Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2005-06-08-Speech-3-211"

Predicate	Value (sorted: default)
rdf:type	lpv_eu:Speech⁶
dcterms:Date	"2005-06-08"^^xsd:date⁶
dcterms:Is Part Of	lp_eu:Olukord Usbekistanis⁶
dcterms:Language	"en"^^xsd:language⁶
lpv:document identification number	"en.20050608.18.3-211"⁶
lpv:hasSubsequent	lp_eu:2005-06-08-Speech-3-212⁶
lpv:speaker	lp:Joe Borg⁶
lpv:spoken text	". Mr President, the Commission fully subscribes to the Council declaration which clearly and unambiguously sets out our concerns over recent events in Uzbekistan. We have been shocked by the appalling loss of life. We are concerned by the resulting movements of people away from the violence over the border with Kyrgyzstan and by the reported excessive and disproportionate use of force by the Uzbek security forces. It is clear to the Commission that the people of Uzbekistan urgently need to work towards a peaceful and sustainable solution to the present situation. The Commission notes the suggestion made by the Uzbek authorities in relation to the international inquiry contained in the letter of 31 May from President Karimov to United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, a copy of which was sent to Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner. It is essential that the Uzbek authorities immediately allow a full independent international inquiry into the recent events. The Commission considers it important that dialogue is maintained and that it is possible for diplomatic envoys to transmit messages to Uzbekistan. Even before the shocking recent events, the Commission was working to bolster Uzbekistan’s fragile reform process. We have to be realistic about what can be achieved, but I believe that working, for example, with the Uzbek Parliament to help create a modern legislature is crucial to improving the lot of the Uzbek people. What we have seen in Uzbekistan in recent weeks, following the events in Andijan – not only the appalling loss of life, but the response by the authorities to international criticism and the reported crack-down on human rights groups and defenders – only underlines how important it is to keep the reform process alive. This would be the worst possible moment to pull out or to isolate the country. At the same time, however, this does not mean business as usual. The Commission has already sent a delegation of officials to Uzbekistan to investigate what more we can do to support reforms and importantly, to improve living conditions in the Fergana Valley. In the coming weeks, we shall be finalising our proposals to be implemented under the TACIS programme. Our existing poverty reduction programme for the Fergana Valley works in all three countries – Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan – amongst which the valley is divided. There is some scope within our existing resources to do more and the Commission is determined that the opportunity is not missed. In the meantime, we will continue to work to the TACIS technical assistance programme to promote social and economic reforms, both at the governmental and grassroots civil society level. While pushing for a fully independent investigation into the events that have already taken place, we must not lose sight of how those who took part in the unrest may yet be treated. It is clear that the authorities regard all participation as criminal. In this context, the Commission is looking at a range of projects, including improving the management of prisons and treatment of detainees. The Commission commends the cooperation between the authorities in Kyrgyzstan – who have been faced with a very difficult humanitarian situation – and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. We therefore welcome the recent decision to relocate the asylum seekers, who currently number 475, away from the border region."@en⁴
lpv:translated text	"Mr President, the Commission fully subscribes to the Council declaration which clearly and unambiguously sets out our concerns over recent events in Uzbekistan. We have been shocked by the appalling loss of life. We are concerned by the resulting movements of people away from the violence over the border with Kyrgyzstan and by the reported excessive and disproportionate use of force by the Uzbek security forces. It is clear to the Commission that the people of Uzbekistan urgently need to work towards a peaceful and sustainable solution to the present situation. The Commission notes the suggestion made by the Uzbek authorities in relation to the international inquiry contained in the letter of 31 May from President Karimov to United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, a copy of which was sent to Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner. It is essential that the Uzbek authorities immediately allow a full independent international inquiry into the recent events. The Commission considers it important that dialogue is maintained and that it is possible for diplomatic envoys to transmit messages to Uzbekistan. Even before the shocking recent events, the Commission was working to bolster Uzbekistan’s fragile reform process. We have to be realistic about what can be achieved, but I believe that working, for example, with the Uzbek Parliament to help create a modern legislature is crucial to improving the lot of the Uzbek people. What we have seen in Uzbekistan in recent weeks, following the events in Andijan – not only the appalling loss of life, but the response by the authorities to international criticism and the reported crack-down on human rights groups and defenders – only underlines how important it is to keep the reform process alive. This would be the worst possible moment to pull out or to isolate the country. At the same time, however, this does not mean business as usual. The Commission has already sent a delegation of officials to Uzbekistan to investigate what more we can do to support reforms and importantly, to improve living conditions in the Fergana Valley. In the coming weeks, we shall be finalising our proposals to be implemented under the TACIS programme. Our existing poverty reduction programme for the Fergana Valley works in all three countries – Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan – amongst which the valley is divided. There is some scope within our existing resources to do more and the Commission is determined that the opportunity is not missed. In the meantime, we will continue to work to the TACIS technical assistance programme to promote social and economic reforms, both at the governmental and grassroots civil society level. While pushing for a fully independent investigation into the events that have already taken place, we must not lose sight of how those who took part in the unrest may yet be treated. It is clear that the authorities regard all participation as criminal. In this context, the Commission is looking at a range of projects, including improving the management of prisons and treatment of detainees. The Commission commends the cooperation between the authorities in Kyrgyzstan – who have been faced with a very difficult humanitarian situation – and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. We therefore welcome the recent decision to relocate the asylum seekers, who currently number 475, away from the border region."@cs¹ "Hr. formand, Kommissionen går fuldt ind for Rådets erklæring, som klart og umisforståeligt formulerer vores bekymring over de begivenheder, der for nylig har fundet sted i Usbekistan. Vi blev chokerede over det rystende tab af menneskeliv. Vi er bekymrede over den deraf følgende bevægelse af folk bort fra volden over grænsen til Kirgisistan og over rapporterne om overdreven og umådeholden brug af magt fra de usbekiske sikkerhedsstyrkers side. Det er klart for Kommissionen, at det usbekiske folk omgående trænger til at arbejde sig frem mod en fredelig og bæredygtig løsning på den nuværende situation. Kommissionen noterer sig det forslag, som de usbekiske myndigheder har stillet i forbindelse med den internationale undersøgelse i brevet af 31. maj fra præsident Karimov til USA's udenrigsminister, Condoleezza Rice, hvoraf en kopi blev sendt til hr. Ferrero-Waldner. Det er af afgørende betydning, at de usbekiske myndigheder straks tillader en fuldt uafhængig international undersøgelse af de begivenheder, der lige har fundet sted. Kommissionen finder det vigtigt, at dialogen bliver opretholdt, og at det er muligt for diplomatiske udsendinge at sende budskaber til Usbekistan. Selv før de chokerende begivenheder for nylig arbejdede Kommissionen på at støtte den skrøbelige reformproces i Usbekistan. Vi må være realistiske med hensyn til, hvad der kan nås, men jeg tror, at f.eks. samarbejdet med det usbekiske parlament om at hjælpe med til at skabe en moderne lovgivende magt er afgørende for at forbedre det usbekiske folks vilkår. Hvad vi har set i Usbekistan i de seneste uger, efter begivenhederne i Andijan - ikke bare det chokerende tab af menneskeliv, men myndighedernes reaktion på den internationale kritik og det angreb på menneskerettighedsgrupper og fortalere herfor, der har fundet sted - understreger kun, hvor vigtigt det er at holde reformprocessen i live. Dette vil være det værst tænkelige øjeblik at trække sig ud på eller isolere landet. Med samtidig betyder det ikke, at alt kan gå videre som sædvanligt. Kommissionen har allerede sendt en embedsmandsdelegation til Usbekistan for at undersøge, hvad mere vi kan gøre for at støtte reformerne og, hvad der er meget vigtigt, for at forbedre levevilkårene i Ferganadalen. I de kommende uger vil vi færdiggøre de forslag, der skal gennemføres under Tacis-programmet. Vores nuværende program til reduktion af fattigdom for Ferganadalen fungerer i alle de tre lande - Usbekistan, Kirgisistan og Tadsjikistan - som dalen er delt imellem. Der er inden for vores nuværende ressourcer et vist spillerum, der gør det muligt at gøre mere, og Kommissionen er besluttet på, at man ikke skal forspilde denne mulighed. I mellemtiden vil vi fortsætte med at arbejde på det tekniske bistandsprogram under Tacis for at fremme sociale og økonomiske reformer, både på regeringsplan og på græsrodsplan i det civile samfund. Samtidig med at vi presser på for at få en helt uafhængig undersøgelse af de begivenheder, der allerede har fundet sted, må vi ikke glemme at holde øje med, hvordan de, der deltog i urolighederne, bliver behandlet. Det er klart, at myndighederne betragter alle deltagerne som kriminelle. I denne forbindelse ser Kommissionen på en række projekter, herunder forbedring af fængselsforvaltningen og behandling af arresterede. Kommissionen er tilfreds med samarbejdet mellem myndighederne i Kirgisistan - som har stået over for en meget vanskelig humanitær situation - og FN's flygtningehøjkommissær. Vi glæder os derfor over beslutningen for nylig om at flytte asylansøgerne, som der i øjeblikket er 475 af, væk fra grænseområdet."@da² ". Herr Präsident! Die Kommission kann sich der Erklärung des Rates nur anschließen, in der unserer Sorge über die jüngsten Ereignisse in Usbekistan klar und unmissverständlich Ausdruck verliehen wurde. Die furchtbaren Verluste an Menschenleben haben uns schockiert. Besorgt sind wir außerdem über die Abwanderung der Bevölkerung, die vor den gewalttätigen Auseinandersetzungen über die Grenze nach Kirgisistan flüchtet, und die nach Berichten übermäßige und unverhältnismäßige Gewaltanwendung durch die usbekischen Sicherheitskräfte. Nach Ansicht der Kommission müssen die Menschen in Usbekistan dringend auf eine friedliche und dauerhafte Lösung für die gegenwärtige Situation hinarbeiten. Die Kommission hat den Vorschlag der usbekischen Behörden hinsichtlich der internationalen Untersuchung zur Kenntnis genommen, der in dem Schreiben von Präsident Karimow vom 31. Mai an die US-amerikanische Außenministerin Condoleezza Rice enthalten war, wobei eine Kopie dieses Schreibens an Frau Ferrero-Waldner ging. Es ist unbedingt erforderlich, dass die usbekischen Behörden unverzüglich einer umfassenden unabhängigen internationalen Untersuchung der jüngsten Vorfälle zustimmen. Die Kommission hält es für wichtig, dass der Dialog aufrechterhalten wird und diplomatische Gesandte Nachrichten nach Usbekistan übermitteln können. Schon vor den schockierenden jüngsten Ereignissen unterstützte die Kommission den schwachen Reformprozess in Usbekistan. Wir müssen uns zwar realistische Ziele setzen, doch meines Erachtens ist beispielsweise die Zusammenarbeit mit dem usbekischen Parlament zum Aufbau einer modernen Legislative von entscheidender Bedeutung, um die Lebensbedingungen des usbekischen Volkes zu verbessern. Das, was wir in Usbekistan in den letzten Wochen nach den Ereignisse in Andischan beobachten konnten – nicht nur die furchtbaren Verluste an Menschenleben, sondern auch die Reaktion der Behörden auf die internationale Kritik und, wie berichtet wurde, das harte Vorgehen gegen Menschenrechtsorganisationen und -aktivisten – unterstreicht die dringende Notwendigkeit, den Reformprozess in Gang zu halten. Dies wäre der denkbar schlechteste Moment, um sich aus Usbekistan zurückzuziehen oder dieses Land zu isolieren. Das bedeutet allerdings nicht, dass wir einfach wieder zur Geschäftsordnung übergehen werden. Die Kommission hat bereits eine Delegation mit EU-Beamten nach Usbekistan entsandt, die herausfinden soll, was wir noch tun können, um die Reformen zu unterstützen und – was weitaus wichtiger ist – die Lebensbedingungen im Fergana-Tal zu verbessern. Unsere Vorschläge werden in den kommenden Wochen fertig gestellt und sollen dann im Rahmen des Programms TACIS umgesetzt werden. Unser aktuelles Programm zur Armutsbekämpfung im Fergana-Tal umfasst alle drei Länder – Usbekistan, Kirgisistan und Tadschikistan –, unter denen das Tal aufgeteilt ist. Unsere bestehenden Ressourcen lassen uns noch etwas Spielraum für weitere Maßnahmen, und die Kommission wird dafür sorgen, dass diese Möglichkeit nicht ungenutzt bleibt. In der Zwischenzeit werden wir im Rahmen des Programms TACIS weiterhin technische Hilfe leisten, um soziale und wirtschaftliche Reformen zu fördern. Dabei werden wir nicht nur mit der Regierung, sondern auch mit der Basis der Zivilgesellschaft zusammenarbeiten. Wir sollten jedoch nicht nur auf eine vollkommen unabhängige Untersuchung der stattgefundenen Ereignisse drängen, sondern uns auch damit beschäftigen, wie mit denjenigen, die an den Unruhen teilnahmen, verfahren werden soll. Es ist klar, dass die Behörden jegliche Beteiligung als kriminell ansehen. In diesem Zusammenhang prüft die Kommission verschiedene Projekte, wozu auch die Verbesserung der Zustände in den Gefängnissen und die Behandlung der Gefangenen gehört. Die Kommission begrüßt die Zusammenarbeit zwischen den Behörden in Kirgisistan, die sich einer äußerst schwierigen humanitären Lage gegenübersehen, und dem Hohen Kommissar der Vereinten Nationen für Flüchtlinge. Daher befürworten wir den jüngsten Beschluss, die Asylbewerber, deren Zahl sich momentan auf 475 beläuft, aus der Grenzregion in andere Gebiete umzusiedeln."@de⁹ ". Κύριε Πρόεδρε, η Επιτροπή συμφωνεί πλήρως με τη δήλωση του Συμβουλίου, στην οποία εκφράζονται με τρόπο ρητό και κατηγορηματικό οι ανησυχίες μας για τα πρόσφατα γεγονότα στο Ουζμπεκιστάν. Η τραγική απώλεια ανθρωπίνων ζωών μας προξένησε ιδιαίτερο αποτροπιασμό. Μας ανησυχούν η συνακόλουθη απομάκρυνση πληθυσμών από τις βιαιότητες και η μετακίνησή τους στη γειτονική Κιργισία, καθώς και οι αναφορές για υπέρμετρη και δυσανάλογη χρήση βίας από τις αρχές ασφαλείας του Ουζμπεκιστάν. Κατά τη γνώμη της Επιτροπής, είναι σαφές ότι ο λαός του Ουζμπεκιστάν πρέπει επειγόντως να εργαστεί για μια ειρηνική και βιώσιμη λύση στην τρέχουσα κατάσταση. Η Επιτροπή σημειώνει τα επιχειρήματα των αρχών του Ουζμπεκιστάν σχετικά με την πραγματοποίηση διεθνούς έρευνας η οποία περιλαμβάνεται στην επιστολή, με ημερομηνία 31 Μαΐου, του Προέδρου Karimov προς την Υπουργό Εξωτερικών των Ηνωμένων Πολιτειών Condoleezza Rice, αντίγραφο της οποίας εστάλη στην Επίτροπο Ferrero-Waldner. Είναι απολύτως αναγκαίο οι αρχές της χώρας να επιτρέψουν μια πλήρη ανεξάρτητη διεθνή έρευνα για τα πρόσφατα γεγονότα. Η Επιτροπή θεωρεί σημαντική τη συνέχιση του διαλόγου και τη δυνατότητα των διπλωματικών απεσταλμένων να μεταφέρουν μηνύματα στο Ουζμπεκιστάν. Ακόμη και πριν από τα πρόσφατα τραγικά γεγονότα, η Επιτροπή εργαζόταν για τη στήριξη της εύθραυστης διαδικασίας μεταρρυθμίσεων στο Ουζμπεκιστάν. Οφείλουμε να είμαστε πραγματιστές ως προς το τι μπορεί όντως να επιτευχθεί· πιστεύω, όμως ότι η συνεργασία, για παράδειγμα, με το κοινοβούλιο της χώρας προκειμένου να συμβάλουμε στη δημιουργία ενός σύγχρονου νομοθετικού σώματος έχει καίρια σημασία για τη βελτίωση των συνθηκών διαβίωσης του ουζμπεκικού λαού. Η κατάσταση που εκτυλίχθηκε στο Ουζμπεκιστάν τις τελευταίες εβδομάδες, μετά τα γεγονότα στο Andijan –όχι μόνον η τραγική απώλεια ανθρωπίνων ζωών, αλλά και ο τρόπος αντιμετώπισης των διεθνών επικρίσεων από τις αρχές της χώρας και οι πληροφορίες για καταστολή των οργανώσεων και των μεμονωμένων υπερασπιστών των ανθρωπίνων δικαιωμάτων– υπογραμμίζει απλώς πόσο σημαντικό είναι να διατηρηθεί ζωντανή η διαδικασία μεταρρυθμίσεων. Αυτή είναι η χειρότερη στιγμή να αποσυρθούμε ή να απομονώσουμε τη χώρα. Συγχρόνως, όμως, αυτό δεν σημαίνει ότι πρέπει να συμπεριφερόμαστε σαν να μην συμβαίνει τίποτε. Η Επιτροπή έχει ήδη αποστείλει αντιπροσωπεία αξιωματούχων στο Ουζμπεκιστάν για να διερευνήσουν ποια περαιτέρω μέτρα μπορούμε να λάβουμε για τη στήριξη των μεταρρυθμίσεων και, το σημαντικότερο, για τη βελτίωση των συνθηκών διαβίωσης στην κοιλάδα Fergana. Τις προσεχείς εβδομάδες, θα οριστικοποιήσουμε τις προτάσεις μας οι οποίες αναμένεται να υλοποιηθούν στο πλαίσιο του προγράμματος TACIS. Το υφιστάμενο πρόγραμμά μας για τη μείωση της φτώχειας στην κοιλάδα Fergana εφαρμόζεται και στις τρεις χώρες –το Ουζμπεκιστάν, την Κιργιζία και το Τατζικιστάν– μεταξύ των οποίων βρίσκεται η εν λόγω κοιλάδα. Έχουμε τη δυνατότητα να πράξουμε περισσότερα με τους υπάρχοντες πόρους μας, και η Επιτροπή είναι αποφασισμένη να μην αφήσει να χαθεί αυτή η ευκαιρία. Εν τω μεταξύ, θα συνεχίσουμε να εργαζόμαστε στο πλαίσιο του προγράμματος τεχνικής βοήθειας TACIS για την προαγωγή των κοινωνικών και οικονομικών μεταρρυθμίσεων, τόσο σε κυβερνητικό επίπεδο όσο και στο επίπεδο της κοινωνίας των πολιτών. Παράλληλα με την προώθηση μιας απολύτως ανεξάρτητης διερεύνησης των γεγονότων που έχουν ήδη συμβεί, δεν πρέπει να παραβλέψουμε το ζήτημα της μεταχείρισης που ενδέχεται να επιφυλαχθεί σε όσους μετείχαν στις ταραχές. Είναι σαφές ότι οι αρχές θεωρούν εγκληματική κάθε είδους συμμετοχή. Σε αυτό το πλαίσιο, η Επιτροπή εξετάζει μια σειρά από προγράμματα, περιλαμβανομένης της βελτίωσης της διοίκησης των φυλακών και της μεταχείρισης των κρατουμένων. Η Επιτροπή επικροτεί τη συνεργασία μεταξύ των αρχών της Κιργιζίας –οι οποίες βρέθηκαν αντιμέτωπες με μια δύσκολη ανθρωπιστική κατάσταση– και του Υπάτου Αρμοστή των Ηνωμένων Εθνών για τους Πρόσφυγες. Χαιρετίζουμε, συνεπώς, την πρόσφατη απόφαση για μεταφορά των αιτούντων άσυλο, οι οποίοι ανέρχονται επί του παρόντος σε 475 άτομα, μακριά από την περιοχή της μεθορίου."@el¹⁰ ". Señor Presidente, la Comisión suscribe totalmente la declaración del Consejo, que de manera clara e inequívoca expone nuestra preocupación por los recientes sucesos de Uzbekistán. Estamos aterrados por la espantosa masacre. Nos preocupa el subsiguiente desplazamiento de personas que huyen de la violencia, cruzando la frontera con Kirguistán, así como la pretendida utilización excesiva y desproporcionada de la fuerza por parte de los cuerpos de seguridad uzbekos. Para la Comisión está claro que el pueblo de Uzbekistán tiene que buscar urgentemente una solución pacífica y sostenible a la situación actual. La Comisión toma nota de la sugerencia formulada por las autoridades uzbekas en relación con la investigación internacional recogida en la carta de 31 de mayo, remitida por el Presidente Karímov a la Secretaria de Estado estadounidense, Condoleezza Rice, una copia de la cual ha sido remitida a la Comisaria Ferrero-Waldner. Es esencial que las autoridades uzbekas autoricen de forma inmediata una investigación internacional totalmente independiente en torno a los recientes sucesos. La Comisión juzga importante que se mantenga el diálogo y que los enviados diplomáticos puedan transmitir mensajes a Uzbekistán. Ya antes de los horribles sucesos recientes, la Comisión estaba tratando de impulsar el frágil proceso de reforma en Uzbekistán. Hemos de ser realistas en cuanto a lo que se puede conseguir, pero creo que colaborar, por ejemplo, con el Parlamento uzbeko para contribuir a crear un poder legislativo moderno es esencial para mejorar la suerte del pueblo uzbeko. Lo que hemos presenciado en Uzbekistán en las últimas semanas, a raíz de los sucesos de Andizhán –no solo la horrible masacre, sino la respuesta por parte de las autoridades a la crítica internacional y las supuestas sanciones contra los grupos y defensores de los derechos humanos–, no hace sino subrayar la importancia de mantener con vida el proceso de reforma. Este sería el momento menos indicado para retirarse del país o dejarlo aislado. Pero al mismo tiempo, esto no significa seguir como si nada. La Comisión ya ha enviado una delegación de funcionarios a Uzbekistán para investigar qué más podemos hacer para apoyar las reformas y, cosa que es importante, para mejorar las condiciones de vida en el valle de Ferganá. En las semanas venideras ultimaremos nuestras propuestas para que se apliquen al amparo del programa TACIS. Nuestro programa actual de reducción de la pobreza en el valle de Ferganá se está aplicando en los tres países –Uzbekistán, Kirguistán y Tayikistán– por donde discurre el valle. Nuestros recursos disponibles nos brindan cierto margen para hacer algo más y la Comisión está dispuesta a que no se desaproveche la ocasión. Mientras tanto, seguiremos trabajando para que el programa de asistencia técnica TACIS promueva reformas sociales y económicas, tanto en el plano gubernamental como en la sociedad civil de base. Al tiempo que presionamos en favor de una investigación totalmente independiente de los sucesos que ya han ocurrido, no debemos perder de vista el trato que van a recibir quienes tomaron parte en la revuelta. Está claro que las autoridades consideran criminal toda participación. En este contexto, la Comisión está estudiando una serie de proyectos, incluida la mejora de la gestión de las cárceles y el trato dispensado a los detenidos. La Comisión elogia la cooperación entre las autoridades de Kirguistán –que han tenido que afrontar una situación humanitaria sumamente compleja– y el Alto Comisionado de las Naciones Unidas para los Refugiados. Así pues, acogemos con agrado la reciente decisión de asentar a los solicitantes de asilo, que por ahora ascienden a 475, lejos de la región fronteriza."@es^20,20 "Mr President, the Commission fully subscribes to the Council declaration which clearly and unambiguously sets out our concerns over recent events in Uzbekistan. We have been shocked by the appalling loss of life. We are concerned by the resulting movements of people away from the violence over the border with Kyrgyzstan and by the reported excessive and disproportionate use of force by the Uzbek security forces. It is clear to the Commission that the people of Uzbekistan urgently need to work towards a peaceful and sustainable solution to the present situation. The Commission notes the suggestion made by the Uzbek authorities in relation to the international inquiry contained in the letter of 31 May from President Karimov to United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, a copy of which was sent to Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner. It is essential that the Uzbek authorities immediately allow a full independent international inquiry into the recent events. The Commission considers it important that dialogue is maintained and that it is possible for diplomatic envoys to transmit messages to Uzbekistan. Even before the shocking recent events, the Commission was working to bolster Uzbekistan’s fragile reform process. We have to be realistic about what can be achieved, but I believe that working, for example, with the Uzbek Parliament to help create a modern legislature is crucial to improving the lot of the Uzbek people. What we have seen in Uzbekistan in recent weeks, following the events in Andijan – not only the appalling loss of life, but the response by the authorities to international criticism and the reported crack-down on human rights groups and defenders – only underlines how important it is to keep the reform process alive. This would be the worst possible moment to pull out or to isolate the country. At the same time, however, this does not mean business as usual. The Commission has already sent a delegation of officials to Uzbekistan to investigate what more we can do to support reforms and importantly, to improve living conditions in the Fergana Valley. In the coming weeks, we shall be finalising our proposals to be implemented under the TACIS programme. Our existing poverty reduction programme for the Fergana Valley works in all three countries – Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan – amongst which the valley is divided. There is some scope within our existing resources to do more and the Commission is determined that the opportunity is not missed. In the meantime, we will continue to work to the TACIS technical assistance programme to promote social and economic reforms, both at the governmental and grassroots civil society level. While pushing for a fully independent investigation into the events that have already taken place, we must not lose sight of how those who took part in the unrest may yet be treated. It is clear that the authorities regard all participation as criminal. In this context, the Commission is looking at a range of projects, including improving the management of prisons and treatment of detainees. The Commission commends the cooperation between the authorities in Kyrgyzstan – who have been faced with a very difficult humanitarian situation – and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. We therefore welcome the recent decision to relocate the asylum seekers, who currently number 475, away from the border region."@et⁵ ". Arvoisa puhemies, komissio yhtyy täysin neuvoston julkilausumaan, jossa esitämme selkeästi ja yksiselitteisesti huolemme Uzbekistanin viimeaikaisista tapahtumista. Kauhistuttava ihmishenkien menettäminen on järkyttänyt meitä. Olemme huolissamme siitä, että ihmisiä siirtyy rajan yli Kirgisian puolelle väkivaltaa pakoon, ja Uzbekistanin turvallisuusjoukkojen voimankäytöstä, jonka raportoidaan olevan liiallista ja kohtuutonta. Komissio on selvillä siitä, että Uzbekistanin kansan on pyrittävä kiireesti löytämään rauhanomainen ja kestävä ratkaisu tämänhetkiseen tilanteeseen. Komissio panee merkille kansainvälistä tutkimusta koskevan Uzbekistanin viranomaisten ehdotuksen, joka esitettiin 31. toukokuuta päivätyssä presidentti Karimovin kirjeessä Yhdysvaltojen ulkoministerille Condoleezza Ricelle. Jäljennös kirjeestä lähetettiin komission jäsenelle Ferrero-Waldnerille. On hyvin tärkeää, että Uzbekistanin viranomaiset sallivat välittömästi viimeaikaisia tapahtumia koskevan yksityiskohtaisen ja riippumattoman kansainvälisen tutkimuksen. Komissio pitää tärkeänä, että vuoropuhelua ylläpidetään ja että diplomaatit voivat välittää viestejä Uzbekistaniin. Komissio pyrki tukemaan Uzbekistanin herkkää uudistusprosessia jo ennen viimeaikaisia järkyttäviä tapahtumia. Meidän on suhtauduttava mahdollisuuksiimme realistisesti, mutta Uzbekistanin kansan kohtaloa voidaan varmasti parantaa ratkaisevasti esimerkiksi avustamalla Uzbekistanin parlamenttia nykyaikaisen lainsäädäntöelimen luomisessa. Se, mitä olemme nähneet Uzbekistanissa viime viikkoina Andijanin tapahtumien jälkeen – kauhistuttava ihmishenkien menettäminen, viranomaisten vastaus kansainväliseen kritiikkiin ja raportoitu ihmisoikeusryhmiin ja ihmisoikeuksien puolustajiin kohdistettu tehoisku – vain korostaa uudistusprosessin elossa pitämisen tärkeyttä. Tämä olisi huonoin mahdollinen hetki vetäytyä tai eristää maa, mikä ei kuitenkaan tarkoita, että meidän olisi toimittava totutulla tavalla. Komissio on jo lähettänyt virkamiesvaltuuskunnan Uzbekistaniin tutkimaan, mitä muuta voimme tehdä uudistusten tukemiseksi ja erityisesti Fergana-laakson elinolojen parantamiseksi. Viimeistelemme lähiviikkoina Tacis-ohjelman puitteissa täytäntöön pantavat ehdotuksemme. Fergana-laaksoa koskevaa nykyistä köyhyyden vähentämisohjelmaamme sovelletaan kaikissa niissä kolmessa maassa – Uzbekistanissa, Kirgisiassa ja Tadžikistanissa – joiden alueella laakso sijaitsee. Nykyisiä voimavarojamme ei hyödynnetä täysimääräisesti, ja komissio pyrkii määrätietoisesti korjaamaan tilanteen. Tällä välin työskentelemme edelleen teknistä apua koskevan Tacis-ohjelman parissa sosiaalisten ja taloudellisten uudistusten edistämiseksi sekä hallituksen tasolla että kansalaisyhteiskunnan ruohonjuuritasolla. Samalla kun vaadimme täysin riippumatonta tutkimusta tähänastisista tapahtumista, emme saa unohtaa, kuinka levottomuuksiin osallistuneita saatetaan vieläkin kohdella. On selvää, että viranomaiset pitävät kaikkea osallistumista rikollisena. Tässä yhteydessä komissio tarkastelee eräitä hankkeita, joihin lukeutuu muun muassa vankiloiden johdon ja vankien kohtelun parantaminen. Komissio kehuu Kirgisian viranomaisten – jotka ovat joutuneet kohtaamaan hyvin vaikean humanitaarisen tilanteen – ja Yhdistyneiden kansakuntien pakolaisasiain päävaltuutetun välistä yhteistyötä. Pidämme myönteisenä viimeaikaista päätöstä siirtää tämänhetkiset 475 turvapaikanhakijaa pois raja-alueelta."@fi^7,7 ". Monsieur le Président, la Commission adhère pleinement à la déclaration du Conseil qui fait part, clairement et sans ambages, de nos préoccupations quant aux récents événements survenus en Ouzbékistan. Nous avons été choqués par les décès tragiques. Nous sommes inquiets face aux migrations subséquentes de citoyens fuyant la violence et franchissant la frontière du Kirghizstan et aux rapports faisant état d’un usage excessif et disproportionné de la force par les troupes de sécurité ouzbèkes. Il est évident pour la Commission que le peuple d’Ouzbékistan doit travailler d’urgence à une solution pacifique et durable à la situation actuelle. La Commission prend note de la suggestion avancée par les autorités ouzbèkes au sujet de l’enquête internationale dans le courrier adressé le 31 mai par le président Karimov à la Secrétaire d’État américaine Condoleezza Rice, dont la commissaire Ferrero-Waldner a reçu une copie. Il est primordial que les autorités ouzbèkes autorisent immédiatement l’ouverture d’une enquête internationale indépendante sur les récents événements. La Commission estime important que le dialogue soit maintenu et que les envoyés diplomatiques puissent toujours transmettre les messages à l’Ouzbékistan. Même avant les événements choquants récents, la Commission travaillait au renforcement du fragile processus de réforme en Ouzbékistan. Il faut être réalistes sur ce qui peut être fait, mais je crois, par exemple, que travailler avec le parlement ouzbek pour aider à instaurer une législature moderne est cruciale pour l’amélioration du sort de la population de ce pays. Ce que nous avons vu ces dernières semaines en Ouzbékistan après les événements d’Andijan - non seulement les morts tragiques, mais aussi la réponse des autorités aux critiques internationales et les violences rapportées contre les organisations de défense des droits de l’homme - montre combien il est important de maintenir le processus de réforme en vie. Ce serait le pire moment pour nous retirer ou isoler le pays. Cela ne signifie toutefois pas qu’il ne faut pas réagir. La Commission a déjà envoyé une délégation officielle en Ouzbékistan pour voir ce que nous pouvons faire de plus pour soutenir les réformes et pour améliorer les conditions de vie dans la vallée de Fergana. Ces prochaines semaines, nous finaliserons nos propositions à mettre en œuvre dans le cadre du programme Tacis. Notre programme actuel de réduction de la pauvreté pour la vallée de Fergana concerne les trois pays - Ouzbékistan, Kirghizstan et Tadjikistan - qui se partagent la vallée. Les moyens actuels permettent d’en faire plus et la Commission est déterminée à ne pas manquer cette occasion. Entre-temps, nous continuerons à travailler avec le programme d’assistance technique de Tacis pour promouvoir les réformes sociales et économiques et ce, aux niveaux du gouvernement et de la société civile. Tout en plaidant pour une enquête indépendante sur les troubles récents, nous ne pouvons perdre de vue comment traiter ceux qui y ont pris part. Il est évident que les autorités considèrent toute participation comme un acte criminel. Dans ce contexte, la Commission envisage toute une série de projets, y compris l’amélioration de la gestion des prisons et le traitement des détenus. La Commission recommande la coopération entre les autorités kirghizes - qui ont dû faire face à une situation humanitaire très difficile - et le Haut-Commissariat des Nations unies pour les réfugiés. Nous nous réjouissons donc de la récente décision de reloger les demandeurs d’asile, qui sont actuellement 475, loin de la région frontalière."@fr⁸ "Mr President, the Commission fully subscribes to the Council declaration which clearly and unambiguously sets out our concerns over recent events in Uzbekistan. We have been shocked by the appalling loss of life. We are concerned by the resulting movements of people away from the violence over the border with Kyrgyzstan and by the reported excessive and disproportionate use of force by the Uzbek security forces. It is clear to the Commission that the people of Uzbekistan urgently need to work towards a peaceful and sustainable solution to the present situation. The Commission notes the suggestion made by the Uzbek authorities in relation to the international inquiry contained in the letter of 31 May from President Karimov to United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, a copy of which was sent to Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner. It is essential that the Uzbek authorities immediately allow a full independent international inquiry into the recent events. The Commission considers it important that dialogue is maintained and that it is possible for diplomatic envoys to transmit messages to Uzbekistan. Even before the shocking recent events, the Commission was working to bolster Uzbekistan’s fragile reform process. We have to be realistic about what can be achieved, but I believe that working, for example, with the Uzbek Parliament to help create a modern legislature is crucial to improving the lot of the Uzbek people. What we have seen in Uzbekistan in recent weeks, following the events in Andijan – not only the appalling loss of life, but the response by the authorities to international criticism and the reported crack-down on human rights groups and defenders – only underlines how important it is to keep the reform process alive. This would be the worst possible moment to pull out or to isolate the country. At the same time, however, this does not mean business as usual. The Commission has already sent a delegation of officials to Uzbekistan to investigate what more we can do to support reforms and importantly, to improve living conditions in the Fergana Valley. In the coming weeks, we shall be finalising our proposals to be implemented under the TACIS programme. Our existing poverty reduction programme for the Fergana Valley works in all three countries – Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan – amongst which the valley is divided. There is some scope within our existing resources to do more and the Commission is determined that the opportunity is not missed. In the meantime, we will continue to work to the TACIS technical assistance programme to promote social and economic reforms, both at the governmental and grassroots civil society level. While pushing for a fully independent investigation into the events that have already taken place, we must not lose sight of how those who took part in the unrest may yet be treated. It is clear that the authorities regard all participation as criminal. In this context, the Commission is looking at a range of projects, including improving the management of prisons and treatment of detainees. The Commission commends the cooperation between the authorities in Kyrgyzstan – who have been faced with a very difficult humanitarian situation – and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. We therefore welcome the recent decision to relocate the asylum seekers, who currently number 475, away from the border region."@hu¹¹ "Signor Presidente, la Commissione sottoscrive appieno la dichiarazione del Consiglio che definisce in maniera chiara e univoca le nostre preoccupazioni per i fatti avvenuti di recente in Uzbekistan. Siamo rimasti sconvolti dallo spaventoso numero di vittime. Siamo preoccupati per il conseguente esodo di persone in fuga dalla violenza attraverso la frontiera con il Kirghizistan, nonché per le notizie sull’eccessivo e smodato uso della forza da parte delle forze di sicurezza uzbeke. Per la Commissione è evidente che il popolo uzbeko deve adoperarsi per trovare al più presto una soluzione pacifica e sostenibile alla situazione attuale. La Commissione prende atto della proposta avanzata dalle autorità uzbeke sull’inchiesta internazionale, contenuta nella lettera che il 31 maggio il Presidente Karimov ha indirizzato al Segretario di Stato degli Stati Uniti Condoleezza Rice, di cui è stata inviata una copia al Commissario Ferrero-Waldner. E’ indispensabile che le autorità uzbeke acconsentano subito allo svolgimento di un’inchiesta internazionale assolutamente indipendente sugli ultimi avvenimenti. Per la Commissione è importante che il dialogo venga mantenuto e che gli inviati diplomatici possano trasmettere messaggi all’Uzbekistan. Anche prima degli ultimi drammatici eventi, la Commissione stava lavorando al rafforzamento del fragile processo di riforma dell’Uzbekistan. Dobbiamo essere realistici sugli obiettivi che possono essere raggiunti, ma credo che lavorare con il parlamento uzbeko per contribuire, ad esempio, alla creazione di una moderna legislatura sia fondamentale per garantire un futuro migliore al popolo uzbeko. Gli eventi ai quali abbiamo assistito in Uzbekistan nelle ultime settimane, dopo i fatti di Andijan – non solo lo spaventoso numero di morti, ma anche la risposta fornita dalle autorità alle critiche internazionali e le notizie della repressione di cui sono stati vittime i gruppi e i difensori dei diritti umani – non fanno altro che dimostrare quanto sia importante mantenere vivo il processo di riforma. Questo sarebbe il momento peggiore per abbandonare o isolare il paese. Al contempo, però, ciò non significa che dobbiamo procedere come se si trattasse di ordinaria amministrazione. La Commissione ha già inviato una delegazione di funzionari in Uzbekistan per verificare cos’altro possiamo fare per sostenere le riforme e, punto ancora più importante, per migliorare le condizioni di vita nella valle di Fergana. Nelle prossime settimane ultimeremo le nostre proposte, che dovranno essere attuate conformemente al programma TACIS. Il programma di riduzione della povertà di cui già disponiamo per la valle di Fergana è attivo in tutti e tre i paesi – Uzbekistan, Kirghizistan e Tagikistan – in cui è suddivisa la valle. Nell’ambito delle nostre attuali risorse esiste un margine che ci permetterebbe di fare qualcosa in più e la Commissione è determinata a non perdere questa opportunità. Nel frattempo continueremo a lavorare al programma di assistenza tecnica TACIS per la promozione di riforme economiche e sociali, sia al livello popolare della società civile che a livello governativo. Se da un lato dobbiamo continuare a insistere sullo svolgimento di un’inchiesta assolutamente indipendente sui fatti appena avvenuti, dall’altro non dobbiamo perdere di vista il trattamento che può ancora essere inflitto a coloro che hanno preso parte ai tumulti. E’ ovvio che le autorità considerano criminali tutti quelli che vi hanno partecipato. A tale proposito la Commissione sta esaminando una serie di progetti, tra cui il miglioramento della gestione delle carceri e il trattamento dei detenuti. La Commissione si congratula per la cooperazione instauratasi tra le autorità del Kirghizistan – che hanno dovuto affrontare una difficilissima situazione umanitaria – e l’Alto Commissario delle Nazioni Unite per i rifugiati. Accogliamo quindi con favore la recente decisione di trasferire i richiedenti asilo, il cui numero ammonta ora a 475 unità, dalla regione di confine."@it¹² "Mr President, the Commission fully subscribes to the Council declaration which clearly and unambiguously sets out our concerns over recent events in Uzbekistan. We have been shocked by the appalling loss of life. We are concerned by the resulting movements of people away from the violence over the border with Kyrgyzstan and by the reported excessive and disproportionate use of force by the Uzbek security forces. It is clear to the Commission that the people of Uzbekistan urgently need to work towards a peaceful and sustainable solution to the present situation. The Commission notes the suggestion made by the Uzbek authorities in relation to the international inquiry contained in the letter of 31 May from President Karimov to United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, a copy of which was sent to Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner. It is essential that the Uzbek authorities immediately allow a full independent international inquiry into the recent events. The Commission considers it important that dialogue is maintained and that it is possible for diplomatic envoys to transmit messages to Uzbekistan. Even before the shocking recent events, the Commission was working to bolster Uzbekistan’s fragile reform process. We have to be realistic about what can be achieved, but I believe that working, for example, with the Uzbek Parliament to help create a modern legislature is crucial to improving the lot of the Uzbek people. What we have seen in Uzbekistan in recent weeks, following the events in Andijan – not only the appalling loss of life, but the response by the authorities to international criticism and the reported crack-down on human rights groups and defenders – only underlines how important it is to keep the reform process alive. This would be the worst possible moment to pull out or to isolate the country. At the same time, however, this does not mean business as usual. The Commission has already sent a delegation of officials to Uzbekistan to investigate what more we can do to support reforms and importantly, to improve living conditions in the Fergana Valley. In the coming weeks, we shall be finalising our proposals to be implemented under the TACIS programme. Our existing poverty reduction programme for the Fergana Valley works in all three countries – Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan – amongst which the valley is divided. There is some scope within our existing resources to do more and the Commission is determined that the opportunity is not missed. In the meantime, we will continue to work to the TACIS technical assistance programme to promote social and economic reforms, both at the governmental and grassroots civil society level. While pushing for a fully independent investigation into the events that have already taken place, we must not lose sight of how those who took part in the unrest may yet be treated. It is clear that the authorities regard all participation as criminal. In this context, the Commission is looking at a range of projects, including improving the management of prisons and treatment of detainees. The Commission commends the cooperation between the authorities in Kyrgyzstan – who have been faced with a very difficult humanitarian situation – and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. We therefore welcome the recent decision to relocate the asylum seekers, who currently number 475, away from the border region."@lt¹⁴ "Mr President, the Commission fully subscribes to the Council declaration which clearly and unambiguously sets out our concerns over recent events in Uzbekistan. We have been shocked by the appalling loss of life. We are concerned by the resulting movements of people away from the violence over the border with Kyrgyzstan and by the reported excessive and disproportionate use of force by the Uzbek security forces. It is clear to the Commission that the people of Uzbekistan urgently need to work towards a peaceful and sustainable solution to the present situation. The Commission notes the suggestion made by the Uzbek authorities in relation to the international inquiry contained in the letter of 31 May from President Karimov to United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, a copy of which was sent to Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner. It is essential that the Uzbek authorities immediately allow a full independent international inquiry into the recent events. The Commission considers it important that dialogue is maintained and that it is possible for diplomatic envoys to transmit messages to Uzbekistan. Even before the shocking recent events, the Commission was working to bolster Uzbekistan’s fragile reform process. We have to be realistic about what can be achieved, but I believe that working, for example, with the Uzbek Parliament to help create a modern legislature is crucial to improving the lot of the Uzbek people. What we have seen in Uzbekistan in recent weeks, following the events in Andijan – not only the appalling loss of life, but the response by the authorities to international criticism and the reported crack-down on human rights groups and defenders – only underlines how important it is to keep the reform process alive. This would be the worst possible moment to pull out or to isolate the country. At the same time, however, this does not mean business as usual. The Commission has already sent a delegation of officials to Uzbekistan to investigate what more we can do to support reforms and importantly, to improve living conditions in the Fergana Valley. In the coming weeks, we shall be finalising our proposals to be implemented under the TACIS programme. Our existing poverty reduction programme for the Fergana Valley works in all three countries – Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan – amongst which the valley is divided. There is some scope within our existing resources to do more and the Commission is determined that the opportunity is not missed. In the meantime, we will continue to work to the TACIS technical assistance programme to promote social and economic reforms, both at the governmental and grassroots civil society level. While pushing for a fully independent investigation into the events that have already taken place, we must not lose sight of how those who took part in the unrest may yet be treated. It is clear that the authorities regard all participation as criminal. In this context, the Commission is looking at a range of projects, including improving the management of prisons and treatment of detainees. The Commission commends the cooperation between the authorities in Kyrgyzstan – who have been faced with a very difficult humanitarian situation – and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. We therefore welcome the recent decision to relocate the asylum seekers, who currently number 475, away from the border region."@lv¹³ "Mr President, the Commission fully subscribes to the Council declaration which clearly and unambiguously sets out our concerns over recent events in Uzbekistan. We have been shocked by the appalling loss of life. We are concerned by the resulting movements of people away from the violence over the border with Kyrgyzstan and by the reported excessive and disproportionate use of force by the Uzbek security forces. It is clear to the Commission that the people of Uzbekistan urgently need to work towards a peaceful and sustainable solution to the present situation. The Commission notes the suggestion made by the Uzbek authorities in relation to the international inquiry contained in the letter of 31 May from President Karimov to United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, a copy of which was sent to Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner. It is essential that the Uzbek authorities immediately allow a full independent international inquiry into the recent events. The Commission considers it important that dialogue is maintained and that it is possible for diplomatic envoys to transmit messages to Uzbekistan. Even before the shocking recent events, the Commission was working to bolster Uzbekistan’s fragile reform process. We have to be realistic about what can be achieved, but I believe that working, for example, with the Uzbek Parliament to help create a modern legislature is crucial to improving the lot of the Uzbek people. What we have seen in Uzbekistan in recent weeks, following the events in Andijan – not only the appalling loss of life, but the response by the authorities to international criticism and the reported crack-down on human rights groups and defenders – only underlines how important it is to keep the reform process alive. This would be the worst possible moment to pull out or to isolate the country. At the same time, however, this does not mean business as usual. The Commission has already sent a delegation of officials to Uzbekistan to investigate what more we can do to support reforms and importantly, to improve living conditions in the Fergana Valley. In the coming weeks, we shall be finalising our proposals to be implemented under the TACIS programme. Our existing poverty reduction programme for the Fergana Valley works in all three countries – Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan – amongst which the valley is divided. There is some scope within our existing resources to do more and the Commission is determined that the opportunity is not missed. In the meantime, we will continue to work to the TACIS technical assistance programme to promote social and economic reforms, both at the governmental and grassroots civil society level. While pushing for a fully independent investigation into the events that have already taken place, we must not lose sight of how those who took part in the unrest may yet be treated. It is clear that the authorities regard all participation as criminal. In this context, the Commission is looking at a range of projects, including improving the management of prisons and treatment of detainees. The Commission commends the cooperation between the authorities in Kyrgyzstan – who have been faced with a very difficult humanitarian situation – and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. We therefore welcome the recent decision to relocate the asylum seekers, who currently number 475, away from the border region."@mt¹⁵ "Mijnheer de Voorzitter, de Commissie onderschrijft de verklaring van de Raad volledig, omdat daarin duidelijk en ondubbelzinnig onze bezorgdheid over de recente gebeurtenissen in Oezbekistan tot uiting komt. Wij zijn geschokt door het verschrikkelijke verlies aan mensenlevens. Wij zijn bezorgd over de mensen die het geweld willen ontlopen en naar Kirgizië vluchten. Tot slot zijn wij ook bezorgd over het gerapporteerde buitensporige en disproportionele gebruik van geweld door de Oezbeekse veiligheidstroepen. De Commissie is van mening dat Oezbekistan dringend naar een vreedzame en duurzame oplossing van de huidige situatie dient te streven. De Commissie heeft kennis genomen van het voorstel van de Oezbeekse autoriteiten in verband met het internationale onderzoek, zoals vervat in de brief van 31 mei van president Karimov aan de Amerikaanse minister van Buitenlandse Zaken Condoleezza Rice. Commissaris Ferrero-Waldner heeft ook een exemplaar van deze brief ontvangen. Het is van essentieel belang dat de Oezbeekse autoriteiten onverwijld toestemming geven voor een onafhankelijk internationaal onderzoek naar de recente gebeurtenissen. De Commissie acht het ook van belang dat de dialoog in stand wordt gehouden en dat diplomatieke vertegenwoordigers de mogelijkheid blijven houden om met Oezbekistan te communiceren. De Commissie was overigens zelfs al voor de schokkende recente gebeurtenissen bezig met het verstevigen van het fragiele hervormingsproces in Oezbekistan. Wij moeten uiteraard reëel zijn over wat wij uiteindelijk kunnen bereiken, maar naar mijn idee is het van cruciaal belang dat met bijvoorbeeld het Oezbeekse parlement een samenwerking tot stand wordt gebracht voor het tot stand brengen van een moderne wetgevende macht en de verbetering van het lot van de Oezbeekse bevolking. Wat wij de afgelopen weken in Oezbekistan, na de gebeurtenissen in Andijan, hebben gezien - niet alleen het verschrikkelijke verlies aan mensenlevens, maar ook de reactie van de autoriteiten op de internationale kritiek en de berichten over de strafexpeditie tegen belangengroepen en activisten voor de mensenrechten - onderstreept nog eens hoe belangrijk het is dat het hervormingsproces niet tot stilstand komt. Het is nu het slechtst denkbare moment om ons terug te trekken en het land te isoleren. Dat betekent echter niet dat het nu weer is. De Commissie heeft inmiddels al een officiële delegatie naar Oezbekistan gestuurd om te onderzoeken wat wij nog meer kunnen doen om de hervormingen te ondersteunen en de leefomstandigheden in de Ferganavallei te verbeteren. Dat laatste is van groot belang. In de komende weken zullen wij onze voorstellen afronden voor de maatregelen die in het kader van het TACIS-programma ten uitvoer kunnen worden gelegd. Het bestaande programma voor de armoedebestrijding bestrijkt alledrie de landen waarin de Ferganavallei is gelegen, namelijk Oezbekistan, Kirgizië en Tadzjikistan. Er is nog wat ruimte binnen de aanwezige middelen om meer actie te ondernemen en de Commissie is vastbesloten om deze kans ook te benutten. In de tussentijd zullen wij onze activiteiten in het kader van het TACIS-programma voor technische bijstand voortzetten om sociale en economische hervormingen te bewerkstelligen, zowel op het niveau van de overheid als van de maatschappelijke basisorganisaties. Wij blijven aansturen op een volledig onafhankelijk onderzoek naar de gebeurtenissen die hebben plaatsgevonden, maar wij mogen ook niet uit het oog verliezen hoe de betrokkenen bij deze rebellie behandeld zullen worden. Het is duidelijk dat de autoriteiten elke vorm van betrokkenheid als een strafbaar feit zullen aanmerken. In dit verband bestudeert de Commissie een scala aan projecten, inclusief projecten voor het verbeteren van het gevangenisbeheer en de behandeling van gedetineerden. De Commissie is vol lof over de samenwerking tussen de autoriteiten in Kirgizië - die met een zeer problematische humanitaire situatie zijn geconfronteerd - en de Hoge Commissaris voor de vluchtelingen van de Verenigde Naties. Wij zijn dan ook blij met het recente besluit om de asielzoekers - op dit moment zijn het er 475 - op een andere locatie buiten de grensregio onder te brengen."@nl³ "Mr President, the Commission fully subscribes to the Council declaration which clearly and unambiguously sets out our concerns over recent events in Uzbekistan. We have been shocked by the appalling loss of life. We are concerned by the resulting movements of people away from the violence over the border with Kyrgyzstan and by the reported excessive and disproportionate use of force by the Uzbek security forces. It is clear to the Commission that the people of Uzbekistan urgently need to work towards a peaceful and sustainable solution to the present situation. The Commission notes the suggestion made by the Uzbek authorities in relation to the international inquiry contained in the letter of 31 May from President Karimov to United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, a copy of which was sent to Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner. It is essential that the Uzbek authorities immediately allow a full independent international inquiry into the recent events. The Commission considers it important that dialogue is maintained and that it is possible for diplomatic envoys to transmit messages to Uzbekistan. Even before the shocking recent events, the Commission was working to bolster Uzbekistan’s fragile reform process. We have to be realistic about what can be achieved, but I believe that working, for example, with the Uzbek Parliament to help create a modern legislature is crucial to improving the lot of the Uzbek people. What we have seen in Uzbekistan in recent weeks, following the events in Andijan – not only the appalling loss of life, but the response by the authorities to international criticism and the reported crack-down on human rights groups and defenders – only underlines how important it is to keep the reform process alive. This would be the worst possible moment to pull out or to isolate the country. At the same time, however, this does not mean business as usual. The Commission has already sent a delegation of officials to Uzbekistan to investigate what more we can do to support reforms and importantly, to improve living conditions in the Fergana Valley. In the coming weeks, we shall be finalising our proposals to be implemented under the TACIS programme. Our existing poverty reduction programme for the Fergana Valley works in all three countries – Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan – amongst which the valley is divided. There is some scope within our existing resources to do more and the Commission is determined that the opportunity is not missed. In the meantime, we will continue to work to the TACIS technical assistance programme to promote social and economic reforms, both at the governmental and grassroots civil society level. While pushing for a fully independent investigation into the events that have already taken place, we must not lose sight of how those who took part in the unrest may yet be treated. It is clear that the authorities regard all participation as criminal. In this context, the Commission is looking at a range of projects, including improving the management of prisons and treatment of detainees. The Commission commends the cooperation between the authorities in Kyrgyzstan – who have been faced with a very difficult humanitarian situation – and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. We therefore welcome the recent decision to relocate the asylum seekers, who currently number 475, away from the border region."@pl¹⁶ "Senhor Presidente, a Comissão subscreve inteiramente a declaração do Conselho que, de forma clara e sem ambiguidades, explicita as nossas preocupações acerca dos recentes acontecimentos no Usbequistão. Ficámos chocados com o número assustador de vítimas mortais. Estamos preocupados com os consequentes movimentos de pessoas que fogem à violência atravessando a fronteira com o Quirguizistão e com o uso alegadamente excessivo e desproporcionado da força por parte das forças de segurança usbeques. Para a Comissão é claro que o povo do Usbequistão precisa urgentemente de trabalhar para encontrar uma solução pacífica e sustentável para a actual situação. A Comissão regista a sugestão feita pelas autoridades usbeques em relação ao inquérito internacional, contida na carta de 31 de Maio enviada pelo Presidente Karimov à Secretária de Estado norte-americana Condoleezza Rice; a Senhora Comissária Ferrero-Waldner recebeu uma cópia dessa carta. É essencial que as autoridades usbeques autorizem de imediato a realização de um cabal inquérito internacional independente aos recentes acontecimentos. A Comissão considera importante a manutenção do diálogo e considera possível a transmissão de mensagens ao Usbequistão através de enviados diplomáticos. Mesmo antes dos chocantes acontecimentos recentemente ocorridos, a Comissão estava a trabalhar para apoiar o frágil processo de reforma do Usbequistão. Temos de ser realistas acerca do que é possível alcançar, mas creio que a colaboração, por exemplo, com o parlamento usbeque para contribuir para a criação de um poder legislativo moderno é crucial para melhorar a sorte do povo usbeque. Aquilo a que assistimos no Usbequistão nas últimas semanas, na sequência dos acontecimentos em Andijan - não apenas o assustador número de vítimas, mas também a resposta das autoridades às críticas internacionais e as notícias da repressão de que foram avo grupos de defesa e defensores dos direitos humanos - só vem sublinhar a importância de manter vivo o processo de reforma. Este seria o pior momento possível para sair do país ou para o isolar. Ao mesmo tempo, porém, isso não significa que se continue a proceder com se nada se tivesse passado. A Comissão já enviou uma delegação de funcionários ao Usbequistão para investigar que mais poderemos fazer para apoiar reformas e, o que é importante, para melhorar as condições de vida no Vale de Ferghana. Nas próximas semanas ultimaremos as nossas propostas que vão ser executadas no âmbito do programa TACIS. O nosso actual programa de redução da pobreza para o Vale de Ferghana actua nos três países entre os quais o vale está dividido - Usbequistão, Quiguizistão e Tajiquistão. Os recursos de que actualmente dispomos ainda nos deixam alguma margem para fazermos mais, e a Comissão está decidida a não perder a oportunidade. Entretanto, vamos continuar a trabalhar para o programa de assistência técnica TACIS, a fim de promovermos reformas sociais e económicas tanto a nível governamental como a nível das bases da sociedade civil. Ao mesmo tempo que insistimos numa investigação totalmente independente dos acontecimentos já ocorridos, não devemos perder de vista a forma como ainda poderão ser tratados os que tomaram parte nos distúrbios. É evidente que as autoridades consideram que toda a participação é um acto criminoso. Nesse contexto, a Comissão está a estudar uma série de projectos, de que fazem parte a melhoria da gestão das prisões e o tratamento dos reclusos. A Comissão louva a cooperação existente entre as autoridades do Quirguizistão - que se têm visto a braços com uma dificílima situação humanitária - e o Alto-Comissário das Nações Unidas para os Refugiados. Saudamos, por isso, a recente decisão de deslocar os requerentes de asilo, que neste momento são em número de 475, afastando-os da região fronteiriça."@pt¹⁷ "Mr President, the Commission fully subscribes to the Council declaration which clearly and unambiguously sets out our concerns over recent events in Uzbekistan. We have been shocked by the appalling loss of life. We are concerned by the resulting movements of people away from the violence over the border with Kyrgyzstan and by the reported excessive and disproportionate use of force by the Uzbek security forces. It is clear to the Commission that the people of Uzbekistan urgently need to work towards a peaceful and sustainable solution to the present situation. The Commission notes the suggestion made by the Uzbek authorities in relation to the international inquiry contained in the letter of 31 May from President Karimov to United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, a copy of which was sent to Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner. It is essential that the Uzbek authorities immediately allow a full independent international inquiry into the recent events. The Commission considers it important that dialogue is maintained and that it is possible for diplomatic envoys to transmit messages to Uzbekistan. Even before the shocking recent events, the Commission was working to bolster Uzbekistan’s fragile reform process. We have to be realistic about what can be achieved, but I believe that working, for example, with the Uzbek Parliament to help create a modern legislature is crucial to improving the lot of the Uzbek people. What we have seen in Uzbekistan in recent weeks, following the events in Andijan – not only the appalling loss of life, but the response by the authorities to international criticism and the reported crack-down on human rights groups and defenders – only underlines how important it is to keep the reform process alive. This would be the worst possible moment to pull out or to isolate the country. At the same time, however, this does not mean business as usual. The Commission has already sent a delegation of officials to Uzbekistan to investigate what more we can do to support reforms and importantly, to improve living conditions in the Fergana Valley. In the coming weeks, we shall be finalising our proposals to be implemented under the TACIS programme. Our existing poverty reduction programme for the Fergana Valley works in all three countries – Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan – amongst which the valley is divided. There is some scope within our existing resources to do more and the Commission is determined that the opportunity is not missed. In the meantime, we will continue to work to the TACIS technical assistance programme to promote social and economic reforms, both at the governmental and grassroots civil society level. While pushing for a fully independent investigation into the events that have already taken place, we must not lose sight of how those who took part in the unrest may yet be treated. It is clear that the authorities regard all participation as criminal. In this context, the Commission is looking at a range of projects, including improving the management of prisons and treatment of detainees. The Commission commends the cooperation between the authorities in Kyrgyzstan – who have been faced with a very difficult humanitarian situation – and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. We therefore welcome the recent decision to relocate the asylum seekers, who currently number 475, away from the border region."@sk¹⁸ "Mr President, the Commission fully subscribes to the Council declaration which clearly and unambiguously sets out our concerns over recent events in Uzbekistan. We have been shocked by the appalling loss of life. We are concerned by the resulting movements of people away from the violence over the border with Kyrgyzstan and by the reported excessive and disproportionate use of force by the Uzbek security forces. It is clear to the Commission that the people of Uzbekistan urgently need to work towards a peaceful and sustainable solution to the present situation. The Commission notes the suggestion made by the Uzbek authorities in relation to the international inquiry contained in the letter of 31 May from President Karimov to United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, a copy of which was sent to Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner. It is essential that the Uzbek authorities immediately allow a full independent international inquiry into the recent events. The Commission considers it important that dialogue is maintained and that it is possible for diplomatic envoys to transmit messages to Uzbekistan. Even before the shocking recent events, the Commission was working to bolster Uzbekistan’s fragile reform process. We have to be realistic about what can be achieved, but I believe that working, for example, with the Uzbek Parliament to help create a modern legislature is crucial to improving the lot of the Uzbek people. What we have seen in Uzbekistan in recent weeks, following the events in Andijan – not only the appalling loss of life, but the response by the authorities to international criticism and the reported crack-down on human rights groups and defenders – only underlines how important it is to keep the reform process alive. This would be the worst possible moment to pull out or to isolate the country. At the same time, however, this does not mean business as usual. The Commission has already sent a delegation of officials to Uzbekistan to investigate what more we can do to support reforms and importantly, to improve living conditions in the Fergana Valley. In the coming weeks, we shall be finalising our proposals to be implemented under the TACIS programme. Our existing poverty reduction programme for the Fergana Valley works in all three countries – Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan – amongst which the valley is divided. There is some scope within our existing resources to do more and the Commission is determined that the opportunity is not missed. In the meantime, we will continue to work to the TACIS technical assistance programme to promote social and economic reforms, both at the governmental and grassroots civil society level. While pushing for a fully independent investigation into the events that have already taken place, we must not lose sight of how those who took part in the unrest may yet be treated. It is clear that the authorities regard all participation as criminal. In this context, the Commission is looking at a range of projects, including improving the management of prisons and treatment of detainees. The Commission commends the cooperation between the authorities in Kyrgyzstan – who have been faced with a very difficult humanitarian situation – and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. We therefore welcome the recent decision to relocate the asylum seekers, who currently number 475, away from the border region."@sl¹⁹ ". Herr talman! Kommissionen instämmer helt i rådets förklaring där det klart och entydigt framgår att vi är bekymrade över den senaste tidens händelser i Uzbekistan. Vi är chockerade över de upprörande förlusterna av människoliv. Vi är oroade över den därav följande människoflykten bort från våldet över gränsen till Kirgizistan och över rapporterna om de uzbekiska säkerhetsstyrkornas överdrivna och oproportionerliga våldsutövning. Det står klart för kommissionen att människorna i Uzbekistan skyndsamt måste arbeta för en fredlig och hållbar lösning på det rådande läget. Kommissionen noterar det förslag som de uzbekiska myndigheterna lämnade i samband med den internationella förfrågan i en skrivelse av den 31 maj från president Islam Karimov till Förenta staternas utrikesminister Condoleezza Rice. En kopia av skrivelsen skickades till kommissionsledamot Benita Ferrero-Waldner. Det är mycket viktigt att de uzbekiska myndigheterna omedelbart tillåter en fullständig och oberoende internationell undersökning av de senaste händelserna. Kommissionen anser det viktigt att dialogen upprätthålls och att det är möjligt för diplomatiska sändebud att överlämna meddelanden till Uzbekistan. Även före de chockerande händelserna nyligen arbetade kommissionen på att stärka Uzbekistans sköra reformprocess. Vi måste se realistiskt på vad som kan uppnås, men jag anser exempelvis att samarbete med det uzbekiska parlamentet för att hjälpa till att skapa en modern lagstiftande församling är av avgörande betydelse för att förbättra det uzbekiska folkets lott. Under de senaste veckorna har vi inte bara efter händelserna i Andijan sett prov på upprörande förluster av liv, utan också myndigheternas reaktion på den internationella kritiken samt rapporterna om kraftåtgärderna mot människorättsgrupper och människorättsaktivister, vilket endast understryker hur viktigt det är att hålla reformprocessen vid liv. Detta skulle vara sämsta möjliga tillfälle att dra sig tillbaka eller att isolera landet. Samtidigt får detta dock inte innebära att allt får lov fortsätta som vanligt. Kommissionen har redan skickat en tjänstemannadelegation till Uzbekistan för att ta reda på vad vi mer kan göra för att stödja reformer och inte minst förbättra levnadsförhållandena i Ferganadalen. Under kommande veckor skall vi färdigställa våra förslag till vad som skall genomföras inom Tacisprogrammet. Vårt nuvarande fattigdomsbekämpningsprogram för Ferganadalen är verksamt i alla de tre länder som dalen är uppdelad mellan – Uzbekistan, Kirgizistan och Tadzjikistan. Det finns ett visst utrymme inom ramen för befintliga resurser att göra mer, och kommissionen är fast besluten att se till att denna möjlighet inte går förlorad. Under tiden fortsätter vi att arbeta med Tacisprogrammets tekniska bistånd för att främja sociala och ekonomiska reformer, både på stats- och gräsrotsnivå. Samtidigt som vi trycker på för en helt oberoende undersökning av händelser som redan har inträffat, får vi inte förlora ur sikte hur de som deltog i oroligheterna kanske fortfarande behandlas. Det är uppenbart att myndigheterna betraktar allt deltagande som kriminellt. I detta sammanhang tittar kommissionen på en rad olika projekt, däribland bättre fängelseledning och bättre behandling av fängslade. Kommissionen berömmer samarbetet mellan myndigheterna i Kirgizistan – som står inför en mycket svår humanitär situation – och Förenta nationernas flyktingkommissarie. Vi välkomnar därför det senaste beslutet att flytta de asylsökande, som för närvarande uppgår till 475, bort från gränstrakterna."@sv²¹
lpv:unclassifiedMetadata	"Joe Borg,"^{5,19,15,1,18,14,16,11,13,4} "Member of the Commission"^{5,19,15,1,18,14,16,11,11,13,4} "business as usual"³