Deplorable absence of observers in Belarus: OSCE

(ANSA) - BELGRADE, JAN 9 - Belarus' refusal to invite OSCE observers ahead of the February 25 parliamentary elections "is deeply regrettable and contradicts the principle of transparency, which is essential for the holding of truly democratic elections," said the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The OSCE monitors elections in the region through the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (Odihr). (ANSA).