“We proceed from the assumption that the ODIHR’s refusal will not in any way affect the quality of the observation process, including because the Bureau’s quota — if it persists in its unwillingness to come to Russia — will certainly be happy to choose other numerous and multilateral independent monitoring structures, as well who have received invitations from us, "Gavrilov is quoted by TASS.
Earlier, the OSCE stated that it would not be able to send observers to the elections to the State Duma due to the requirement to limit their number.
At the end of July, the Russian Foreign Ministry noted that Russia is ready to accept and ensure the safe stay of international observers for the upcoming elections of the State Duma deputies.