OSCE Centre in Almaty presents handbook on mediation and conflict resolution

ALMATY, 10 February 2006 - The OSCE Centre in Almaty and the non-governmental organization Centre for Democracy Support will on Monday present a new handbook on alternative conflict resolution methods.

The Russian-language publication contains mediation and conflict resolution theories, as well as training materials. It targets lawyers, administrative and social workers, NGO activists, teachers and students.

"Even a society with a tradition of tolerance and no major manifestations of conflict is well advised to develop conflict resolution and mediation capacities," said Peter Felch, Political Officer at the OSCE Centre. "The OSCE has a mandate of early warning and conflict prevention, particularly in a region with a number of conflicts and much conflict potential."

The handbook's contents were used and discussed during training sessions held late last year for lawyers and social workers. The training was financially supported by the OSCE Centre and organized by the Centre for Democracy Support, which also is creating a network of mediation and conflict resolution centers in Kazhakstan's provincial capitals.

The handbook will be available from the Centre for Democracy Support, located at:

Address: Taldykorgan, 24 "Dostyk" microdistrict, apt. 29
Tel/Fax: + 7 3282 24 59 15
E-mail: ngo.taldykorgan@mail.ru, ksm45@mail.ru