Largest ever OSCE delegation to observe U.S. electionOctober 22, 2012 - 15:46 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - More than 100 parliamentarians from Europe and Central Asia will travel to the United States in the coming days to observe the November elections – the largest Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe parliamentary delegation to ever observe a North American election. "We've been watching the debates and the competitive campaign up to this point, but look forward to observing the home stretch and election day activity next month," said Joao Soares (MP, Portugal) who has been appointed to lead the observation mission. The United States is a founding member of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, a 56-country international organization focused on human rights and security that is the leading voice on election observation in the Northern Hemisphere. Earlier this year, the State Department invited all OSCE countries to observe the United States general elections. The OSCE's 1990 Copenhagen Document, to which all countries agreed, calls for all OSCE countries to welcome other members to observe their elections. The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly has observed elections in the United States in 2004, 2008 and 2010. Observers from 30 countries have been monitoring campaign finance activity and legal changes related to early voting and whether voters must present identification at polling stations. Observers will receive a full set of political and election-related briefings in Washington prior to fanning out across several states to observe election day activity. "We are not coming to judge a result but to report about the process," Soares said. "In a country so well known for its diverse citizenry, we will observe how inclusive the election process is in line with the country's own laws and international election commitments." The OSCE Chair-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland, Eamon Gilmore appointed Soares to serve as Special Coordinator to lead the election observation mission in the United States and deliver the post-election statement on behalf of the OSCE. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty. Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza. Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations. Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |