OSCE laments Belarus' refusal to allow its monitors to observe February's parliamentary vote

A top trans-Atlantic security and rights watchdog is criticizing Belarus’ refusal to allow the group to observe its parliamentary vote, saying that it defies the country’s international obligations

TALLINN, Estonia -- A top trans-Atlantic security and rights watchdog has criticized Belarus' refusal to allow the group to observe its parliamentary vote, saying that it defies the country's international obligations.

Belarusian authorities announced Monday that they wouldn't invite observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to monitor February's parliamentary and local elections.

Belarus is a member of the OSCE, and the group’s monitors have been the only international observers at Belarusian elections for decades.

The OSCE said the move violates the commitments Belarus has made as a group member.

Matteo Mecacci, the director of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, said that Belarus' refusal "will prevent the country’s citizens and institutions from benefiting from an impartial, transparent and comprehensive assessment.”