ASTANA, 21 March 2016 – The 20 March early parliamentary elections were efficiently organized, with some progress noted, but they indicated that Kazakhstan still has a considerable way to go in meeting its OSCE commitments for democratic elections, the international observers concluded in a preliminary statement released today. The legal framework restricts fundamental civil and political rights, and comprehensive reform is required. In a

COPENHAGEN, 20 March 2016 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Ilkka Kanerva (MP, Finland) today issued the following statement on the 19 March terrorist attack in Istanbul: "The blight of terrorism has again reared its ugly face in Turkey, claiming lives and injuring innocent civilians, both nationals and foreigners. On behalf of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, I deplore this unjustifiable act and reaffirm our solidarity with Turkey in the

COPENHAGEN, 17 March 2016 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Ilkka Kanerva (MP, Finland) and the Chairperson of the OSCE PA Committee on Democracy, Human Rights and Humanitarian Questions, Isabel Santos (MP, Portugal), today welcomed the release of 148 individuals serving jail terms in Azerbaijan following a pardon decree issued by President Ilham Aliyev. The group includes human rights defenders, activists, journalists and members of

WASHINGTON, 16 March 2016 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Secretary General Roberto Montella met with high-ranking members of the U.S. Delegation to the PA in Washington this week for discussions on the Assembly’s current and future work and a range of pressing OSCE issues. The Secretary General met with the Head of the U.S. Delegation and PA Special Representative on Human Trafficking Issues, Christopher Smith; Deputy Head of Delegation and

COPENHAGEN, 14 March 2016 – OSCE Parliamentary Assembly President Ilkka Kanerva (MP, Finland) issued the following statement on the 13 March terrorist attack in Ankara: "The international community once again has the sad necessity of condemning a major terror attack in Turkey. On behalf of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, I deplore this heinous and unjustifiable act and reaffirm our solidarity with Turkey in the fight against terrorism. I

COPENHAGEN, 9 March 2016 – OSCE parliamentarians will observe the upcoming early parliamentary elections in Kazakhstan and provide leadership for the OSCE’s short-term observer mission. OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Frank-Walter Steinmeier has designated Marietta Tidei (MP, Italy) as Special Co-ordinator to lead the short-term OSCE observer mission for the 20 March vote. Geir Joergen Bekkevold (MP, Norway) will serve as Head of the OSCE