…the European Council, at its meeting on January 31…

European Council presents Uzbek textiles with tariff privileges

…despite the fact that Uzbek textiles are made from cotton harvested by the slave labor of children

*    *    *

Activists and friends of Uzbekistan’s civil society

call for a review of this decision

and for a boycott of Uzbek cotton and textiles.

Upon the conclusion of the scandalous visit of Uzbekistan’s dictator, Islam Karimov, to Brussels, European Commission President José Manuel Barroso, in a statement issued on January 24, 2011, touched on the issue of child labor and called on Karimov to receive an ILO monitoring mission.

EU officials periodically demonstrate this kind of concern about human rights in Uzbekistan. But such practices have only shown that such verbal exhortations have not resulted in real, practical results.

But how does Brussels uses all the levers at its disposal, which could actually affect the human rights situation in Uzbekistan?

Just a few days after Islam Karimov’s controversial visit to Brussels, a visit that became the subject of widespread criticism in the media and civil society, the European Council, at its meeting on January 31, approved the signature of a protocol for an agreement of partnership and cooperation between the EU and Uzbekistan, which extends to trade in textiles. The text of the protocol seeks the approval of the European Parliament.

In practical terms, the signing of the protocol means giving Uzbek textiles various tariff and custom privileges and free access to European markets. Furthermore, this decision sends a political signal to all interested parties that there is nothing wrong in importing textiles from Uzbekistan. It is noteworthy that this decision was taken against the backdrop of an expanding boycott of Uzbek cotton and cotton products due to ethical considerations by a number of Western companies. Apparently, these ethical considerations were completely alien to the authors of the protocol.

Taking into consideration that the textile industry of Uzbekistan uses raw cotton that is harvested by the forced labor of hundreds of thousands of Uzbek children and students, the decision to trade in such textiles can only be interpreted as a silent and de facto encouragement of the practice of forced and child labor that violates the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the ILO Conventions on Forced and Child Labor, as well as other norms of international law on human rights.

We would like to remind that, despite Uzbekistan’s adoption of laws prohibiting child labor, as well as Uzbekistan’s international commitments, the widespread practice of forcing children as well as students from colleges and universities, as well as civil servants, has not ended in Uzbekistan since the Stalin era. The exploitation of child labor has only intensified after Uzbekistan became an independent state.

In this case, unlike in other developing countries, child labor in Uzbekistan is encouraged and organized by the state. Schools, colleges, and universities are closed for two-to-three months every cotton season.  This is done with the consent of the Ministries of General and Higher Education. Decrees with directions for children and students are issued by the local authorities, who in turn serve the central government. Those families who refuse to send their children to pick cotton are subject to intimidation, threatened with the loss of social benefits, gas supply, water, electricity, while their children are threatened with exclusion from educational institutions.

Just as children are victims of this system, so are the farmers who have no right to choose what they sow on their land, and at what price they may sell the harvested cotton. The lion’s share of profit from cotton exports goes into the pockets of a small circle of people around the president, and to support the repressive apparatus.

Although an ILO monitoring mission is still not allowed entry to Uzbekistan, Uzbek human rights defenders, journalists, and activists were able to gather enough materials to document large-scale forced labor practices. Copies of their reports on their research findings were sent to various offices of the European Union. Thus, the individuals preparing the decision of the European Council on textile cooperation with Uzbekistan cannot claim that they were not informed on this issue. If necessary, these reports can be provided again.

We are not opposed to social and economic cooperation between the EU and Uzbekistan. But we believe that the cotton and textile industries should be excluded from this cooperation, as these sectors are based on large scale and systematic violations of human rights, in particular the rights of children to education.

The decision of the European Council sends the wrong message to European institutions, companies, and communities, as well as to the Government and people of Uzbekistan. It is at odds with the obligations of the EU to promote human rights in Central Asia.

If the European Council considers that sanctions against Uzbekistan are counterproductive, then it is questionable why, in the same document, dated January 31, sanctions are imposed against Belarus, whose regime is, compared with Uzbekistan, not less harsh towards its citizens. Where is the logic and consistency in the actions of the European Council?

Based on the above, we call for:

· European Council – to inform the public and the press about the reasons for its decision, to reconsider its decision to approve the protocol, as it relates to trade in textiles.

· European Parliament, and all of its factions – before making a decision on the text of the protocol in its current form, to hold consultations with civil society representatives and to make a decision taking into account international law on human rights.

· European Commission – to suspend the Generalized System of Preferences under which Uzbek cotton and textiles were exempted from EU custom tariffs and taxes, and have preferential access to European markets.

· European companies importing cotton – to boycott Uzbek cotton.

· European trading houses, associations and retailers – to boycott textile products from Uzbekistan, including joint ventures producing textiles in this country.

· Citizens of EU countries – send their letters of protest to their MPs to the European Parliament, to use their voice to defend Uzbek children; send letters of protest directly to the European Council and to the European Commission to reconsider their decision to cooperate with Uzbekistan in the field of trade in textiles.

These measures must be taken until Uzbekistan discontinues the practice of forced labor and the ILO, through an independent analysis, confirms that this practice has ended.

*  *  *

Speaking at the annual Munich Security Conference on 5 February 2011, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany said that the European Union should make no compromises when it comes to defending human rights in any regions of the world. ‘There should be no compromises,’ she said.  We hope the same approach will be applied to Uzbekistan as well.

Those wishing to join the petition, send your letters to:  asiecentrale@neuf.fr

Signed:

Uzbekistan:

1. Jodgor Obid, poet, member of International PEN, Austria

2. ?utabar Tajibayeva, head of the Human Rights Club “Flaming Heart”, France

3. Abdujalil Boymatov, Chairman of the Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan, Ireland

4. Bashorat Eshova, ?oordinator of the Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan in Switzerland

5. Gulshan Karaeva, chairman of Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan, Kashkadarya Region, Uzbekistan

6. Ismail Dadajonov, chairman of the Democratic Forum of Uzbekistan, Sweden

7. Nadejda Atayeva, president of the Association for Human Rights in Central Asia, France

8. Bakhodir Namazov, Committee to release prisoners of conscience in Uzbekistan

9. Tulkin Qoraev, the Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan, Sweden

10. Avaz Fayazov, The international organization Human Rights Defenders, Sweden

1. 11.Yusuf Rasulov, Journalist, Sweden

11. Abdurahimov Abdulatif, Political refugee Sweden

12. Dilmurod Isakov, Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan Ezgulik, Sweden

13. Abdumalik Bakaev, Political refugee Sweden

14. Avaz Isakov, Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan Ezgulik, Sweden

15. Yusupov Bayramali, Political refugee, Denmark

16. Rafik Ganiev, Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan Ezgulik, Sweden

17. Nabijon Norbutaev, Political Party Birlik, Sweden

18. Muhiddin Qurbonov,The international organization Human Rights Defenders, Sweden

19. Asadullo Ahmedov, Political refugee, Norway

20. Dildora Ahmedova, Political refugee, Norway

21. Daniel Anderson, Political refugee, Norway

22. Devid Anderson, Political refugee, Norway

23. Shavkat Hodjaev, Political Party Birlik

24. Rufiya Kiyamova, Political Party Birlik

25. Ota Rahimov, the Democratic Forum of Uzbekistan

26. Davlat Kozimov, the Democratic Forum of Uzbekistan

27. Saodat Kazimova, the Democratic Forum of Uzbekistan

28. Zahro Kazimova, the Democratic Forum of Uzbekistan

29. Bek Davronov, refugee

30. Ishanov Zubayd, refugee

31. Ibodat Karimova, refugee

32. Anvar Karimov, Political refugee, USA

33. Avaz Karimov, Political refugee, USA

34. Ayub Karimov, Political refugee, USA

35. Inom Bobohonov, Political Party Birlik

36. Ilhom Bobohonov, Political refugee, USA

37. Shamsuddin Isomutdinov, the Democratic Forum of Uzbekistan

38. Rustam Qobimov, the Democratic Forum of Uzbekistan

39. Farida Qosimova, the Democratic Forum of Uzbekistan

40. Karim Suyunov, the Democratic Forum of Uzbekistan

41. Rafik Eshmatov, the Democratic Forum of Uzbekistan

42. Bek Alibekov, the Democratic Forum of Uzbekistan

43. Jamshid Bokiev, Human Rights Society of Uzbekistan Ezgulik, Sweden

44. Muhammadsolih Abutov, “Tayanch”, Sweden

45. Dustnazar Hudoynazarov, Political Party ERK, Sweden

46. Asror Egamberdiev, Political refugee, Sweden

47. Khusniddin Kutbiddinov, journalist, Uzbekistan

48. Ulugbek Khaydarov, journalist, Canada

49. Hait Gafurov, Political party Birlik, Sweden

50. Hotam Hodjimatov, Human rights activist, Norway

51. Ulugbek Zaynabitdinov, member of political party Birlik, Sweden

52. Komil Ruzimatov, the Democratic Forum of Uzbekistan, Ukraine

53. Jalil Ikramov, the Democratic Forum of Uzbekistan, Ukraine

54. Abbos Kurbanov, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

55. Abduvokhid Yuldashev, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

56. Abdullatif Abdurakhimov, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

57. Abdulmalik Nazarov, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

58. Abdulfattoh Nazarov, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

59. Abdulkhak Khodjiev, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

60. Abdussabur Khodjiev, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

61. Aziz Mannanov, Uzbek citizen, United Kingdom

62. Akmaljon Karimov, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

63. Ali Zunur, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

64. Asmo Ibrahim, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

65. Asror Egamberdiyev, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

66. Bayramali Yusupov, Uzbek citizen, Denmark

67. Bakhtiyor Mullayev, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

68. Davron Makhamatov, Uzbek citizen, USA

69. Daniel Egmberdson, Uzbek citizen, USA

70. Dilmurod Turopov, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

71. Dilnoza Toshmukhamedova, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

72. Dilfuza Inagamboeva, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

73. Dovudkhon Nazarov, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

74. Durbek Khudoynazarov, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

75. Jamila Makhmudova, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

76. Jamshid Shamuratov, Uzbek citizen, USA

77. Jakhongir Khodjaev, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

78. Alisher Ilkahmov, Uzbek citizen, Uzbekistan

79. Jobir Aslonov, Uzbek citizen, USA

80. Ziyodjon Shokirov, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

81. Zilola Mannapova, Uzbek citizen, Denmark

82. Zulkhumor Khamzaeva, Uzbek citizen, USA

83. Zukhra Djalilova, Uzbek citizen, USA

84. Malika Sodikova, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

85. Mamlakat Nazarova, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

86. Mamurjon Khayitboev, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

87. Matluba Rakhimqulova, Uzbek citizen, USA

88. Makhdiya Nazarova, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

89. Minnura Nasridinova, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

90. Mirrakhmat Muminov, Uzbek citizen, USA

91. Muzaffar Abduarkhimov, Uzbek citizen, United Kingdom

92. Muqimjon Makhmudov, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

93. Mumin Kodirov, Uzbek citizen, USA

94. Murod Rakhmatullaev, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

95. Muslima Nazarova, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

96. Muhammad Rafiq Nasibov, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

97. Mukhibulloh Khodjiev, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

98. Mukhiddin Inagamboev, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

99. Mukhlisa Azimova, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

100. Mukhsin Abdurabbikh, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

101. Nasiba Shokirova, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

102. Nodira Tallaboeva, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

103. Omina Yuldosheva, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

104. Obidkhon Nazarov, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

105. Radik Migranov, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

106. Raykhon Abdurabbikh, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

107. Rano Nadjimkhodjaeva, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

108. Roziya Samieva, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

109. Rustam Toshmukhamedov, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

110. Saidakbar Inoyatov, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

111. Sanjar Khushmurodov, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

112. Safiya Zunur, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

113. Safiya Egmberdson, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

114. Sevinch Asadova, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

115. Sobir Kurbonov, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

116. Sojida Valieva, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

117. Solikh Ibrokhim, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

118. Sohiba Otajonova, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

119. Tursunali Iskhakov, Uzbek citizen, USA

120. Tutiyagul Migranov, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

121. Umida Rakhmonberdieva, Uzbek citizen, USA

122. Umida Yusupova, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

123. Utkir Rakkhimqulov, Uzbek citizen, USA

124. Ulmas Norkobilov, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

125. Fazilat Khidoyatova, Uzbek citizen, USA

126. Fanil Migranov, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

127. Farkhod Toshmukhamedov, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

128. Feruza Iskhakova, Uzbek citizen, USA

129. Feruza Makhmudova, Uzbek citizen, USA

130. Fotima Khofizova, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

131. Khamid Makhmudov, Uzbek citizen, USA

132. Khasan Temirov, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

133. Khilolakhon Yuldasheva, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

134. Khoshim Khodjiev, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

135. Khusniya Shanbieva, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

136. Shakhlo Inoyatova, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

137. Shakhlo Shamuratova, Uzbek citizen, USA

138. Sherali Rustamov, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

139. Shodida Kodirova, Uzbek citizen, USA

140. Shokhista Khakimiy, Uzbek citizen. Sweden

141. Shokhista Khodjaeva, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

142. Shukhrat Akhmedov, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

143. Shukhrat Saidov, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

144. Egamberdi Rakhmonberdiev, Uzbek citizen, USA

145. Elmurod Khamzaev, Uzbek citizen, USA

146. Elmurod Khamzaev, Uzbek citizen, USA

147. Yusuf Khakimiy, Uzbek citizen, Sweden

Russia

148. Sergey Kovalev. Chairman of the Board of the Andrei Sakharov Foundation, chairman of the Russian society ‘Memorial’ and the President of the Human Rights Institute, one of the leaders of human rights faction ‘Yabloko’

149. Valentin Gefter, General Director of the Institute of Human Rights, Russia

150. Elena Ryabinina, head of ‘Right for Asylum’ Human Rights Institute, Russia

151. Dmitriy Belomestnov, representative of the ‘Human Rights in Central Asia Association’ in Russia

Kazakhstan

152. Balli Marzec, chairman of association ‘Wspolnota Kazachska’

153. Roslana Taukina, President of ‘Journalists in Peril’

154. Dametken Alenova, Independent Human Rights Organizations, ‘Women of Kazakhstan’

155. Irina Savostina, Leader of the Republican Movement of Retired ‘Generation’

156. Bakhitdjan Toregodjina, leader of ‘?????’, and Independent Human Rights Organization ‘?? ??? ???“

157. Igor Vinyavskiy, editor-in-chief of newspaper ‘Vzglyad’

158. Olesya Shelkova, ‘Vzglyad’ newspaper journalist

159. Vladimir Radionov, ‘Vzglyad’ newspaper journalist

160. Natalya Sherbakova, ‘Vzglyad’ newspaper journalist

161. Igor Zenin, ‘Vzglyad’ newspaper journalist

162. Karishal Asan-Ata, Social activist, writer

163. Aysulu Kadirbaeva, Public Fund “Kuretamyr, a member of the Writers’ Union of Kazakhstan

164. Jarasal Kuanishalin, Public Association ‘????, ???????!’

165. Bakhit Tumenova, Public Fund ‘????–??????’

166. Mikhail Sizov, chief editor ‘Alga!’ newspaper

167. Irina Sovostina, Chairman of the Association of social and legal protection of retired ‘Generation’ of Republic of Kazakhstan

168. Marat Januzakov, MP Kokshetau city council

169. Igor Kolov, Public Association ‘Public Committee for Human Rights’

170. Viktor Novikov, Public Association ‘Aksakali’

171. Tamara Aukenova, Public fund ‘Kuretamir’, doctor

172. Serik Sapargali, Public Association “Ult Ruhi”

173. Yuriy Khramov, citizen of Kazakhstan

174. Yuliya Ananyina, Public Association ‘Association of protection of human rights and civil liberties’

175. Oleg Barvin Public Association ‘Association of protection of motorists rights FORVERS’

176. Nikolay Chumakov, Public Association “Russian social and cultural Union”

177. Alimjan Jusupov, Public Association “Trade Union Shahtyor-Miner”

178. Aygul Daurenbekova, Kazakh Public Fund “Talmas”

179. Sergey Leonov, journalist of Newspaper “Alga”

180. Alena Mloznyak, Public Association” Trade Union of entrepreneurs of public services”

181. Adilzhan Kinzhegaleev, PA “Free Trade Union of Workers of Ore”

182. Natalya Shteinbeck, Kostanay Regional Centre of Free Trade Unions

183. Svetlana Tihanenko, NGO “Union of Consumer Protection Kostanai region”

184. Anvar Khasanov, Public Association “Movement of protection of pensioner’s rights of Rudnogo town”

185. Maria Kudrenko, member of council of PA ‘Generation’

186. Perizat Kasimova, NGO Centre for Protection of Human Rights

187. Yelena Semenova, Public Association “Pavlodar Region-Leave housing to nation”

188. Antonina Dokucheva, Poblic Association “Shanyrak”

189. Kunsulu Maken, PA “Legal development of Kazakhstan”

190. Vasiliy Zavizenev, PA “Movement of Social and legal protection of public, Pokoleniye”

191. Erkebulan Aldabergenov, Youth Public Association- Ulan” Pavlodar Region

192. Sergey Izmaylov, “Youth of Petropavlovsk for Democratic Development”, PA “Public Committee of Human Rights”

193. Valentina Makhotina, “Dialogue Plus”

194. Indira Kakimova PA “Ariadna”

195. Irina Suvorova PA “Ariadna”, correspondent of Newspaper “Alga”

196. Maria Popova, PA “Ariadna”

197. Yelena Polyantseva, PA “Ariadna”

198. Raygul Tleukhanova, PA “Ariadana”

199. Yerlan Kaliev, PA “Ariadna”

200. Alexey Nestratov, PA “Ariadna”

201. Rufit Ahmedzyanov, PA “Ariadna”, journalist for newspaper “Alga”

202. Dmitriy Shmakov, PA “Ariadna”

203. Eduard Datchikov, PA “Protection of Environment”

204. Natalya Tomilova, PA “Miner Family”

205. Tahir Muhamedzyanov, PA “Miner Family”

206. Danil Nosenko, NGO “Union for the Protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens

207. Ruslan Simbinov, Astana City Organizing Committee for the establishment of NP “Alga!”

208. Muhit Nurmahan, Kyzylorda Organizing Committee for establishment of NP “Alga!”

209. Sagat Jusip, Advisor for “Alga!” National Party

210. Anarkulov Sarmagambetova, NGO “Detar”

211. Adihan Mambetaliyev, Regional Chief of KPK branch

212. Ibrashuly Sarbulak, Editor of Newspaper “Samala”

213. Gazyz Tortbaev , PA “Ana tili”

214. Guljan Tulemisova, Chief of Aktobe regional committee for the establishment of NP “Alga!”

215. Raziya Aktayeva, PA “Ariadna”

216. Valentian Kadola, PA “Pokoleniye-Generation”

217. Dametken Zharylkasynova, Zhambyl regional  committee for protection of Human Rights

218. Rauf Sabitov, PA Mountain club ‘???????–?????’

219. Varvara Naydenova, PA Ladies club ‘Veronika’

220. Ademe Ilyasova, Public Association ‘??????????’

221. Baniamin Fayzulin, Taldykorgan city parent committee

222. Rustam Akhmarov, journalist ‘Alga!’

223. Natalya Nurlanova, journalist “????”

224. Irina Titovskaya, journalist ‘Alga!’

225. Svetlana Mausumbaeva, First secretary of city committee (Ust-Kamenogorsk)

226. Vladimir Buravtsev, Public Association ‘Generation’

227. Jumabek Ibraev, Public Association ‘???????’

228. Svetlana Grigoryeva, Public Association ‘???????’

229. Askar Shaygumarov, Union orphanages West Kazakhstan region

230. Anargul Abenova, West-Kazakhstan regional committee for the establishment NP “Alga!”

231. Viktor Belyaev, journalist ‘Alga!’

232. Djenis Dosjanov, The head of the organizing committee of National party ‘Alga!’

233. Ernazar Perniev, First Secretary of the Communist Party branch in South Kazakhstan Region

234. Makhan Kulmuhanbet, Public Association, ‘Aral-Eco’

235. Galimjan Maykhanov, ‘Union of local wars and Afghanistan veterans’

236. Tatyana Kisileva, PA ‘Bureau of Human Rights’

237. Djarkinbek Seytinbet, Public Association, ‘Institutions of democratic development’Read phonetically

238. Zulaykho Sultonova, Public Association, ‘???????’

239. Marat Davesov, Public Association, ‘League of Voters’

240. Kulaysha Shakirova, Public Association, ‘Muslim Women’s League’

241. Olga Lee, Public Association, ‘Center for Women and Child Protection’, South Kazakhstan region

242. Kuralay Bekenova, Public Association, ‘Association of Business Women of Kazakhstan’ South Kazakhstan Valley branch

243. Khadicha Abisheva, Public Association ‘Sana-Sezim’ Legal Centre for Women’s Initiatives

244. Maken Gaysina, Public Association ‘Movement’ and ‘Generation’

245. Natalya Arbudu, Kazakhstan citizen

246. Musina Sholpan, Kazakhstan citizen

247. Asel Tegisbaeva, Kazakhstan citizen

248. Tatyana Spitsina, Kazakhstan citizen ??????? ???????

249. Aygul Sarsenbayeva, Kazakhstan citizen

250. Tolkin Kidikova, Kazakhstan citizen

251. Danil Bekturganov, Kazakhstan citizen

252. Ogay Stella, Kazakhstan citizen

253. Fominikh Tatyana, Kazakhstan citizen

254. Kendje Adenov, Kazakhstan citizen

255. Ayjangul Amirova, Kazakhstan citizen

256. Yesenbaev Nurxat, Kazakhstan citizen

Azerbaijan

257. Leyla Yunus, Institute of Peace and Democracy

258. Hikmet Hajizade, FAR Center

259. Matanat Azizova, Women’s Crisis Centre

260. Ismail Veliyev, “Ganjabasar” newspaper

261. Elchin Mammad, Social Union of Legal Education of Sumgait Youth

262. Hafiz Safihanov, Azerbaijan’s Campaign to Band Landmines

263. Zahir Amanov, “Janub Heberleri” newspaper

264. Alovsat Aliyev, Azerbaijan Migration Centre

265. Ilgar Gasimov, ”Legal Aid” (Lenkoran city)

266. Mehman Aliyev, “Turan” News Agency

267. Anar Mammedli, Election Monitoring and Democratic Studies Centre

268. Mirvari Gahramanli, Protection of Oil Workers’ Rights

269. Elchin Behbudov, Azerbaijan Committee Against Torture

270. Hikmet Hajizade, FAR Center

271. Intigam Aliyev, Legal Education Society

272. Leyla Aliyeva, Center for National and International Studies

273. Hilal Mammedov, “Tolishi Sado” newspaper

274. Emin Huseynov, Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Society

275. Annagi Hacibeyli, Azerbaijan Lawyers Association

276. Alekber Mammedov, Center for Democratic and Civil Control of the Military

277. Shakir Agaev, Newspaper “Novoye Vremya”

278. Eldar Zeynalov, Director Human Rights Center of Azerbaijan

Turkmenistan

279. Vyacheslav Mamedov, Chairman, Democratic Civil Union of Turkmenistan

Poland

280. Lyudmila Kozlovskaya, Vice-director of the ‘???????? ??????’, Poland

281. Marek Pavlovskiy, member of ‘??????????? ?????????’ party, Poland

282. Anddjey Shlivinskiy, NGO ‘Young Democracts’, Poland

283. Ivan Sherstyuk, candidate of the party ‘Pora’, the founder of the ‘Open Dialogue’, Ukraine-Poland

284. Yaroslav Pristash, chief editor of ‘Our Word’, Poland

Georgia

285. Levan Djorbenadze, founder of the “Dialogue for Development 2008”, Georgia

286. ???? ???????????, ????????????? ????

??????????

291.   ??????? ??????, ??????????? ????????????? ?????????? ??????????? ?????????? ?????? ????????????? ??????

???????????

292. ??????? ????????, ????????, ??????????? ??????????? ?? ??????????? ????, ???????????? ??????????????????? ??????????? «???????? ????», ????-????????? ???????? ???????? ?? ??????????? ????, ??????????? – ?????