BISHKEK, 5 October 2018 – Enhancing security dialogue in Central Asia, countering new challenges and threats in border areas, promoting Mediterranean co-operation and strengthening citizens’ engagement in building secure societies have been among the topics of debate at the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s 17th Autumn Meeting in Bishkek this week.
George Tsereteli delivers closing remarks at the Autumn Meeting in Bishkek 5 October 2018Some 300 delegates including 160 parliamentarians from OSCE participating States and Partners for Co-operation have participated in the meeting, hosted by the Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament) of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Speakers at the event included President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sooronbay Jeenbekov, Speaker of the Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament) of the Kyrgyz Republic Dastanbek Dzhumabekov, Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Erlan Abdyldaev, representatives of OSCE field operations in Central Asia, and a representative of the Chairmanship of the OSCE Contact Group with the Mediterranean Partners for Co-operation.
In his closing remarks today, OSCE PA President George Tsereteli (Georgia) highlighted the main themes and outcomes of the debates in Bishkek.
“We have analyzed how confidence-building and regional co-operation can help us counter new challenges and threats in border areas, such as trafficking in human beings along migration routes, tackling the trafficking of illicit drugs, or preventing the spread of terrorism,” he said. “We have discussed how the Mediterranean and Central Asia can learn from each other to address migration, trade, and environmental challenges.”
He also pointed out the importance of engaging citizens to provide a comprehensive answer to all these challenges. “As we return to our national parliaments, we must turn these ideas into concrete plans,” he said. “We must carry on holding our governments accountable and pushing them to live up to their commitments.”
Introducing the first session of the Parliamentary Conference, dealing with promoting regional co-operation, OSCE PA Vice-President Kari Henriksen (Norway) noted that responding to common transnational threats such as terrorism, organized crime, drug trafficking, illegal migration, trafficking in human beings, and cyber threats have had the effect of strengthening ties between the Central Asian countries.
“This increased co-operation has materialized in the form of a number of bilateral agreements on confidence-building measures at borders with a view to boosting regional security and stability,” she said. “The OSCE is particularly well positioned to address the challenges and threats associated with border areas and to strengthen regional co-operation thanks to its comprehensive security concept.”
Members of Kyrgyzstan’s Delegation underscored these points, noting that cross-border co-operation is key to many different issues and that building regional co-operation will help build security for the whole OSCE area. Enhancing trust and confidence and promoting regional economic development will also provide a basis to counter extremists, they said, noting that the OSCE PA is a key forum to build confidence and co-operation in the OSCE area.
In his opening remarks to the Mediterranean Forum Thursday, OSCE PA Special Representative on Mediterranean Affairs Pascal Allizard (France) discussed priority issues for the region, including combating human smugglers and traffickers, the fight against radicalization and violent extremism, and migration management. He drew attention to the exploitation of migrant workers and noted that much work remains to be done in responding to the crisis of migrants and refugees.
“As we can see, the migration crisis in Europe is not yet over,” he said, “and we cannot say with certainty whether the ‘worst’ has passed or is yet to come. What I do know, however, is that it is not an ordinary crisis, one that we can expect to settle with half measures.”
He stressed that an effective response to the crisis must include efforts to address these conditions, while ensuring that the reception of refugees and asylum seekers be done under the best conditions.
Other topics discussed by delegates at the Mediterranean Forum, held under the theme of “Geopolitics of Central Asia and the Mediterranean: Addressing Migration, Trade and Environmental Challenges,” included counter-terrorism, climate change, promoting stability in Syria, Libya and Iraq in order to reduce human suffering and stem the flow of refugees, as well as the importance of promoting a just resolution of the Israel-Palestine conflict.
Chairing today’s session devoted to promoting citizens’ engagement in building secure societies, Hedy Fry (Canada) noted that as the OSCE PA’s Special Representative on Gender Issues, she is acutely aware of the gap in representation of women in public life. Similar challenges exist for minority populations, she said, including the Roma populations in many European countries. She urged full participation for all segments of society.
“When you have everyone in a country all able to move towards the same goals in the same fashion, you have a secure nation,” Fry said. “When you exclude minorities from equal participation and access they will rise up and you will have insecurity. Society must be based on the core principle of citizen participation.” Her remarks also focused on increasing young people’s participation in political life, noting that 18-24 year-olds are the least likely to vote in Canada.
Discussion in the session touched on issues such as free communication and movement, fighting corruption, the work of the OSCE Academy in Bishkek, combating violence and discrimination against women, increasing youth and minority participation in public life, and promoting open government initiatives.
Also today, the OSCE PA’s Standing Committee met and heard reports from President Tsereteli, Secretary General Roberto Montella, Chair of the Sub-Committee on the Rules of Procedure and Working Practices Peter Bowness, Treasurer Doris Barnett, and Special Representatives. Members also discussed ongoing and upcoming activities including election observation missions and future meetings of the Assembly.
Photos from the meeting are on Flickr.
