Russia Blames OSCE For Tensions In Belarus
March 24, 2006
Sergei Lavrov (file photo) (epa)
Lavrov said the OSCE played an "inflammatory role" by announcing long before the March 19 vote that it would not be legitimate. He said the OSCE had made "biased" comments on the course of the election and its results.
The OSCE said the election, which gave President Alyaksandr Lukashenka a third term, did not meet international standards for a free and fair vote.
Russia has backed Lukashenka, who has been denounced by many Western governments for his crackdown on the opposition and the independent media.
(compiled from agency reports)