OSCE Mission to Moldova condemns post-election violence and appeals to all sides for restraint

CHISINAU, 7 April 2009 - The Head of the OSCE's Mission to Moldova, Ambassador Philip Remler, condemned today's outbreak of violence in the Moldovan capital following Sunday's parliamentary elections and urged all political sides to do their utmost to de-escalate the situation.

"Violence is not compatible with democratic values. We strongly urge all to refrain from any violent actions, which we unreservedly condemn. We call on the authorities and all political forces to exercise restraint and to urge others to show restraint as well," he said.

Sunday's parliamentary elections were observed by a joint mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament.

The joint mission's statement and preliminary findings can be found here: Statement of preliminary findings and conclusions on parliamentary elections in the Republic of Moldova, 5 April 2009

The OSCE Mission to Moldova will continue to monitor the protest in line with its mandate.

ODIHR is following the post-election situation according to its normal procedures.