Kyrgyzstan President Askar Akayev made a radio statement...

Kyrgyzstan President Askar Akayev made a radio statement regarding the extension of the death penalty moratorium until the end of 2003.
"In conformity with Kyrgyzstan's adherence to the observance of basic human rights and freedoms and based on the principles of humanitarianism and mercy, I decree that: The moratorium on the carrying out of judicial sentences on people who have been sentenced to death is to be extended until 31 December 2003; The Kyrgyz government is to find additional resources to improve the conditions of detention for those who have been sentenced to death, and also to take other urgent measures stemming from the decree; This decree is in effect as of 1 January 2003," Akayev announced on Kyrgyz Radio First Programme.