the gas pipeline to Austria as the former Soviet Republic develops its gas resources, and if the project makes sense economically, top Kazakh officials told New Europe in Vienna on 13 January.More ...
Former OSCE chair says time ripe for 'serious look' at reform
15.01.2010. Category:Kazakhstan
The 56-member Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe is facing hard times as observers increasingly question its relevance and effectiveness. At a Permanent Council session in Vienna on January 14, the new Kazakh chairmanship of the OSCE will lay out its plan for the coming year -- an agenda that former OSCE Chairman in Office and Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb describes as "an extensive and ambitious working program."
Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb speaks at an OSCE council in Helsinki.
Stubb, who chaired the organization in 2008, spoke to RFE/RL correspondent Robert Coalson about the challenges the OSCE will face in 2010.More ...
Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb speaks at an OSCE council in Helsinki.
Stubb, who chaired the organization in 2008, spoke to RFE/RL correspondent Robert Coalson about the challenges the OSCE will face in 2010.More ...
OSCE role highlights slow Kazakhstan reforms
15.01.2010. Category:Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is fulfilling one of its most cherished foreign policy goals in taking up the chair of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, the human rights watchdog.More ...
Kazakhstan assumes presidency of Europe security group
15.01.2010. Category:Kazakhstan
History is in the making in this Central Asian republic, the largest and the most developed of the former Soviet republics east of the Urals, as Kazakhstan assumed the chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe on Thursday.More ...
Kazakhs announce plans for OSCE
14.01.2010. Category:Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan says it will put the main emphasis on security and development, rather than democracy, during its chairmanship of the OSCE.
Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev said the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe had for years been too fixated on Western values.More ...
Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev said the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe had for years been too fixated on Western values.More ...
Summit needed for stagnant OSCE
14.01.2010. Category:Kazakhstan
On Jan. 1, Kazakhstan became the first former Soviet republic to take over chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.
Kazakhstan views the OSCE, with its unique geographical coverage, tools and experience, as one of the vital mechanisms for ensuring international security and cooperation from Vancouver to Vladivostok. Yet perceptions of "dividing lines" and "zero-sum-game" thinking have not gone away with the end of the Cold War and continue to limit efforts to build indivisible security in the OSCE area.More ...
Kazakhstan views the OSCE, with its unique geographical coverage, tools and experience, as one of the vital mechanisms for ensuring international security and cooperation from Vancouver to Vladivostok. Yet perceptions of "dividing lines" and "zero-sum-game" thinking have not gone away with the end of the Cold War and continue to limit efforts to build indivisible security in the OSCE area.More ...
US Response to Kazakhstani Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev
14.01.2010. Category:Kazakhstan
The United States is pleased to welcome Foreign Minister Saudabayev to the Permanent Council as the OSCE’s 2010 Chairman-in-Office. We are also pleased that President Nazarbayev took the opportunity to address us this morning. Both of these statements underscore Kazakhstan’s commitment to the OSCE and to a strong and successful Chairmanship.More ...
Educating Afghans not an OSCE pipe dream
01.12.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
Fresh from Kabul, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev vowed to strengthen the humanitarian dimension of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe’s strategy for Afghanistan when his country assumes the OSCE's chairmanship in January 2010. The situation in Afghanistan now appears to be definitely worse than it was a couple years ago.More ...
U.S. OSCE official says dialogue best way to spread democracy
07.10.2009. Category:Central Asia
Michael Haltzel, a professor at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, heads the U.S. delegation at the OSCE's "Human Dimension" workshop taking place in Warsaw on September 28-29. In an interview with RFE/RL correspondent Ahto Lobjakas, he says engagement remains the best way to tackle difficult regimes. He also says he hopes to see gradual progress in those post-Soviet nations where human rights abuses remain regular and democratic standards have yet to take root. More ...
Uzbek human rights “progress” claim
16.09.2009. Category:Uzbekistan
Human rights activists in Uzbekistan say they disagree strongly with claims by the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe, OSCE, that the human rights situation is improving in the country.More ...
The Situation at the OSCE regarding Kazakhstan is not very calm (in Russian)
26.08.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
Михаэль Лаубш: Ситуация для Казахстана в ОБСЕ какая угодно, но не спокойная
Дворец Хофбург в Вене, где расположена штаб-квартира ОБСЕ
Новые требования Казахстана в адрес ОБСЕ вызвали волну критики среди других членов организации. С другой стороны, неожиданный союзник проявился у нее в Вене в "деле Алиева".More ...
Дворец Хофбург в Вене, где расположена штаб-квартира ОБСЕ
Новые требования Казахстана в адрес ОБСЕ вызвали волну критики среди других членов организации. С другой стороны, неожиданный союзник проявился у нее в Вене в "деле Алиева".More ...
Meet Human Rights standards
04.06.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
(Almaty) - The Kazakh government has seven months to improve its human rights record to meet the standards of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) before it takes over the institution's chairmanship, Human Rights Watch said today.More ...
Nazarbayev signals Kazakhstan's OSCE priorities
26.05.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
On May 21 Kazakhstan's President Nursultan Nazarbayev characterized the country's forthcoming chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) as a vital part of its interest in pursuing integration with Europe. Having entered the OSCE troika this year (alongside Finland and Greece), preparations are now well advanced for chairing the organization.More ...
Итоги исследования: Казахстану на посту председателя ОБСЕ уготована роль посредника
18.05.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
Немецкая неправительственная организация ЕТГ провела исследование, посвященное ожиданиям западных политиков и экспертов от председательствования Казахстана в ОБСЕ в 2010 году.More ...
Mixed signals out of Kazakhstan as the Central Asian country prepares for its OSCE chairmanship
16.02.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
It looks as though the pressure on Kazakhstan to pay heed to human rights just might be starting to pay off.More ...
Kazakhstan's media law amendments valuable first step, further reform needed, says OSCE media freedom representative
29.01.2009. Category:Kazakhstan
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Miklos Haraszti, welcomed today the adoption of a number of amendments to Kazakhstan's media law, and underscored the need for further democratization of media governance. More ...
Authorities intimidate journalist
07.01.2009. Category:Turkmenistan
A correspondent for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty working in Turkmenistan has been warned that he will face retribution, if he continues reporting for the broadcaster’s Turkmen service.More ...