( EU2007 ) - The Presidency of the European Union welcomes the decisions taken by the Kyrgyz Government on 27 June 2007 concerning the reform of criminal law and the execution of criminal sentences. The introduction of suspended sentences and the strengthening of the courts are major contributions towards enhancing human rights in Kyrgyzstan. The country is thereby underlining its determination to respect international human rights standards and live up to its commitments in the framework of the OSCE.
In this context the Presidency of the European Union welcomes in particular the decision of the Kyrgyz President Bakijev to abolish the death penalty in Kyrgyzstan. This is an important step, also with a view to the EU's goal of a worldwide abolition of the death penalty.
As part of its Central Asia Strategy adopted on 22 June 2007, the European Union will continue to actively cooperate with all states in the region with a view to improving the human rights situation.