USA accused Russia and Belarus of attempts to weaken OSCE ODIHR

U.S. Undersecretary of State R. Nicholas Burns accused Russia of the intention to weaken the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of the OSCE, at a press-conference held in Madrid on Wednesday, AP reports.

The press-conference of the Undersecretary took place a day before the meeting of Ministers of the OSCE member-countries which is to be held in Madrid Thursday-Friday.

According to Burns, Russia is the “initiator” of the proposals of reforms for the ODIHR which would make its work inefficient.

Moreover, as he put it, Russia’s proposals are supported by Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Belarus.

“We will make no compromises and will not move an inch if it concerns the ODIHR,” Burns said.

Previously the OHIDR made a decision not to come to Russia for monitoring of the oncoming election to be held on December 2. The Russian authorities were informed about the decision on November 16. The OHIDR based the decision on the fact that the number of observers for the State Duma was reduced, invitations were sent too late, and there occurred problems with visas.

The Russian authorities said the refusal of the OHIDR to send observers to the parliamentary election was induced by the recommendation of the U.S. Department of State. The White House, in its turn, denied its impact in this matter.