Presidency Statement delivered by H.E. Ambassador Stanislav Raščan
I would like to draw the attention of the participating States to the following Statement by the Portuguese Presidency of the EU, issued on the 27th of December 2007:
“The European Union has been closely following events over the course of the Presidential Elections held in Uzbekistan on 21 December. The Presidency of the EU takes note of the assessment of the OSCE/ODIHR Limited Election Observation Mission.
The Presidency notes with concern that the presidential election did not meet many OSCE commitments and other international standards for democratic elections and that the recommendations issued by the OSCE/ODIHR after the 2004 parliamentary elections have not yet been implemented.
However, the Presidency of the EU takes note of the positive changes introduced into the legislation since the previous presidential election and encourages Uzbekistan to continue to cooperate with ODIHR to bring its election process and framework in line with OSCE commitments and other international standards for democratic elections. The EU stands ready to assist Uzbekistan in its efforts.”