YEREVAN, 15 February 2013 (Հայերեն) – Arriving in Yerevan this morning to lead the parliamentary OSCE election observer mission, Tonino Picula stressed the important role of observers in electoral processes.

“I am delighted to be in Armenia at this important and exciting time,” said Mr. Picula. “International observers have an important role to play as this presidential election is crucial for Armenia and its continued democratic development. I wish the country and all its citizens success on Monday.”

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly mission consists of more than 30 observers from 15 countries from across Europe and Central Asia who will be in the country when voters head to the polls Monday 18 February.

Before deploying to observe on election day, the parliamentarians will receive briefings from candidates, non-governmental organizations and international experts in Yerevan.
 
“My fellow parliamentarians and I will draw on our electoral experience and expertise to help shape the overall assessment of how the conduct of this presidential election compares to Armenia’s democratic commitments.”
 
Tonino Picula, former foreign minister of Croatia, will lead the Parliamentary Assembly delegation, having been appointed by OSCE PA President Riccardo Migliori. Picula will deliver the post-election statement on behalf of the OSCE PA on 19 February.
 
“The development of a healthy democracy in Armenia is important to the stability of the wider region given the country’s strategic location between Europe and Asia,” Picula said. “It is our hope that Armenia’s electoral process upholds the country’s OSCE commitments, and we are prepared to honestly and accurately assess that after the election.”
 
The parliamentarians will help shape the overall assessment as to the fairness of the elections and whether the country upheld its commitments to free elections as established in the 1990 Copenhagen Document.