At his first press conference since his arrival in Baku, new U.S. Ambassador to Azerbaijan Reno Harnish called on the Azerbaijani leadership on 17 September to ensure that the 15 October presidential ballot is \"free and fair...in line with international standards,\" and to punish severely anyone who tries to falsify the outcome. Harnish stressed that Washington does not support a specific presidential candidate, and that it is for the electorate to exercise its right to choose a new president. He said Washington is concerned not only about the actual voting, but also the conduct of the election campaign. He said all candidates should have equal access to the media and be able to meet with voters and hold campaign rallies. (Turan)