Brussels, 12/10/2000 (Agence Europe) - On 10 October, the French Presidency made the following declaration, on behalf of the eU, on the presidential elections in Kyrgyzstan:
"The EU expresses concern over the indications, in particular those reported by the OSCE Centre in Bishkek, that democratic rules are being infringed in the preparations for the presidential elections in Kyrgyzstan on 29 October 2000. It feels particular anxiety over any obstacles which might prevent opposition figures from standing as candidates and is perplexed as to the purpose and progress of the court proceedings initiated against some of them, as in the case of Mr Felix Kulov. The EU strongly urges the Kyrgyz authorities to make every effort to ensure a free and democratic ballot in accordance with the principles of the OSCE and the values on which the partnership between the European Union and Kyrgyzstan is based.
The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the EU, the associated countries Cyprus and Malta, and the EFTA countries Iceland and Liechtenstein, members of the EEA align themselves with this declaration."