The National Movement of Tajikistan has sent an appeal to the countries guaranteeing the peace accord of 1997 that ended the Tajik civil war, requesting them to intervene to force the cancellation of the national referendum on a series of constitutional amendments that is scheduled for 22 June. The appeal, which was also was sent to the United States, the OSCE, the EU, and other international institutions, was quoted as asserting that the only objective of the referendum is to enable President Imomali Rakhmonov to remain in office for two more terms. His current term expires in 2006. One of the proposed amendments lifts the restriction on the number of terms one person can serve as president. The appeal also calls attention to proposed amendments that would abolish constitutionally guaranteed rights to free higher education, health care, and other social benefits, and states that the government will use all resources at its disposal, including law enforcement and security agencies, as well as falsification of the referendum results, to ensure that the amendments are approved. (Asia-Plus Blitz)