DUSHANBE, June 5, Asia-Plus - The United Nations Tajikistan Office of Peace-Building (UNTOP) is ending its work in Tajikistan as its mandate will expire on July 31.  

According to presidential press service, Ms. Kori Udovicki, the Assistant Secretary-General, Assistant Administrator of UNDP and Director of the Regional Bureau for Europe and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), remarked this speaking to journalists after a meeting with President Emomali Rahmon yesterday.  “Today, Tajikistan is able to provide its security by itself,” she said.  

Ms. Udovicki expressed confidence that international community will continue providing support to Tajikistan in development of market and democratic reforms in the country, reduction of poverty, strengthening of border patrol and the fight against trafficking in persons, drugs and weapons.  According to her, UNDP plans to provide $30 million to Tajikistan next year for implementation of a number of social development programs. 

Established in June 2000 after the mandate of the UN Mission of Observers in Tajikistan (UNMOT) expired., the United Nations Tajikistan Office of Peace-building (UNTOP) has covered a uniquely wide range of political, legal, social, security and media issues connected to the current stage of the post conflict peace building development of the country.  In particular, it has devoted its activity to ensuring the sustainability of the peace process and continues to support and complement the efforts of the Government and others concerned with (1) strengthening democratic institutions and capacities for conflict prevention, through increasing the role of political parties, local assemblies, and civil society in decision-making processes; (2) increasing respect for the rule of law at all levels, including among law enforcement structures; and (3) strengthening of national mechanisms and building national capacities in human rights.

In support of the process of national reconciliation, democratic institution building and promotion of political pluralism, UNTOP have maintained political liaison with the government, political parties, media and representatives of civil society.  The Office has sought to build confidence among key political players and promote a culture of political tolerance and dialogue nationwide.  These measures took the form of dialogue building, conflict prevention and resolution projects, as well as quiet diplomacy.  The National Dialogue meetings under UNTOP auspices have provided a distinctive countrywide forum for constructive interaction between state authorities (both local and central) and representatives of political parties as well as civil society. They have improved citizens'' access to information and generate recommendations and initiatives for further action.  This mechanism is broadly recognized as a distinctive tool for promoting political pluralism, transparency, and tolerance in the country.