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breakingnews
Russia and the OSCE continue to have their differences. I propose a simple way out. Why did Dmitry bring a hatchet with him to Brussels? And getting the facts right about Kosovo.and much more.
February, 2008
3 0:00
Democracy is a process not owned or practised perfectly by any one country. There are high standards agreed and committed to by all 56 member states of the OSCE. Requirements include open observation of each country's elections. There are many similar precedents for international standards, such as the Olympic Games. Fair play and cheating are both concepts which are universally understood. Countries are not obliged to participate in the Olympics and no country is forced to be a member of the OSCE. However, should they agree to participate they must also agree to abide by the rules and standards agreed by all. Observation of elections does not equate with 'meddling' or interference of any sort. High standards of democratic practice are not a threat to anyone's national security.
Russia is bound by treaty to allow OSCE observers into the country. There is also a very strong element of hypocrisy here. Russian observers regularly participate in OSCE observer missions, including those in the U.S. It is the only country that I am aware that sends monitors to other countries through the OSCE that does not allow the OSCE to monitor its elections. No, Russia does NOT follow international standards in its elections. The OSCE already has identical elections rules for all members. It is Russia that is insisting on a different set of rules for itself.