MINSK, 21 September 2012 - The international observers monitoring the parliamentary elections in Belarus will present their preliminary post-election statement at a news conference on Monday, 24 September, in Minsk.

The international observation is a common endeavour involving the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA).

The statement will be delivered by Matteo Mecacci, the Special Co-ordinator to lead the short-term OSCE observer mission and Head of the OSCE PA delegation, followed by Antonio Milošoski, the Head of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission.

This common endeavour comprises some 330 accredited observers from 37 countries, including 48 long-term observers and experts from the OSCE/ODIHR, some 200 short-term observers seconded by participating States upon request by the OSCE/ODIHR, as well as more than70 parliamentarians and staff from the OSCE PA.

Journalists are invited to attend the news conference on Monday, 24 September, at 14:00, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Kirova 13, Minsk.