The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the situation in Kyrgyzstan and the Central Asian Republics.

The text adopted in plenary had been tabled as a joint resolution by the EPP-ED, PES, ALDE, Greens/EFA, GUE/NGL and UEN groups.

Against the background of disputed elections in some Central Asian Republics (with the reports of the international observers stating clearly that they did not meet international standards) and the massive protests that took place after the two general elections rounds of 27 February and 13 March 2005, Parliament recalls that it intends to firmly support the current democratic transition in Kyrgyzstan, the effective exercise of freedoms.

It 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. Parliament also 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. It 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.

The Commission is urged 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; 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; strengthen TACIS Democracy programmes in Central Asia with the aim of strengthening civil society and supporting an open and transparent institution-building process; include the Central Asian Republics in the priorities of the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights.

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the situation in Kyrgyzstan and the Central Asian Republics.

The text adopted in plenary had been tabled as a joint resolution by the EPP-ED, PES, ALDE, Greens/EFA, GUE/NGL and UEN groups.

Against the background of disputed elections in some Central Asian Republics (with the reports of the international observers stating clearly that they did not meet international standards) and the massive protests that took place after the two general elections rounds of 27 February and 13 March 2005, Parliament recalls that it intends to firmly support the current democratic transition in Kyrgyzstan, the effective exercise of freedoms.

It 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. Parliament also 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. It 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.

The Commission is urged 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; 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; strengthen TACIS Democracy programmes in Central Asia with the aim of strengthening civil society and supporting an open and transparent institution-building process; include the Central Asian Republics in the priorities of the European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights.