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From: MSN NicknameEagle_wng  (Original Message)    Sent: 1/30/2007 2:26 PM
23.1.2007 14:03 MSK
Russia remains a country of restricted freedom
USA, Washington. Russia, together with many other former Soviet republics including Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, continues to be considered a country of restricted freedom, according to the report "Freedom in the World - 2007", published on January 17 by the American human rights organization "Freedom House".

The situation in Russia has somewhat deteriorated as a result of the offensive of authorities against non-governmental organizations, the authors of report note. Armenia, Georgia, Kirghizia, Moldavia are partially free; Latvia, Lithuania, Ukraine, and Estonia are described as free. The level of freedom in Azerbaijan and Kirghizia was somewhat reduced. Authoritarianism was strengthened in the majority of countries of the former Soviet Union, although as a whole the situation in the post-Soviet space changed insignificantly, notes "Freedom House". Of 28 countries in Central and Eastern Europe and the former USSR 13 are free, 8 are partially free, and 7 have only restricted freedom.

In 2006, little changed in the region with respect to freedom. In the world, as before, there are 123 democratic states where elections occur. Although there have been considerable achievements in the last 30 years, the quantity of free countries has changed little in comparison with 1998. The level of freedom in the world in 2006 was insignificantly reduced in comparison with 2005. Most frequently noted were negative changes in countries whose status did not change.

The level of freedom in 33 states was reduced. In 2006 there were 90 free countries. 47 % of the inhabitants of planet live in these countries.

Guyana went from partially free to free, Haiti and Nepal went from restricted to partially free. Partially free Thailand and the Congo became restricted. Authoritarian regimes in Russia, Venezuela, Iran, China, and Zimbabwe continue their retreat from democracy. This threatens to undermine the achievements of the last thirty years. The policy of these regimes is directed against organizations, movements and media, that speak in favor of democratic freedoms.
About half of those in such regions are inhabitants of China. The situation in Burma, Zimbabwe, Somalia, Eritrea, and Iran has deteriorated, and these are considered some of the most repressive states. But a decrease in the level of freedom is noted also in free and partially free states: the Republic Of South Africa, Kenya, Taiwan, the Philippines, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil and Hungary.

The tendencies of the last decade are a cause for concern, said Arch Paddington, Director of the "Freedom House" studies. We were unable to achieve essential successes, and we saw the appearance of authoritarian regimes in Russia, Venezuela, and Iran; a model for the enemies of democracy everywhere, he noted. In many countries the study observed restrictions of freedom of expression and freedom of the press, weakness of legal standards, general corruption and an absence of transparency.

The situation has deteriorated most of all in Asia. As the result of a military coup in Thailand, the democratically elected Prime Minister was ousted. In countries which were earlier considered models of freedom in Asia, including the Philippines and East Timor, the situation deteriorated. Ethnic and religious differences are serious problems in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and in Fiji. Of the 39 countries in Asia, 16 are free, 12 are partially free, and 11 are restricted.

Of 48 countries in Africa south of the Sahara, 11 are free, 22 are partially free, and 15 are restricted. In African countries such as Burundi, Chad, and Cote D'Ivoire, the study observed a decrease in the level of freedom.

Of 35 countries in North and South America 25 are free, 9 are partially free, and only Cuba is restricted. In the USA, a number of the political matters involving corruption are noted. President Bush's counter-terrorism measures have created apprehension regarding the protection of civil liberties.

Of 18 countries in the Near East and North Africa, one country – Israel— is free, 6 are partially free, and 11 are restricted. The small decrease occurred in Egypt, where political opposition is suppressed; in Bahrain and Iran freedom of meetings is limited. The situations in Iraq and Palestine deteriorated.

The 24 countries of Western Europe are free.

Translated by OM Kenney
PRIMA-News Agency [2007-01-17-UN-04]
http://www.prima-news.ru/eng/news/news/2007/1/23/37540.html