Text of report by Iranian radio from Mashhad on 3rd November

If one of the signs of democratic elections is that they are
held fairly, then another sign is undoubtedly the degree of
interest shown by the various organizations and countries and
the number of representatives sent to these elections. In
connection with this, the government of Tajikistan is trying to
ensure that countries and international organizations send
their representatives to Tajikistan to observe how the
elections are held. However, a report has recently been
received about the dissatisfaction of the European Union with
the way in which the elections are being held. The report was
circulated by the German embassy in Dushanbe this time. Our
next report is about this subject.

[Correspondent] The government of Tajikistan has asked
international organizations and foreign countries to send their
representatives to Tajikistan to observe the presidential
elections scheduled for 6th November. But it is not yet known
how many countries and organizations responded to the request.
However, the Russian government is said to have expressed its
readiness to send representatives to Tajikistan as observers of
the presidential elections.

At the same time, the German Embassy in Dushanbe made a
statement, referring to an EU statement signed by 26 European
countries, noting that the union expressed concern about
preperations for the presidential elections in Tajikistan. The
statement says that elections are a good key to democratic
activities and adds that only free and fair elections create a
legal basis for the president and the government. The EU called
on the government and the opposition of Tajikistan to find a
settlement which is acceptable to both sides's candidates. The
(?just) holding of the presidential elections is a test of
Tajikistan's willingness to put the peace agreement into
practice and to make the transition to democracy and pluralism,
the German embassy statement says. The statement also concludes
that the EU is ready to resume its assistance to Tajikistan in
event of good political progress.

Voice and Vision of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Dushanbe
.
Source: Voice of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mashhad, in
Persian 1600 gmt 03 Nov 99
BBC Mon CAU 041199/** AJC/MI