18 April 2025, 10:26

Belarus wants CIS IPA to preserve leading role in bolstering electoral sovereignty of states

Natalya Kochanova. Photo courtesy of the Council of the Republic

MINSK, 18 April (BelTA) – Belarus would like the Interparliamentary Assembly (IPA) of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to preserve the leading role in strengthening the electoral sovereignty of states. This was one of the points made by Chairperson of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Natalya Kochanova at the meeting of the CIS IPA Council in St. Petersburg, BelTA has learned.

Natalya Kochanova emphasized that Belarus consistently supports the work of the CIS IPA and considers this organization to be the most authoritative international parliamentary platform; its role and importance are growing from year to year. The speaker also acknowledged the efforts of the chairperson of the organization, Valentina Matviyenko, and the secretary general of the organization, Dmitry Kobitsky, who was re-elected today.

“The Interparliamentary Assembly does a lot of work, including model lawmaking, election monitoring, congresses, etc. Last year was especially remarkable for the organization as the CIS IPA sent election observation missions to a number of the CIS member states. We uphold the findings of the CIS IPA election observation missions. In this context, Belarus would like the CIS IPA to preserve the leading role in strengthening the electoral sovereignty of states,” the chairperson of the Council of the Republic emphasized. She noted that this work is taking on new significance amidst continued interference of Western countries and pro-Western organizations in the most important domestic political events in other countries and their ungrounded claims questioning the legitimacy of the election outcomes.

The speaker believes that the CIS IPA Council should continue adopting statements and addresses in connection with international events and important memorable dates. In particular, she mentioned the adoption of the address at the Council's autumn meeting in connection with the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory.

“Significant events are held under the auspices of the CIS IPA - the forum “Children of the Commonwealth”, the Eurasian Women's Forum, the Commonwealth International Tourism Forum, the international forum “Commonwealth of Fashion”, the Nevsky International Ecological Congress and others. Taking this opportunity, I would like to thank you for entrusting us with hosting the 10th International Cultural and Educational Forum “Children of the Commonwealth” dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. I would also like to once again invite children from all CIS IPA member states to participate in this event, which will be held in Belarus. I am sure that it will be an unforgettable experience for them,” Natalya Kochanova remarked. In conclusion she sincerely thanked her counterparts for their work.