Kochanova explained why OSCE representatives not invited to elections in Belarus

The Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly, Natalya Kochanova, explained why OSCE representatives had not been invited to the parliamentary elections as she met with a group of the IPA CIS international observers headed Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Konstantin Kosachev

“It is today a crucial period in the life of our country, and I am glad that you – being professionals in your field – will be able to give an objective assessment of Belarus’ electoral campaign,” Ms. Kochanova addressed the observers. “We have invited representatives of international organisations who are determined to approach this matter constructively. We have not invited OSCE representatives, because – long before the election dates were set – they called for ignoring the election campaign in our country. Why should we invite these people?”

Ms. Kochanova added that Belarus lives according to its own laws and Constitution, “We have laws that determine the development of our country. We have our own traditions. This is how we have lived, live now and will live in the future. Therefore, we have invited international observers from other organisations that are aimed at constructive work.”