EU PRESIDENCY WELCOMES UZBEKISTAN'S ABOLITION OF DEATH PENALTY

the Slovenian EU presidency welcomed the abolition of the death penalty in Uzbekistan and congratulated its government and people on the decision that came into effect on 1 January 2008. The presidency moreover encourages the Uzbek government to "fully implement the new law and carry out further reforms of its judicial system." EU members consider that the abolition of capital punishment contributes to the enhancement of human dignity and hope that Uzbekistan's move will encourage other countries in the region to follow suit, the presidency said.