Following our invitation to the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, and participating States to observe the November 8 U.S. general election, the United States hosted representatives of ODIHR and the Parliamentary Assembly for a Needs Assessment Mission May 16-20. This was the result of weeks of close collaboration between my delegation, colleagues in Washington, and ODIHR to arrange the schedule and ensure a successful visit. The Needs Assessment Mission met with a wide variety of officials from both the executive and legislative branches of the federal government, as well as with political parties, the national association representing the U.S. states, and civil society organizations.
The United States greatly values the OSCE’s efforts to promote our shared commitments in the fields of democracy and election observation throughout the OSCE region. We call on participating States that expect to conduct elections in 2016 to invite ODIHR and the Parliamentary Assembly with as much advance notice as possible in order to allow sufficient time to plan their important work.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
As delivered by Ambassador Daniel B. Baer to the Permanent Council, Vienna
