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OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), with its decision to cancel the election observation in Azerbaijan, will set a negative precedent of violation of its mandate, Azerbaijan’s permanent mission at OSCE stated.

The mission went on to add that self-isolation of the ODIHR and OSCE Parliamentary Assembly from the election process in Azerbaijan today leaves no space for any meaningful discussions on their role in parliamentary elections.

“In fact, we consider this matter for the OSCE as the missed opportunity to assist Azerbaijan in the election process, as it is envisaged by the mandate of ODIHR,” according to the statement.

“We took note of the statements delivered by the distinguished ambassador of the United States of America, Luxemburg on behalf of the EU and aligned countries, Switzerland, Canada, and OSCE Parliamentary Assembly,” noted the mission.

Azerbaijan’s OSCE mission also noted that it was for the first time in the history of independent Azerbaijan that OSCE/ODIHR refused to cooperate with the country on the election.

“As the issue of violation by the director of ODIHR of his mandate is concerned, the position of the government and leadership of Azerbaijan is very well known and have repeatedly been communicated by our delegation to the OSCE Permanent Council over the last two months,” read the statement.

“We have been open and constructive with the ODIHR in order to remedy the consequences of violation of the mandate. Our delegation has repeatedly suggested to ODIHR to continue cooperation with Azerbaijan on the election. We tried to convince the ODIHR that the decision to cancel the election observation in Azerbaijan will set a negative precedent of violation of its mandate. Unfortunately, ODIHR did not heed our appeals and refused to cooperate with Azerbaijan on this election,” Azerbaijani mission added.

The mission also thanked the ambassadors of Russia, Turkey and Belarus for congratulating the people of Azerbaijan over the parliamentary election held Nov. 1.

“According to the findings of international observer missions, including the Election Observation Missions of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, CIS and TURKPA the elections were free, fair and democratic with a high voter turnout, thus reflecting the will of the Azerbaijani nation,” read the message.

“We express our gratitude to those OSCE participating states and international organizations that accepted the invitation of the government of Azerbaijan and sent their respective observation missions for election,” said the mission.

The mission also said in its statement that Azerbaijan looks forward to continue its cooperation with the OSCE institutions and OSCE participating states, including the EU member states, in accordance with the agreed decisions and on the basis of the OSCE principles.

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