06 February 2003
Transcript: U.S. Urges Independent Analysis of New Kyrgyz Constitution
(Feb. 6, Vienna: Davidson statement to OSCE Permanent Council) (470)
The United States is disappointed that the Kyrgyz Republic proceeded
with a constitutional referendum February 2 despite objections that
the early date precluded sufficient public debate on proposed changes.
In remarks to the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna February 6, U.S.
diplomat Douglas A. Davidson urged Kyrgyz authorities to invite
outside experts to analyze the new constitution to determine if it
meets international standards. He also expressed concern about reports
of voting irregularities that might "undermine public confidence in
the constitution and call into question the mandate that the
government now claims."
Following is Davidson's statement:
(begin transcript)
United States Mission to the OSCE
Vienna
February 6, 2003
STATEMENT ON KYRGYZ CONSTITUTIONAL REFERENDUM
Delivered by Chargé d'Affaires Douglas A. Davidson to the Permanent
Council
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
The United States too is grateful to the Ambassador of Kyrgyzstan for
providing a prompt and comprehensive report on the results of the
referendum. Nonetheless, we are disappointed that the Kyrgyz
government chose to proceed with its constitutional referendum on the
2nd of February over the vocal objections of opposition groups and of
many in the international community who argued that there had been
insufficient time to analyze the proposed changes and to allow a
public debate.
We are also troubled by reports from independent monitors and
observers that raise concerns about the credibility and impartiality
of the voting. The reported widespread electoral violations may
undermine public confidence in the constitution and call into question
the mandate that the government now claims.
Mr. Chairman, the basic test of any democracy, whether it be a new or
an enduring one, is how well it responds to legitimate public
concerns. As such, Kyrgyzstan will be judged in the long term less by
the conduct of the recent referendum than by its willingness to listen
and respond to substantive concerns about the new constitution from
opposition groups, the international community, and elections and
constitutional experts.
In this respect, we welcome President Akayev's commitment to introduce
changes after the referendum that would address concerns about
protection for human rights and balance of powers as discussed during
the recent visit of the United States Assistant Secretary for European
and Eurasian Affairs Ambassador Beth Jones. My government would
strongly encourage the Government of Kyrgyzstan to invite the Venice
Commission to conduct an analysis of the new constitution. The Venice
Commission could usefully provide Kyrgyzstan with an expert
evaluation, could give its opinion on whether the new constitution
meets international standards, and could provide recommendations on
what changes might be needed.
All of this, we believe, would lead to the goal that all democracies
share: ensuring that the constant changes in society are properly
reflected in a country's body of constitutional laws.
Thank you.
(end transcript)
(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S.
Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
|
NEWSLETTER
|
|
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
|
|
|
