International expert mission visits Chechnya to examine preparations for upcoming referendum

MOSCOW, 3 March 2003 - A joint expert mission from Europe's leading election observation bodies, the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) and the Council of Europe, today concluded a five-day visit to Moscow and Chechnya to examine preparations for the 23 March referendum in the Republic.

Following its visit, the mission issued the attached statement.