We welcome Mr. Wieclaw and thank him for his detailed presentation on activities at our Bishkek Center.

His analysis of the security and economic situation in Kyrgyzstan corresponds closely with our own. In particular, we share the view that the political leadership maintains a laudable commitment to reform, despite daunting challenges.

We support the Center’s efforts to work with international organizations and include NGOs in ongoing human rights and economic dimension activities.

The October 17 local elections will provide a valuable test for the new election code, particularly in anticipation of parliamentary elections scheduled for February 2000 and presidential elections scheduled for December 2000. We fully support the Center’s assistance of ODIHR training of domestic observers.

We are also quite interested in the Center’s activities on amending the "Propiska" system. Such reforms would dovetail nicely with the recent presidential decree on "liberalization of the visa regime for foreign citizens and for Kyrgyz citizens traveling abroad." The provisions concerning Krygyz citizens took effect on October 1, and the degree to which they have been implemented could give an indication as to how easily such Soviet-era restrictions could be eased in Kyrgyzstan.

We find particularly topical the proposal for additional international experts in Osh City. The developments in the Fergana Valley have implications not only for regional security, but also in terms of the disruptions to local society in southwestern Kyrgyzstan.