P6_TA(2005)0179

Situation in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia

European Parliament resolution on the situation in Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its previous resolutions on Kyrgyzstan and the Central Asian Republics,

- having regard to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreements with Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, which have already entered into force,

- having regard to the Partnership and Cooperation Agreements with Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, which have been signed but not yet ratified,

- having regard to the Commission's Strategy Paper on Central Asia 2002-2006,

- having regard to its resolution of 28 April 2005 on the Annual Report on Human Rights in the World 2004 and the EU's policy on the matter [1],

- having regard to the statement of 4 March 2005 by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union concerning the parliamentary elections in Kyrgyzstan,

- having regard to the statements of 21 and 25 March 2005 by Mr Javier Solana, High Representative of the European Union for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, on the situation in Kyrgyzstan,

- having regard to the Declaration of 30 March 2005 by the Presidency on behalf of the European Union concerning the situation in Kyrgyzstan,

- having regard to the statements by the OSCE on the situation in Kyrgyzstan,

- having regard to Rule 103(4) of its Rules of Procedure,

A. whereas disputed elections have recently taken place in some Central Asian Republics, with the reports of the international observers stating clearly that they did not meet international standards,

B. whereas the massive protests that took place in Kyrgyzstan after the two general election rounds of 27 February and 13 March 2005 brought down President Askar Akayev, who signed a letter of resignation on 4 April 2005 after fleeing to Moscow,

C. whereas on 11 April 2005 the newly elected Parliament of Kyrgyzstan, which had been confirmed by the Central Electoral Commission, voted to accept Akayev's resignation,

D. having regard to the decision to hold presidential elections on 10 July 2005,

E. deeply preoccupied by the fragile security situation in spite of the relatively peaceful nature of the demonstrations in March 2005, which were primarily caused by an extremely unfavourable economic and social situation,

F. whereas the electoral process in Kyrgyzstan is a test case that, if successful, could pave the way for the necessary democratic changes and institutional and economic reforms in all the other countries of Central Asia,

G. welcoming the efforts which have been made by the OSCE in mediating between the political factions and in connection with the parliamentary elections in February and March 2005 and the presentation by the OSCE of a plan of action for the country's stability and security during the election campaign and beyond it,

H. whereas most of the Central Asian countries suffer human rights violations, particularly because of the lack of an appropriate judicial system and the restrictions imposed on the opposition parties, independent civil society civic bodies and freedom of the media,

I. deeply concerned by the reactions of the governments of the other Central Asian Republics to the revolution in Kyrgyzstan, which have taken the form of attempts to tighten up laws in order to prevent similar events in their countries,

J. whereas the Central Asian republics are considered key allies in the fight against international terrorism and religious fundamentalism, and play a crucial role in the energy field,

1. Intends firmly to support the current democratic transition in Kyrgyzstan, the effective exercise of freedoms — especially fundamental rights, freedom of expression, freedom to oppose the regime and press freedom — and genuine, transparent elections;

2. Praises the efforts made by civil society in Kyrgyzstan in response to years of oppression and the need for genuine change; believes that similar expectations are also present in the civil societies of other countries in the region;

3. Believes that a proper democratic process in Kyrgyzstan could provide an excellent example for the other Central Asian countries;

4. Calls on the Council and the Commission to cooperate with and, where necessary, assist and support the OSCE and the newly appointed authorities of Kyrgyzstan in the difficult task of preparing for and laying down the basic conditions to ensure that the forthcoming presidential election are free and fair;

5. Calls on the Kyrgyz Interim Government to steer a democratic course by embarking on a policy of dialogue and national reconciliation, and to maintain public order;

6. Calls on the authorities of Kyrgyzstan to make every effort to start a real process of democratisation of the country based on a genuine multi-party system and respect for human rights and the rule of law; welcomes, in this connection, the initiation of an inclusive process of constitutional reform aimed at ensuring that the previous system of power is fundamentally changed;

7. Draws the attention of the Kyrgyz authorities to the need to maintain good relations among the country's national minorities;

8. Urges the Commission to find ways to upgrade the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement with Kyrgyzstan and adjust it to the new situation, defining democratic and economic benchmarks such as should lead to enhanced relations;

9. Calls on the Council and the Commission to define and adopt a Common Strategy for the Central Asian Republics in order to establish a comprehensive and coherent short- and medium-term approach for the whole region;

10. Urges the Commission to strengthen TACIS Democracy programmes in Central Asia with the aim of strengthening civil society and supporting an open and transparent institution-building process;

11. Calls on the Commission to include the Central Asian Republics in the priorities of the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights, and to pay particular attention to the release of political prisoners and independence of the media;

12. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council and the Commission, the President, Government and Parliament of Kyrgyzstan, and the OSCE.

[1] Texts Adopted, P6_TA(2005)0150.

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