United States Mission to the OSCE

Statement on the Russian Authorities' Denial of Entry to Senior Adviser of the Office of Freedom of the Media

Delivered by Deputy Representative Douglas Davidson
to the Permanent Council, Vienna

June 17, 2003

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Chairman, I would simply like associate myself with your statement and also to express our concern over the denial of entry to Ms. Moxhay.

According to the Office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media, the Russian authorities at the airport singled out Ms. Moxhay, canceled her valid visa, detained her more than one hour, and then made her board a return flight back to Vienna without clear explanation and, what is perhaps worse, without her luggage.

What is incomprehensible to us is that, as far as we know, the Russian government had invited the team of which she was a part and had fully endorsed its program. We note that Ms. Moxhay was traveling with a U.S. Diplomatic passport in which was placed a valid Russian visa. If a valid visa can be canceled without any clear explanation other than, "We cannot allow you in," then no OSCE representatives from any country can feel confident about planning a visit to Russia.

This incident raises serious concerns about the Government of Russia's willingness to cooperate with the OSCE and live up to its international commitments. We urge the Russian Government to offer a full and prompt explanation of this incident.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.