A/HRC/15/60 recommendations. Particular satisfaction was expressed at Kyrgyzstan’s support for recommendations to take steps to eradicate poverty and improve living standards, to develop the education system and to strengthen and promote national capacities in human rights. Iran encouraged Kyrgyzstan to take effective measures to fulfil its international obligations and to speed up its efforts to protect citizens’ rights. 273. The Russian Federation stated that Kyrgyzstan’s participation in the universal periodic review at such a difficult time demonstrated the country’s commitment to human rights protection. It noted with satisfaction that most of the recommendations made in May were already in the process of implementation. The Russian Federation found it necessary for the international community, and in particular the Council, to continue to provide expert and technical assistance to Kyrgyzstan for it to implement the recommendations made during the review and to ensure the stabilization of the situation in the country. 274. The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea thanked Kyrgyzstan for its constructive approach to the universal periodic review, including through its acceptance of a large number of recommendations. It expressed its appreciation for Kyrgyzstan’s consistent policy aimed at the protection and promotion of human rights for all people, despite difficulties and challenges. It also noted Kyrgyzstan’s efforts to ensure equal rights and freedoms for all ethnic and religious minorities and to achieve women’s rights and gender equality, as well as children’s rights. It noted the achievements made in the area of economic, social and cultural rights, such as compulsory and free basic education, and further improvements in people’s livelihoods. 275. Algeria expressed its appreciation to Kyrgyzstan for having accepted two recommendations made by Algeria, regarding the representation of women in decisionmaking bodies and the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. It was not clear whether the recommendation made by Algeria to establish a national human rights institution had been accepted by Kyrgyzstan, but Algeria took note that the mandate of the ombudsman had been adopted. Algeria regarded the constitutional referendum held in June 2010 and the parliamentary elections planned for October as positive developments. It expressed the hope that the constitutional order and stability, respect for human rights and economic development would be restored. 276. Kazakhstan welcomed the fact that Kyrgyzstan had accepted a significant number of recommendations and paid equal attention to the realization of civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights. Kazakhstan expressed its support for Kyrgyzstan in overcoming its challenges and achieving stability, and extended its cooperation in the implementation of the recommendations made at the review. 277. Azerbaijan thanked Kyrgyzstan for its participation in the review despite the difficult political situation in the country. It noted with appreciation Kyrgyzstan’s acceptance of a significant number of recommendations and that it considered adopting a plan of action to implement them. Azerbaijan encouraged Kyrgyzstan to accelerate its efforts to promote inter-ethnic harmony and was pleased by the establishment of a commission to look into the events of June 2010. Azerbaijan welcomed the constitutional referendum and expressed its hope that parliamentary elections to be held in October would be successful and open new avenues for building democracy and strengthening the rule of law. 278. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic noted Kyrgyzstan’s cooperation with the Council despite the difficult political and economic situation. It noted Kyrgyzstan’s efforts to resolve the situation, including ethnic tension, and to reinforce social cohesion with the aim of ensuring political stability and economic development for all ethnic groups. The Lao People’s Democratic Republic commended Kyrgyzstan for its efforts to comply with GE.11-17043 123