DUSHANBE, June 28, 2013, Asia-Plus -- Tajik President Emomali Rahmon has called on political parties and the media “not to forget their responsibility for social stability,” when assessing the current situation in Tajikistan, Radio Liberty’s Tajik Service reports.

In his televised speech to mark the 16th anniversary of the end of the 1992-97 civil war on June 27, Rahmon said every Tajik should respect “national unity, Tajikistan''s sovereignty and independence” and stay away from “political intrigues.”

According to RFE/RL, Rahmon, who has been running the country for 22 years, has come under criticism for the treatment of rights defenders and journalists.

Amnesty International''s annual report said last month that the Tajik authorities continued to restrict the freedom of expression of rights defenders and journalists in 2012.

Rahmon has not yet said publicly if he plans to run for office again in the November presidential poll.