The absence of international observers in the parliamentary elections in Russia, as well as the “climate of intimidation”, was denounced today by the EU.
Asked about the election in Russia, during a briefing with the press, the representative of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Peter Stano, said that in the run-up to this election, the EU observed an atmosphere of intimidation, against all independent criticism. voices and how the elections took place without “credible” international observers.
Peter Stano expressed the EU's displeasure that Russia had prevented the development of independent international observers. He added, however, that reports from local independent observers during the election showed evidence of repression against opposition politicians, civil society organizations, human rights activists, independent media and journalists. “This has limited the choice of the Russian people and also limited their ability to obtain complete and accurate information about the candidate and to make an informed choice during these elections,” he added.
Finally, the Commission spokesman stressed that the EU would never recognize elections in illegally annexed Crimea. “This runs counter to the spirit and goals of the Minsk agreement and we urge Russia to refrain from actions that run counter to the commitments made under this agreement,” he said.
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