OSCE Centre helps earthquake victims in Kyrgyzstan

BISHKEK, 7 October 2008 - The OSCE Centre in Bishkek announced today it will donate 15,000 euros to help the victims of a deadly earthquake that occurred on Sunday in the Alay district of the Osh province in southern Kyrgyzstan.

The Head of the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, Ambassador Andrew Tesoriere, said the OSCE Centre's donation - made because of the exceptional difficulties faced in the remote region following the earthquake - would be given to the Ministry of Emergency Situations to support humanitarian and relief operations.

"Our thoughts are with those who suffered as a result of this tragic event. The OSCE, through its Centre in Bishkek and Field Office in Osh, wishes to provide some immediate, material help to those affected - hence this financial pledge," Tesoriere said. "The Centre will continue, as it has in the recent past, to work with the Ministry of Emergency Situations to prepare for and to mitigate where possible the ravages of earthquakes."

Starting last year, the OSCE Centre in Bishkek has been assisting the Kyrgyz Ministry of Emergency Situations with disaster preparedness, including by training local community self-help groups to prepare for quick responses in the event of natural disasters.

The OSCE Centre in Bishkek plans to continue this support beyond 2008, including by offering specialist training and disaster-preparedness measures.