By Tatiana Vesnina
Mr. Arens knows our country well, having headed the OSCE observation mission twice during Belarusian electoral campaigns. The first time was during the presidential elections of 2006; the second covered the 2008 parliamentary elections.
The diplomat doesn’t conceal his warm feeling for Belarus, noting that he is always pleased to return, especially when he can be useful in some way. The Ambassador feels special responsibility while working in Belarus.
At present, 388 observers have been accredited by district election commissions, although exact figures on the number of foreign observers for the presidential elections in Belarus haven’t yet been announced. From the OSCE/ODIHR Election Observation Mission, there will be 400 short-term observers, in addition to 40 long-term members.
