DUSHANBE, May 14, Asia-Plus  - State of ethnic minorities in Tajikistan as well as state of ethnic Tajiks in other countries were discussed at a May 14 meeting of President Emomali Rahmon with visiting OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Rolf Ekeus in Dushanbe.

In the course of the talks, the two discussed the progress made in the area of equitable representation of communities in the public administration and education issues.

Speaking to journalists after a meeting with President Rahmon, Ambassador Ekeus said that his office works both with government and ethnic communities on the basis of confidence.

According to him, one of the main objectives of the Office of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities is to promote integration of ethnic communities in society, while at the same time respecting their diversity and identity.

“Discussing regional cooperation in this directions, we paid attention to education of ethnic minorities and their integration in political life of each of countries in Central Asia,” Ekeus said, noting that education plays a key role in promoting integration of society, equal opportunities and public participation.

According to him, it is necessary, first of all, to train teachers, prepare textbooks and other educational supplies: “all this will make a single package that will promote study by ethnic minorities of both their native languages and language of the country of residence.”       

The OSCE High Commissioner noted that representatives from all five countries of Central Asia as well as Afghanistan will participate in the education project.  “In order to ensure successful activity of working groups, education specialists from Russia have been invited,” Ekeus said.

He also said that President Rahmon and he had also discussed the present regional security situation in Central Asia.    

The OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities Ambassador arrived in Tajikistan today morning for a two-day visit.  

The Office of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities was established in 1992 to identify and seek early resolution of ethnic tensions that might endanger peace, stability or friendly relations between OSCE participating States.