DUSHANBE
, June 20, Asia-Plus — Knox Thames, Counsel for the U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in
Europe
, better known as the Helsinki Commission, visited
Tajikistan
on June 14 – 17.
According to information from the U.S. Embassy in Dushanbe, Mr. Thames, on his first trip to Tajikistan, met with government officials, local political and religious leaders, journalists, businessmen, and NGOs in Dushanbe and Khujand. The primary aim of his mission was to learn more about Tajikistan”s people, politics and culture. In particular, he focused on human rights issues, the democratic process, and Tajikistan”s preparations for the presidential election due in November this year. Upon returning to the United States, Mr. Thames will report his observations to the Helsinki Commission and members of the United States Congress interested in developments in Tajikistan and Central Asia.
The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission, is an independent U.S. Government agency created in 1976 to monitor and encourage compliance with the Helsinki Final Act and other OSCE commitments. The Commission consists of nine members from the United States Senate, nine members from the U.S. House of Representatives, and one member each from the Departments of State, Defense, and Commerce. The positions of Chair and Co-Chair are shared by the House and Senate and rotate every two years, when a new Congress convenes. A professional staff assists the Commissioners in their work.
In Dushanbe, Mr. Thames met with representatives of nine political parties for a lively and open discussion on the status of Tajikistan”s progress towards a free and fair election in November. He held a roundtable with religious leaders to discuss the draft law on religion and issues of religious tolerance in Tajikistan. Mr. Thames also met with several government organizations, including the Election Commission Committee. During his trip to Khujand, he met with local journalists, businessmen, political activists, and government officials.
When the Helsinki Final Act (HFA) was signed in Helsinki, Finland in 1975, it enshrined among its ten Principles Guiding Relations between participating States (the decalogue), a commitment to “respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, including the freedom of thought, conscience religion or belief, for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion.”
In addition to the official meetings, Mr. Thames visited parts of Dushanbe to develop a better understanding of the city and its people. Mr. Thames was instantly impressed by the beautiful, green city and the Tajik people”s abundant hospitality.
