15/02/2008 (Agence Europe) - In a declaration published on Friday 15 February, the Slovenian EU Council presidency stated its concern regarding a number of points linked to the elections in Pakistan for national and provincial assemblies on 18 February. It urges the authorities to do everything possible during the days before the ballot and to improve the conditions in which elections are to be held. It also calls for a transparent process of vote counting and the publication of results, as well as access to an independent means of redress. The immediate release of political prisoners, including magistrates and lawyers, would be an important step towards creating a free and open pre-electoral environment, the Slovenian EU Council presidency adds. (A.B.)