ODIHR Doubts Kiev's Plan To Ban Russian Observers From Election Complies With OSCE Norms

OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) doubts that Ukraine's intention to ban Russian observers from the upcoming presidential election complies with the country's obligations as a OSCE member, Thomas Rymer, the ODIHR spokesman, told Sputnik Tuesday

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 05th February, 2019) OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) doubts that Ukraine's intention to ban Russian observers from the upcoming presidential election complies with the country's obligations as a OSCE member, Thomas Rymer, the ODIHR spokesman, told Sputnik Tuesday.

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko said earlier in the week that he would order the Ukrainian passport control services to deny entry to Russian observers coming for March 31 election.

The Ukrainian Rada lawmakers have introduced a bill to ban the Russian mission from the vote.

"ODIHR is aware of the bill that has been introduced, as well as the President's statement, and we do have concerns as to whether these are in line with OSCE commitments regarding access for international observers. As the legislation has yet to be passed, and we have no further information regarding the President's statement, we are following further developments," Rymer said.