BISHKEK (TCA) — The EU Special Representative for Central Asia, Ambassador Peter Burian, visited Kyrgyzstan on 27-29 September.
Attending the international conference on “Islam in a Modern Secular State” held in Bishkek on September 28, he welcomed the initiative of the Kyrgyz Republic to launch a dialogue on the relationship between state and religion and highlighted the importance of inclusion and diversity to strengthen the resilience of communities which is also a priority of the EU Global Strategy, the Delegation of the European Union to the Kyrgyz Republic reported.
He further stated that “being religious is a personal choice, one that every individual is free to make – or not – as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights”. He further emphasised the role of education on religion to enable citizens to spot and effectively counter ideas which are only disguised as Islamic values.
The EU Special Representative met with the Prime Minister and other members of the Government of Kyrgyzstan, the Chairperson of the Central Election Commission, representatives of civil society and the heads of foreign diplomatic services and of the ODIHR election observation mission.
At the conclusion of his visit Peter Burian made the following statement: “The EU has high expectations for free and fair democratic election of a new President in autumn; this will be a milestone for the country and the region. It is important to guarantee freedom of expression and open media space throughout the presidential campaign and a strong role for civil society in the election monitoring.”
Kyrgyzstan will hold the presidential vote on October 15.
