Heads of SCO and CSTO PA Observer Missions Shared Their Experience of Working in Kazakhstan

International observer missions from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly to the parliamentary election in Kazakhstan met in Astana on March 17.

According to Grigory Logvinov, deputy SCO Secretary General, the period of change that Kazakhstan is going through pursuant to President Tokayev’s programme imposes a particular responsibility on observers.

“This is a new element in our work. We are now holding meetings with various political parties. Naturally, some like the programmes and others do not. The only thing we should really be interested in is whether there are any complaints about the exercise of a party’s rights,” Mr Logvinov stressed.

The SCO representative also noted that all work is conducted strictly within the law. The atmosphere during the preparations for the election is very constructive, he said.

“The Kazakh hosts have created a very comfortable, very welcoming environment. And we, for our part, intend to demonstrate, if possible, benevolent impartiality,” Grigory Logvinov concluded.

Sergei Pospelov, Executive Secretary of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly, noted that the Assembly strives to strengthen the partnership with the SCO.

“We will be glad to continue our interaction, including through international committees, defence committees. It is extremely important for us,” Mr Pospelov stressed. 

As you may recall, the memorandum of understanding between the CSTO and the SCO was signed in October 2007 in Dushanbe; it serves as a basis for regular contacts and joint activities.