New director named for OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights

VIENNA, 26 March 1997 - The Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, Danish Foreign Minister Niels Helveg Petersen announced today the appointment of Mr. Gérard Stoudmann of Switzerland as Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights.

The appointment was made after concensus was reached by all OSCE States on Mr. Stoudman's candidature.

Based in Warsaw, the ODIHR, formerly the Office for Free Elections, is the OSCE institution responsible for furthering human rights, democracy and the rule of law. The ODIHR observes and provides active support for the implementation of OSCE committments in the "human dimension" area. It has become the primary institution in Europe for long-term election monitoring.

Mr. Stoudmann will replace Ambassador Audrey Glover, who's three year term expires in early May.

Mr. Stoudmann has served in the Swiss Ministry of Defence and the Foreign Ministry. He was a member of the Swiss Delegation to the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe from 1983-87. From 1987, he served as Deputy Head of the Swiss Representation to the Council of Europe. From 1989-1993, he was Personal Advisor to Federal Councillor Delamuraz, President of the Confederation and Minister of Economy. From 1993-94, he was Director of the St. Gallen Foundation for International Studies. Since 1995, he has been Deputy Head of the Swiss Delegation to the OSCE in Vienna. In 1996, Switzerland held the Chairmanship of the OSCE.