OSCE: PROJECT PROPOSALS

UNCLAS ALMATY 000888 SIPDIS USOSCE FOR (GREG SLOTTA); DEPT FOR SCA/CEN (JMUDGE) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL AFIN ABUD EAID ECON KCRM PHUM KZ OSCE ECONOMIC SUBJECT: OSCE: PROJECT PROPOSALS REF: STATE 10552 ¶1. This cable responds to Ref A request for comments on OSCE project proposals. None of the proposals forwarded by USOSCE and the local OSCE Center duplicates activities in which Post is currently involved. Specifically, the proposal on creating a training center for defense lawyers would complement training that is being done in the judicial system. The criminal justice summer school program could also complement work that is being planned in Kazakhstan. Moreover, post believes the legislative assistance project could be quite valuable as a number of potentially controversial pieces of legislation are in the pipeline. ¶2. Although the "Fair Trials" program sounds interesting, there are a number of handbooks on trial monitoring that already exist. Post is not sure this program would be needed. ¶3. The local OSCE Center indicated that they are developing a project proposal to publish an AID-sponsored textbook on civil society for use throughout the country. If and when that project is finalized, post believes it would be worthy of support. ORDWAY