MINSK, Belarus, 19 September 2012 – Matteo Mecacci (MP, Italy), the special co-ordinator to lead the OSCE short-term election observation in Belarus, today issued the following statement upon learning that two parliamentarians from Germany and Lithuania, who planned to observe the elections, were told they would be denied visas by the Belarus Ministry of Foreign Affairs:

"I am disappointed to hear that two members of our delegation were not allowed to enter Belarus to observe the upcoming parliamentary elections. I hope to receive an exhaustive explanation on this issue from the authorities to make sure that the atmosphere for the upcoming Election Observation Mission will remain calm and so that our work can continue without restrictions or limitations, as stated in our invitation to observe the elections."

Parliamentary elections will take place this Sunday in Belarus.