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YEREVAN, JANUARY 10, ARMENPRESS: Armenian Minister of Foreign Affairs Edward Nalbandian hosted head of The OSCE/ODIHR EOM Ambassador Heidi Tagliavini and delegation led by him.
As Armenpress was informed from the press, informational and public relations department of Armenian MFA, greeting the guest Minister Nalbandian highly evaluated cooperation established between Armenian and OSCE/ODIHR and expressed gratitude for efforts of it aimed at the development of electoral process in Armenia.
Minister Nalbandian reaffirmed firm position of Armenian authorities to hold February 18 presidential elections in accordance with all international standards. He has also underlined that expended reforms have been implemented joint with international institutions mainly during parliamentary elections in May 2012.
Ambassador Tagliavini expressed gratitude for the invitation of Armenian government to OSCE/ODIHR to be responsible for observation mission during upcoming presidential election and assured that observation mission is going to be impartial.
The OSCE/ODIHR EOM, headed by Ambassador Heidi Tagliavini, consists of 13 international experts based in Yerevan. In addition, 24 long-term observers will be deployed throughout the country from 16 January 2013. The OSCE/ODIHR will request 250 short-term observers to be deployed immediately prior to the 18 February elections. The short-term observers will be deployed throughout the country in multinational teams of two to monitor the opening of polling stations, the voting, the counting of ballots, and the tabulation of results.
In his turn Minister Nalbandian reaffirmed willingness of MFA to support the observation mission in frames of its competences.