OSCE/ODIHR long-term observers will arrive in Yerevan at the weekend, the mission head said.

As Ambassador Heidi Tagliavini told a press conference today, Jan 11, 250 short-term observers will arrive in Yerevan on the threshold of the elections, with two-member groups to visit provinces.

Short-term observers will monitor only the election processes, with the long-term members to monitor also the post-election developments.

Ms. Tagliavini further noted that the observers have been invited by the Armenian authorities.

“We received the invitation by Armenian Prime Minister. The observers will monitor the polls and make suggestions. We are concerned over the election processes, rather than the results. We will be guided by the same standards as in other OSCE member-countries,” she said, adding that two reports will be released based on the analyses and observations.

“A preliminary report will be published the next day after the elections, with the final one to be issued 8 weeks after the polls,” the mission head said.