COPENHAGEN, 8 April 2010 – The President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, Joao Soares, today expressed his deep concern for those killed and injured in clashes in recent days in Kyrgyzstan and urged all parties to exercise restraint and to seek a peaceful solution.

“It is absolutely unacceptable that political leaders, including former Members of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, have been subject to imprisonment or violence,” Mr. Soares said. “The Kyrgyz authorities and people must now again demonstrate their respect for democratic values and the rule of law.”

President Soares supports the statement of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Kazakh Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev, and echoes the call for all parties to engage in a process of constructive dialogue.

“It is particularly in times of crisis that we must be vigilant in adhering to our human rights commitments. A peaceful resolution and broad-based political dialogue is the only way forward for Kyrgyzstan,” said Joao Soares, adding that the Parliamentary Assembly stands ready to support OSCE efforts aimed at facilitating dialogue.