A/RES/53/161 Page 2 Recalling its previous resolutions and those of the Commission on Human Rights on the situation of human rights in Nigeria, Welcoming the positive contribution Nigeria has been making through the Economic Community of West African States in support of democratic governance within the West African region, Noting the encouraging positive steps taken by the Government of Nigeria, which deserve full support and have been welcomed by the people of Nigeria as well as the international community, including the Commonwealth and the European Union, 1. Takes note with appreciation of the interim report of the Special Rapporteur of the Commission on Human Rights on the situation of human rights in Nigeria;7 2. Welcomes the announcement by General Abdulsalami Abubakar of a new programme of transition to civilian rule, and notes with satisfaction the commitment of the Government of Nigeria to fully restoring democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights; 3. Notes with satisfaction the concrete steps taken to date to implement the programme of transition, and looks forward to further measures in this regard; 4. Expresses its full support to the Government of Nigeria in the important process of building a peaceful and stable Nigeria rooted in the rule of law, democracy and respect for human rights; 5. Welcomes the fact that the Government of Nigeria is reviewing remaining decrees, and urges it to repeal urgently those which have an impact on the fundamental human rights of its citizens; 6. Encourages all sectors of Nigerian society to participate actively and constructively in the process of democratization and the re-establishment of civilian rule; 7. Notes with satisfaction the establishment of the Independent National Electoral Commission and the issuance of a detailed timetable for the election process, to be completed with the holding of presidential elections on 27 February 1999 and the handing over to a civilian government on 29 May 1999; 8. Welcomes the invitations extended by the Government of Nigeria to the United Nations, the Organization of African Unity, the Commonwealth and the European Union to provide electoral assistance and to observe the elections at all levels so as to ensure the credibility of the electoral process; 9. Welcomes also the declared commitment of the Government of Nigeria to protect freedom of expression, in particular freedom of the press, and notes with interest the first steps taken to reform laws governing the media; 10. Welcomes further the release of political prisoners, including the twenty detainees from Ogoni, and expresses the hope for swift clarification of cases still pending; 11. Stresses that the establishment and strengthening of national structures and institutions in the field of human rights are of the utmost importance for the promotion and protection of human rights in Nigeria; 7 See A/53/366 and Add. 1. /...