The European Union welcomes the release in Uzbekistan of four human rights defenders between 2 and 4 February 2008, namely Saidjahon Zainabitdinov, Ikhtior Khamraev, Ulugbek Kattabaev and Bobomurod Mavlanov and the cancellation of the probation period concerning two other human rights defenders, Gulbahor Turaeva and Umida Niazova, who were released from prison last year. This is a positive step concerning the promotion and protection of human rights in Uzbekistan.
Nevertheless, the European Union notes that a number of human rights defenders remain in custody. In particular, the EU remains gravely concerned regarding the imprisonment of Mutabar Tadjibaeva. The European Union reiterates its call to the Uzbek Government for the early release of all imprisoned human rights defenders. The European Union encourages Uzbekistan to make further progress to ensure the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as for the rule of law.
The Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, and the EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Georgia align themselves with this declaration.
* Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.