OSCE: Kyrgyzstan, Moldova & Ukraine

* Kyrgyzstan presidential candidates sign OSCE-supported election code of conduct

BISHKEK, 26 September 2011 – Eight presidential candidates in Kyrgyzstan today signed a Code of Conduct for Elections that was developed with the support of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

The Code of Conduct outlines principles for candidates’ behaviour during the campaign ahead of the 30 October presidential election. The Code was elaborated with assistance from the OSCE Centre in Bishkek in co-operation with the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, the International Republican Institute and the OSCE-supported non-governmental organization the Parliament of Political Parties.

The Code calls for candidates to commit themselves to conducting campaigns in “a climate of democratic tolerance in which political activity can take place in compliance with the laws, with respect for the opponents’ supporters and candidates”.

It outlines a number of prohibited activities, including bribing or threatening voters as a means of gaining their support; distributing weapons, alcohol and drugs at political meetings; as well as using language which potentially incites social, religious, racial and ethnic hatred.

“The forthcoming presidential election is crucial for the stable future of Kyrgyzstan. The code of conduct signed by the presidential candidates today will contribute to a fair and transparent election and will allow the people of Kyrgyzstan to vote freely in accordance with their preferences and beliefs,” said Lilian Darii, the Deputy Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek.

Emilbek Kaptagaev, the Chief of the Presidential Administration said: “The signing of the Code of Conduct is symbolically important. We have a chance to form efficient state governance and to establish a tradition for the legitimate transfer of presidential power. The candidates, signing the Code, demonstrate that they recognize their responsibility before the people and the country.”

Roza Aknazarova, the Chair of the Parliament of Political Parties NGO, said: “The Code of Conduct will promote a free and transparent presidential election in compliance with democratic principles and international standards. It will be a stabilizing factor, and its implementation will be closely monitored by civil society and widely covered by media.”

Other candidates continue to have the opportunity to sign up to the Code of Conduct.

For PDF attachments or links to sources of further information, please visit: http://www.osce.org/bishkek/82820

* OSCE holds expert meeting in Moldova on preventing and countering terrorist financing

CHISINAU, 27 September 2011 – Investigating and prosecuting the financing of terrorism is the focus of a three-day OSCE-organized meeting that opened today in Chisinau.

Experts from the judiciary, prosecution offices and law enforcement agencies of more than 20 countries, and government representatives from the South East Europe, Central and Eastern Europe and Southern Caucasus regions, will share experiences and best practices in investigating these crimes. They will also discuss how the implementation of the 1999 International Convention for the Suppression of the Financing of Terrorism and other international obligations and standards can promote inter-state co-operation.

The meeting is jointly organized by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Terrorism Prevention Branch (TPB) and the OSCE Action Against Terrorism Unit (ATU).

“We will only be able to counter terrorism if we successfully cut terrorists financial resources, and tackle the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism,” said Manuel Marion, the Senior Programme Officer at the OSCE ATU.

’’The success of the international legal instruments depends largely on the commitment of national institutions. Such commitment is vital to fighting the financing of terrorism, organized crime and money laundering as they raise very complex issues that need an integrated approach,” said Fernanda Lombardi, Terrorism Prevention Specialist at TPB/UNODC. “If we are to protect our societies and keep intact our common values, including the full respect of human rights and the rule of law, we must master these challenges.’’

This event is part of UNODC and OSCE efforts to assist participating States in putting international legal instruments into practice and to facilitate co-operation in criminal matters related to terrorism.

For PDF attachments or links to sources of further information, please visit: http://www.osce.org/atu/82829

* OSCE media freedom representative calls on Ukrainian government to allow independent Kharkiv broadcaster back on air

VIENNA, 22 September 2011 – The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatović, today urged the Ukrainian Government to help restore media pluralism in Kharkiv by allowing ATN news broadcaster back on air.

In her letter to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Kostyantyn Gryshchenko, Mijatović said that various administrative measures had been taken to prevent ATN from securing its future broadcasting possibilities.

“Especially worrying is that Fora and ATVK, the channels that used to transmit ATN’s news, are switched off although they have valid broadcasting licenses,” said Mijatović .

Since 14 September, Fora and ATVK channels on which ATN, the only source of TV news independent from the Kharkiv authorities, have been off air. Previously, ATN was deprived of its access to Channel 7, the third broadcaster which used to transmit its news programmes.

“I am glad that the President of Ukraine asked the Cabinet and the General Prosecutor’s office to look into the ATN case and hope that they will take resolute measures in order to allow it back on air,” Mijatović said.

For PDF attachments or links to sources of further information, please visit: http://www.osce.org/fom/82771