Annex 4 Note Verbale No. 257/06, 30 May 2006 Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights 257/06 Note Verbale The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights presents its compliments to the Delegations of the OSCE participating States and, referring to its Note Verbale 62/06 of 2 February 2006 (ODIHR.GAL/6/06), thanks the participating States for their numerous and pertinent questions, demonstrating the interest of States for the ODIHR, and the human dimension as a core of the OSCE’s purpose. The questions received so far cover a multitude of issues, ranging from some technical and operational aspects of election observation missions and of other election-related activities to broader questions, such as the state of implementation of HD commitments, the adequacy of the OSCE’s respective monitoring and review mechanisms, including the mandated HD meetings, the relationship of the ODIHR to other parts of the Organization as well as to other Organizations, and the timeliness of possible new commitments to be undertaken by the OSCE community, in particular in order to make the implementation of earlier commitments more effective. The ODIHR is grateful for this strong interest and will take into account and answer questions in preparing the report to the Ministerial Council according to MC Dec 17/2. In order to maximize the transparency and inclusiveness of the process, the ODIHR will proceed to consult with all participating States over the coming months, in particular in direct contact with Delegations, and organize consultations with all Delegations at the appropriate time. In order to clarify a number of points arising from the questions received, and in preparing for consultations, the ODIHR would like to raise some questions to participating States. Delegations are requested to kindly provide answers, if they so wish, if possible within four weeks. These questions are annexed to this Note. The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Delegations of the OSCE participating States the assurances of its highest consideration. Warsaw, 30 May 2006 To the Delegations of the OSCE participating States Vienna Common Responsibility: Commitments and Implementation 93