In spite of recent remarks to the contrary, Poland has invited OCSE observers to the October parliamentary elections, according to the Polish Foreign Ministry. The decision was made after a meeting between Polish foreign minister Anna Fotyga (photo) and Christian Strohal, director of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights at OCSE. “As a result of the meeting, OCSE agreed to withdraw the note previously sent to Poland. The organisation also stated that Poland was a stable democracy and expressed its regret that the question of invitation of OCSE observers to the election had become an element of the pre-election campaign”, Robert Szaniawski, foreign ministry spokesman said.
During the meeting the head of Polish diplomacy informed the OCSE representative of the democratic system in Poland and its achievements.
The Polish foreign office said in its statement that Christian Strohal had thanked Poland, a stable democracy, for an invitation to observe the election, which reflected OCSE’s determination to fulfill the organisation’s commitments in respect of democracy and human rights.
,br>Ambassador Strohal also expressed his gratitude for the continued support extended by Poland demonstrated by its observers’ regular presence at OCSE missions.
Both parties stressed that in the light of the forthcoming election cooperation between Poland and OCSE should be tightened.
Last week the government indicated that the OCSE would not be asked to observe the October 21 ballot as Poland was a 'stable democracy.'