OSCE/ODIHR welcomes dialogue on election law in Kazakhstan

WARSAW, 30 January 2001 - The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) welcomed the outcome of last week's round table on election issues held in Astana. "The on-going dialogue between the government and the opposition on improving Kazakhstan's election legislation is constructive", said OSCE/ODIHR Director Ambassador Gérard Stoudmann. "We urge that all participants in the round table remain fully committed to this process, redouble their efforts during the months leading to the next round table, and expand the scope of already agreed changes to the election law."

Last week's round table was the second in a series of meetings organized under the auspices of the OSCE (OSCE/ODIHR, OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, OSCE Centre in Almaty) to improve Kazakhstan's election legislation. Government and parliamentary representatives, election officials, non-governmental organizations and various political parties, including those not represented in the parliament, participated in the meeting.

For further information contact Jens-Hagen Eschenbächer, OSCE/ODIHR Public Affairs Officer at +48-22-520 06 00.