Brussels, 17/09/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 17 September, the European Parliament gave its assent to the conclusion of the Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) with Tajikistan. In a resolution adopted the same day, MEPs state they are willing to enter close dialogue with this former USSR country that they call upon to rapidly take all necessary measures “with a view to the reforms that are so cruelly lacking”, especially when it comes to human rights and in the economic and political fields. Thus, the EP states its grave concern that, during May 2009, due to the consequences of the economic crisis and the failings of the agricultural sector, 1.5 million people found themselves in a situation of food insecurity. The government of Tajikistan is therefore asked to look at the lack of supply, which is one of the root causes of the problem, and to revise its “policy of over-ambitious projects that in no way contribute to meeting the immediate needs of the people”. Duchambe should also launch food aid and job creation programmes as a matter of urgency, MEPs say. At a political level, the EP notes that Tajikistan is a “relatively stable” country. It does, however, see signs showing “a number of fissures in the foundations of the regime” (for example, demonstrations in 2008 in the autonomous region of Badakhchan, as well as a recent security operation in the eastern district of Tavildara), which have given rise to doubts about the true hold that the president has on power. MEPs are also concerned about the poverty and corruption and at seeing an “increasingly authoritarian government”, which increases the risk of political, economic and social instability. The EP states its grave concern at the violations of human rights in Tajikistan perpetrated “almost with impunity” in different forms such as pressure on courts and judges by both the government and by criminal networks, pressure on the media, numerous violations of women's rights, child labour and the exploitation of students, etc. MEPs also deplore the “generalised” use of torture and call for abolition of the death penalty. (H.B./transl.jl)