English

Visiting OSCE/ODIHR experts meet with representative of Belarusian Association of Journalists, rights defenders

A delegation of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) met with a representative of the Belarusian Association of Journalists (BAJ) and human rights defenders in the BAJ office in Minsk on March 5.

The delegation, which consists of senior election advisor Tatyana Bogussevich and election advisor Lusine Badalyan, arrived in the Belarusian capital earlier in the day.

In particular, the experts met with BAJ Deputy Chairman Andrey Bastunets, Hary Pahanyayla, a member of the Belarusian Helsinki Committee, and rights defender Uladzimir Labkovich.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Ms. Bogussevich said that the delegation planned to use the visit for discussing the report issued by the OSCE/ODIHR following Belarus' parliamentary elections in September 2012. "We also want to look whether there are any prospects for cooperation - initiatives to change laws or their application - and discuss them with government agencies," she said.

The expert expressed hope that the international organization's recommendations regarding laws governing the media and media coverage of elections would also be discussed.

Mr. Bastunets said that he had told the OSCE/ODIHR representatives about the BAJ's failed attempt to initiate a hearing in the Belarusian legislature on possible changes to the Media Law. //BelaPAN