Kazakh delegation took part in celebration of Venice Commission's 20th anniversary

Welcoming on behalf of the OSCE Chairman-on-Office Kanat Saudabayev I. Rogov said: "Formed shortly after the Berlin wall fall in 1990 the European Commission for democracy through Law, now better known as the Venice Commission, played a key role in adoption of the constitutions of the Eastern European countries which meet the standards of the European constitutional heritage.

"Today the world community follows the Commission's opinion as the internationally recognized independent forum created for exchange of ideas in legal field which plays an important role in supporting democratic reforms", Igor Rogov noted.

The Chairman of the Kazakhstan Constitutional Council emphasized fruitful cooperation between the OSCE and the European Council, ODIHR and the Venice Commission which can be considered a successful example of effective cooperation of international organizations.

Over the period of interaction the OSCE/ODIHR and the Venice Commission have conducted more than 50 legal evaluations of the legislations of member countries in constitutional law, regulation of political parties' activity, freedom of assembly, religion and protection from discrimination. The experts of the OSCE/ODIHR and the Commission organize joint visits and implement joint projects including development of new versions of a manual on legislation in freedom of assembly.

"The recent roundtable on constitutional reform in Kyrgyzstan held on May 13, 2010 can serve as a proof of our fruitful cooperation for this event can be considered a contribution to the country's stabilization process in an uneasy period", Igor Rogov said.

The Chairman of the Constitutional Council expressed confidence that further assistance to Kyrgyzstan which is a full member of the Commission in providing relevant recommendations in constitutional law would play a significant role in ensuring democratic reforms for the benefit of the country.