Heidi Tagliavini: «We are here to observe, not to force»

“We are here to observe, not to criticize or force. We will assess these elections for compliance with commitments agreed to by all the OSCE participating States, with international standards as well as national legislation,” head of the OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission, Ambassador Heidi Tagliavini told a news conference in Yerevan.

OSCE/ODIHR election observation mission has arrived in Armenia to observe the February 18 presidential elections. The observers have already met with the chairman of the Armenian Central Electoral Commission, Armenian Foreign Minister and Deputy Foreign Minister.

As part of the observation process, the mission will meet with candidates, relevant authorities, parties, the judiciary, civil society and the media, Ms. Tagliavini said.

The mission will issue two interim reports. Its final report will be issued two months after the end of the electoral process.