A/HRC/10/29 (b) Views expressed by Member and observer States of the Council on the review outcome 556. The Russian Federation welcomed the successful universal periodic review of Turkmenistan, a country with which it was linked by many years of close and friendly relations, and thanked the delegation for, inter alia, its very detailed statement and its openness and willingness to engage in dialogue during the review of human rights in Turkmenistan. The Russian Federation noted that most of the recommendations had been accepted thanks also to progress in the sphere of human rights achieved by Turkmenistan in recent years. It was confident that the efforts of the Government of Turkmenistan to carry out broad reforms to improve its educational, health and social systems, and also to enhance the well-being of its people, would be continued. 557. Algeria reiterated its appreciation for the efforts made by the Government to promote human rights by, inter alia, the establishment of an inter-ministerial commission to follow up and implement the State’s human rights commitments, as well as the review of its domestic legislation. Algeria congratulated Turkmenistan on the progress made particularly in the field of education, and encouraged the Government to step up its efforts to achieve the goals set for the promotion of human rights. 558. The United States of America welcomed the State’s new Constitution and referred to several of its provisions. However, it noted that the judicial system, in practice, still lacked procedures to ensure fair trials, such as the right for defendants to call witnesses to testify on their behalf, the right to a defence attorney or a court-appointed attorney if the defendant could not afford one, or the presumption of innocence. Turkmenistan was encouraged to adopt the recommendation on the holding of a review of all potentially political cases with a view to releasing all individuals incarcerated on politically motivated charges. The United States also urged Turkmenistan to accept the recommendations addressing restrictions on freedom of the media, assembly, association and religion. It noted that, with its one-party rule, Turkmenistan remained politically monolithic; however, the implementation of the recommendations aiming at increasing emphasis on education and access to the media would permit the realization of the reforms envisioned by the new Constitution. 559. Azerbaijan referred to the adoption of the new Constitution and the successful parliamentary elections in 2008, which it believed were a clear testimony of the State’s determination to ensure fundamental freedoms. Azerbaijan also highlighted the establishment of a State commission on citizen’s complaints and the State’s efforts to implement better its international obligations and to bring its domestic legislation into compliance with international human rights standards. Azerbaijan noted that Turkmenistan was in the process of acceding to the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. It also noted with satisfaction that the issuance of a standing invitation to special procedures mandate holders was envisaged in the near future by the relevant authorities, and that the Government was conducting active discussions on the issue of cooperation with ICRC. Azerbaijan encouraged Turkmenistan to continue its efforts aimed at fully engaging in dialogue with the international human rights system and measures directed at speeding up the country’s democratic development. Azerbaijan called on the international community to give full support to the Government of Turkmenistan in its endeavours, including through technical assistance. 560. Pakistan welcomed the inauguration of a new era of democratic rule in Turkmenistan and commended the steps taken by the Government to promote and protect the human rights of all, including the adoption of the new Constitution, which guaranteed fundamental freedoms and civil and political rights. It hoped that a follow-up of legal and administrative measures would be conducted by the Government. Pakistan also mentioned as noteworthy the fact that Turkmenistan had accepted most of the recommendations made at the Working Group and was confident that concrete measures would be taken to 178 GE.09-17451