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International observers condemn violence in Georgia elections
TBILISI 13 October 1999
TBILISI, 13 October 1999 - The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) Election Observation Mission was made aware of the violent attack on Mr. Nodar Zazadze, candidate in District N 39, Aspindsa, during the night of 10 October 1999.
The Mission condemns any form of violence during election campaigns, and finds totally unacceptable that any candidate or their supporters should be confronted with violence or the threat of violence. Such actions are completely contrary to both the letter and the spirit of OSCE Commitments on free elections.
The Election Observation Mission has dispatched a team of observers to gain first-hand knowledge of the events in Aspindsa during the night of 10 October. It is not the job of the Observation Mission to determine who was responsible for this incident. This is a matter for the authorities, who should undertake a full and complete investigation of these events in accordance with internationally recognized principles of due process of law.
Upon invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights established an Election Observation Mission in Georgia for the parliamentary election on 31 October. The Election Observation Mission has requested 20 long-term and 150 short-term observers from OSCE participating States.
MEDIA CONTACT: Nikolai Vulchanov, Head of ODIHR Election Observation Mission to Georgia, tel.: (+995 32) 920 624, 920 625; or Emanuele Giaufret, ODIHR Election Officer, Warsaw, tel.: (+80-22) 520 06 00. fax (+48-22) 628 69 67.
The Mission condemns any form of violence during election campaigns, and finds totally unacceptable that any candidate or their supporters should be confronted with violence or the threat of violence. Such actions are completely contrary to both the letter and the spirit of OSCE Commitments on free elections.
The Election Observation Mission has dispatched a team of observers to gain first-hand knowledge of the events in Aspindsa during the night of 10 October. It is not the job of the Observation Mission to determine who was responsible for this incident. This is a matter for the authorities, who should undertake a full and complete investigation of these events in accordance with internationally recognized principles of due process of law.
Upon invitation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights established an Election Observation Mission in Georgia for the parliamentary election on 31 October. The Election Observation Mission has requested 20 long-term and 150 short-term observers from OSCE participating States.
MEDIA CONTACT: Nikolai Vulchanov, Head of ODIHR Election Observation Mission to Georgia, tel.: (+995 32) 920 624, 920 625; or Emanuele Giaufret, ODIHR Election Officer, Warsaw, tel.: (+80-22) 520 06 00. fax (+48-22) 628 69 67.