OSCE/ODIHR and Polish Foreign Ministry issue joint statement on election observation

WARSAW, 2 October 2007 - The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Polish Foreign Ministry issued the following statement today:

"Following a visit to Foreign Minister Anna Fotyga by the Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Ambassador Christian Strohal, on 2 October, an invitation to observe the pre-term parliamentary elections of 21 October 2007 was issued.

"The Foreign Minister raised with Director Strohal the democratic system and achievements in Poland, as well as the international political situation across the OSCE region and co-operation with the ODIHR.

"Director Strohal thanked Poland, a country of stable democracy, for the invitation reflecting Poland's strong commitment to contribute to the implementation of OSCE commitments for democracy, the rule of law and human rights. Thus, the ODIHR's diplomatic note has become redundant and is superseded by a letter to Foreign Minister Fotyga of 2 October regarding further steps.

"Director Strohal expressed his regrets that the question of an invitation had become an issue of debate in the current electoral campaign in Poland, following the ODIHR diplomatic note of September and other developments. He voiced his appreciation for the continuous support by the ODIHR's host country, as also reflected by the regular provision of election observers.

"Given the short time-frame, the need was raised for co-operation by the relevant authorities with regard to facilitating the necessary meetings in preparation for a possible election observation activity which might give feed-back in relation to electoral practices and OSCE election commitments."

For further information, please contact:

Urdur Gunnarsdottir, ODIHR Spokesperson, +48 603 683 122 (mobile)

Robert Szaniawski, Spokesman of the Polish Foreign Ministry, mobile: +48 695 669 394, email robert.szaniawski@msz.gov.pl