EU takes note of outcome of Duma elections in Russia

BRUSSELS. December 7. KAZINFORM /Dimash Syzdykov/ The European Union takes note of the outcome of the Duma elections in the Russian Federation, but expressed concern on reports of procedural violations. EU High Representative Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton has made such a statement on the Duma elections in the Russian Federation

"I take note of the outcome of the Duma elections in the Russian Federation and the fact that the elections, as noted by the international observers from OSCE/ODIHR in their preliminary conclusions, were technically well prepared and administered," C.Ashton said.

"Reports of procedural violations, such as lack of media impartiality, lack of separation between party and state, and the harassments of independent monitoring attempts, are however of serious concern.

The OSCE/ODIHR as well as observers representing the Parliamentary Assemblies of the OSCE and the Council of Europe will present their respective reports in the coming months. In the meantime, I expect that the issues raised in the preliminary findings as well as by local observers will be addressed by Russian authorities to allow for smooth and fair Presidential elections in the Spring," the statement reads.