On 16th November 2007, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) took the decision, that no mission will be send to observe elections to Russian Duma on 2nd December 2007. ODIHR was practically unabled to act upon invitation from the Russian Federation.

The Czech Republic is deeply saddened and concerned about the fact, that the Russian Federation pushed ODIHR to this decision by its unprecedented restrictions, delays and factitious obstacles concerning the mission of observers.

The Czech Republic understands and supports, in given conditions, the ODIHR decision. The ODIHR activities on the field of elections observation and efforts to send independent missions of observers are supported in the long term by the CR.

The Czech Republic calls on the Russian Federation for the adherence to all engagements accepted in the OSCE framework, especially the Charter of Paris. We also call on the Russian Federation for making possible the sending of ODIHR observers during Presidential elections in 2008 without any restrictions.

Unofficial translation