DUSHANBE, December 6, Asia-Plus — Experts from the OSCE Strategic Police Matters Unit ended a three-day fact-finding visit to Dushanbe on December 6. .
Michael Unland, media officer, the OSCE Center in Dushanbe, said that during meetings with officials at the Ministry of Interior (MoI), the Prosecutor-General’s Office and at the Police Academy, they had discussed combating trafficking in human beings, developing police education, and other issues.
A framework and timeline for further cooperation was agreed. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed and a full needs assessment mission will be conducted in the first quarter of 2008.
“At the Police Academy we sensed a genuine willingness to adopt international best practices, and Interior Minister Mahmadnazar Solehov was very supportive of this initiative,” said Kevin Carty, the Senior Police Adviser to the OSCE Secretary General.
Ambassador Vladimir Pryakin, the Head of the OSCE Centre in Dushanbe, said: “It is very encouraging that the Tajik side is not only interested in having the needs assessment mission explore issues related to requests for assistance, but also to look into broader issues of police reform in line with OSCE shared values.”
The OSCE Strategic Police Matters Unit supports policing activities in OSCE participating States as part of the rule of law and fundamental democratic principles and, through assessment, expert advice and assistance, helps develop accountable police services that protect and aid citizens.
