Joint Statement on Developments in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Region in Tajikistan
As delivered by EU Permanent Representative Rasa Ostrauskaite
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
May 20, 2022
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
The EU is joined by the following 12 participating States in making this statement: North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway, Moldova, Georgia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada.
We call on all parties to spare no effort to de-escalate, exercise restraint and refrain from excessive use of force and incitement to violence. We urge the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan to ensure that law enforcement agencies act in strict compliance with the rule of law and uphold the standards of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms even in security-related crisis situations. The reported intimidation and prosecution of citizens and journalists, and the apparent broad limitation of access to information, undermine the prospects for a swift de-escalation and return to normal order.
We deeply regret the loss of life and express our sincere condolences to the families. Our sympathies go as well to those who have been injured, including local residents and those in law enforcement.
In conclusion, we encourage all to engage in good-faith communication and seek an expeditious path to de-escalation of the situation.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
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