In a statement released on 21 August, U.S. State Department official Joanne Propovicz noted Washington\'s concern that some candidates wishing to contest the 15 October presidential election have been denied registration, and that opposition politicians are subjected to harassment, Turan reported. She said the United States hopes the ballot will be conducted in accordance with international standards, that all qualified candidates will be able to participate and be granted equal access to the media, and that the voting will be free and fair. She said Washington urges the Azerbaijani government to refrain from violence against participants in opposition protests and to \"cease the harassment of opposition leaders and their associates.\" Meanwhile, Council of Europe Secretary-General Walter Schwimmer similarly called on the Azerbaijani authorities to ensure that all presidential candidates have equal access to the media. Schwimmer expressed concern at the detention by police of editors and representatives of journalists\' unions in Baku on 26 July. (Turan)