News

Lithuania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is deeply concerned about the tense situation in Kyrgyzstan. Reports about outbreaks of violence and victims are particularly alarming. Peace in this region is important to Lithuania. Therefore, as a member of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) Troika and future Chair of the organization in 2011, Lithuania is constantly in touch with the current Kazakhstan’s OSCE Chairmanship, the Office of the Secretary General of the OSCE and the OSCE mission in Bishkek, and is actively aspiring for an effective assistance of international organizations in solving the conflict.

With the aim to return parties in political conflict onto the path of dialogue as soon as possible, Lithuania joined the invitation of EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton for all parties in conflict to refrain from the use of force, to stay loyal to democracy and to respect the laws of Kyrgyzstan. Lithuania also agrees that arrests of opposition leaders, suppression of the public expression and media cause particular concern.

Lithuania jointly with Greece and Sweden suggests to convene a special meeting of the OSCE Permanent Council and to discuss the situation in Kyrgyzstan already this week. Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan’s OSCE Chairmanship Kanat Saudabayev has already stated that the organization was ready to promote a political dialogue when solving the crisis in Kyrgyzstan.