OSCE clarifies position on elections in former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia

SKOPJE, 7 September 2000 - Following repeated misinterpretations of its activities by a number of media, the OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje would like to clarify the following:

1. The observation of the electoral process is carried out by the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission and NOT by the OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje. In order to fulfil this task, more than 40 election observers have been provided by the OSCE member states. In addition to that, the International Community provided a further more than 80 observers at present resident in the country. The total number of international election observers on Election Day will thus amount to about 130. We do not consider this number to be specifically high. Furthermore, the election observation effort is the result of an invitation to OSCE/ODIHR by the Government of this country.
2. The OSCE Spillover Monitor Mission to Skopje did not and does not have the intention to contact the Government regarding alleged pre-electoral pressure on opposition media. However, the Mission is following the events closely and with serious interest.

For further information please contact Harald Schenker, Press Officer at +389-91-111-143.