130 International observers deployed for Croatia elections, 20 May

ZAGREB, 16 May 2001 - About 130 international observers will be deployed by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) Election Observation Mission for the 20 May local government elections in Croatia.

"On election day, these observers will cover all 20 counties and the capital Zagreb," said Mark Stevens, head of the OSCE/ODIHR Observation Mission.

The OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission has been present in the country since 18 April with a team of 12 international experts. The team will issue a statement of preliminary findings and conclusions on the electoral process during a press conference on Monday, 21 May at 14:00 in the Panorama Room of the Hotel Inter-Continental, Zagreb. All members of the media are invited to attend.

The preliminary statement will assess the compliance of the elections with Croatia's commitment for democratic elections, as outlined in the OSCE Copenhagen Document of 1990, as well as relevant national legislation. The statement will also include an assessment of the media coverage during the election campaign.

For further information contact:

• Mark Stevens, Head of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission to Croatia, Room 400- 407, Hotel Inter-Continental, Zagreb. Tel/Fax: +385 01 483 6007, mobile: 098 166 0221
• Jens-Hagen Eschenbaecher, ODIHR Spokesperson, Warsaw, Tel. +48 22 456 3173, or +48 603683122 (mobile)
• Vadim Zhdanovich, ODIHR Election Adviser, Warsaw, Tel. +48-22 520 06 00