Newsroom
OSCE Moldova Mission condemns intrusion into its Tiraspol office
CHISINAU 20 July 2001
CHISINAU, 20 July 2001 (OSCE) - On 19 July, a group of demonstrators intruded into the Tiraspol office of the OSCE Mission to Moldova, purportedly in protest of the disposal of Russian arms which has been proceeding on the facilities of the Operational Group of Russian Forces (OGRF) in Tiraspol.
Approximately 25 to 30 demonstrators appeared in front of the Mission's Tiraspol office on 19 July at about 11:00 hours and began picketing. Seven persons of this group, together with a local TV team, forced their way into the premises of the OSCE office without announcing themselves or seeking permission. The intruding demonstrators did not identify themselves, but demanded to speak with a Mission member. The demonstrators also entered all rooms of the Mission, including private office space, without asking permission.
The staff members on duty explained that no Mission members were present at the moment, but the intruders declined an offer to make an appointment and refused to leave the office. The demonstrators also dealt rudely and aggressively with the Mission's staff members. In view of this unacceptable behavior, the staff members contacted appropriate local authorities. Before authorities could arrive, the demonstrators fled the premises of the OSCE Mission.
The OSCE recognizes the right of citizens in any country to assemble peacefully and to express their opinions to representatives of governments and international organizations. However, the OSCE Mission to Moldova believes that the behavior of these demonstrators on 19 July clearly exceeded the boundaries of acceptable norms. The OSCE Mission has lodged a protest with appropriate authorities in Tiraspol.
The OSCE Mission strongly condemns the behavior of the demonstrators as rude and unacceptable. The Mission is always open to genuine dialogue with persons and organizations of differing views. However, it is clear the purpose of those who entered the OSCE Mission office on 19 July was not to seek such a dialogue.
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For further information, please contact Matti Sidoroff, Spokesperson, OSCE Mission to Moldova, tel. +373 2 240069 or +373 92 32977 (mobile).
Approximately 25 to 30 demonstrators appeared in front of the Mission's Tiraspol office on 19 July at about 11:00 hours and began picketing. Seven persons of this group, together with a local TV team, forced their way into the premises of the OSCE office without announcing themselves or seeking permission. The intruding demonstrators did not identify themselves, but demanded to speak with a Mission member. The demonstrators also entered all rooms of the Mission, including private office space, without asking permission.
The staff members on duty explained that no Mission members were present at the moment, but the intruders declined an offer to make an appointment and refused to leave the office. The demonstrators also dealt rudely and aggressively with the Mission's staff members. In view of this unacceptable behavior, the staff members contacted appropriate local authorities. Before authorities could arrive, the demonstrators fled the premises of the OSCE Mission.
The OSCE recognizes the right of citizens in any country to assemble peacefully and to express their opinions to representatives of governments and international organizations. However, the OSCE Mission to Moldova believes that the behavior of these demonstrators on 19 July clearly exceeded the boundaries of acceptable norms. The OSCE Mission has lodged a protest with appropriate authorities in Tiraspol.
The OSCE Mission strongly condemns the behavior of the demonstrators as rude and unacceptable. The Mission is always open to genuine dialogue with persons and organizations of differing views. However, it is clear the purpose of those who entered the OSCE Mission office on 19 July was not to seek such a dialogue.
--
For further information, please contact Matti Sidoroff, Spokesperson, OSCE Mission to Moldova, tel. +373 2 240069 or +373 92 32977 (mobile).