Thank you, Mr. Chairman,
Norway joins others in welcoming Minister Tileuberdi to the permanent council.
Mr. Chairman,
Widespread demonstrations and alarming reports of high numbers of casualties throughout Kazakhstan hit us by surprise in the first week of this month.
Along with many others, Norway called on all involved parties, both governmental and CSTO forces, as well as opposition protesters and NGOs, to refrain from violence and stick to democratic means, international law and OSCE commitments.
We welcome and trust that the CSTO forces will be pulled out of Kazakhstan as soon as possible and in line with statements made by both CSTO Chairman Pashinyan and President Tokayev.
Norway sincerely hopes that there will be room for a just and viable solution to Kazakhstan’s problems, involving all parties.
It is our firm conviction that the Kazakh people must have the right to peaceful demonstration and freedom of expression, both now and in the future.
We encourage the Kazakh Government to accept the offer from OSCE Chairman-in Office Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau to assist and support the authorities and people of Kazakhstan in continuing political reforms with full respect of the OSCE commitments, including through the OSCE Programme Office in Kazakhstan.
I thank you.