BISHKEK, Kyrgyz republic –

Ambassador Petko Draganov, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General and Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia (UNRCCA), visited Kyrgyzstan on 19-21 August.

He held meetings with Toraga (Speaker) of the Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament) Asylbek Jeenbekov, Deputy Prime Minister Abdyrakhman Mamataliev and Minister of Foreign Affairs Erlan Abdyldaev. The SRSG also met with Heads of bilateral donor organizations as well as representatives of the Diplomatic Corps.

The first visit of the SRSG to Kyrgyzstan was a follow up to the visit of the UN Secretary General in June 2015. In his talks with the national partners the SRSG reiterated the significance of the upcoming electoral cycle for the democratic development in Kyrgyzstan and the region. The SRSG confirmed that the UN remains committed to its continued support for the conduct of free, transparent and democratic elections.

At meetings with the national partners the SRSG exchanged views on the regional dynamics and current challenges faced by the Kyrgyz Republic and the other Central Asian states such as international terrorism and religious extremism, illicit drug trafficking and other forms of organized crime. Possible concerted actions and collaboration to meet these challenges were discussed. Specific ways to apply preventive diplomacy mechanisms in support of peace and stability, and create an enabling environment for sustainable development were also reviewed. Cooperative management of natural resources will strengthen joint efforts to achieve such an environment in Central Asia.

The respect for human rights and inter-ethnic harmony are cornerstones of lasting peace, so early and effective actions to prevent violations of human rights in the spirit of the UN Human Rights Up Front initiative are welcome.

The SRSG also touched upon the issue of remaining tensions along the border areas within the region. He expressed the Centre’s readiness to support the Governments in finding long lasting solutions. The UN stands ready to offer technical and expert assistance. The SRSG welcomed the establishment of the Kyrgyz-Tajik mechanism on investigation and settlement of border disputes as well as the plan of cross border activities related to the fight against illicit drugs, signed between Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in Osh on 13 August 2015. SRSG Draganov reiterated that the UN Peacebuilding Fund will support a pilot initiative aimed at strengthening cooperation and building trust among communities along the Kyrgyz-Tajik border in order to mitigate risks of violent incidents.