Astana to hold press conference of national experts on cooperation with OSCE

ASTANA. January, 13. KAZINFORM /Muratbek Makulbekov/ Tomorrow the National Press Club of Astana will hold a press conference of national experts of Kazakhstan on cooperation with the OSCE over the draft law ?On amendments to some legislative acts of the Republic of Kazakhstan on the issues of freedom of religion and religious organizations?, which was initiated by the group of Kazakh Parliament deputies in 2008; Kazinform correspondent reports.

Taking into account that Kazakhstan is a member of the OSCE and gets ready to chair the organization in 2010, the draft law was officially submitted to OSCE/ODIHR for expertise on compliance with the international human rights standards. Following the results two meetings took place in Kazakhstan where the OSCE/ODIHR experts from the US, Spain, Russia and Kazakhstan took part. The leaders of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan and Russian Orthodox Church supported the draft law and policy, conducted by Kazakhstan?s President in the sphere of religion, in their special address to the Head of the State. In addition, President of Kyrgyzstan Kurmanbek Bakiyev signed the Law ?On freedom of religion and religious organizations in the Republic of Kyrgyzstan? on January 12. The document is also aimed at the regulation of relations of religious organizations in Kyrgyzstan.