CIS observer: Representatives of OSCE cannot voice their personal opinion

GOMEL, 24 September (BelTA) – Representatives of the OSCE observation mission cannot voice their personal opinion about things they saw during the parliamentary elections in Belarus, Ivan Kotlobai, an observer from the CIS observation mission, told reporters in Gomel on 24 September, BelTA has learnt. The observer noted that the two missions were monitoring the elections virtually simultaneously. “We met with some of them, talked in a trustful manner. It is a bit strange that they cannot voice their personal opinion. It is unclear then how they prepare their general statement that does not really correlate with the opinion of the CIS,” he said. Ivan Kotlobai expressed hope that after the 2012 elections the opinions of the two missions will coincide to a greater degree. He noted that international observers were provided with all the necessary documents related to the conduct of the elections. The explanations were given in a friendly manner. “We are totally satisfied with the level of competence of members of district election commissions,” he said.

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