The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) and the global community have a moral obligation to support the people of Ukraine and not to stand silent in the face of the ongoing Russian aggression against them, the Head of that regional group told the Security Council today, warning that “we will be judged by the way we respond to these horrors”.
Zbigniew Rau, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Poland and the current Chairman-in-Office of the OSCE, made the remarks during the 15-member Council’s annual meeting on the OSCE’s work across Europe — which includes support to States in counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, good governance and human rights monitoring — and on its growing cooperation with the United Nations system. […]
ZHANG JUN (China) said his country has always supported United Nations efforts to develop partnerships with regional organizations, including OSCE, to address challenges in peace and security. […]
The final solution to the crisis in Ukraine is to respect the reasonable security concerns of all States and form a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture. […]
RAVINDRA RAGUTTAHALLI (India) noted that the challenges confronting the OSCE community include threats to sovereignty, peace and security. These threats manifest themselves in ethnic tensions and violent separatism within States, as well as through the proliferation of weapons, terrorism and cyberattacks. […]
Acknowledging the important role of OSCE in facilitating the implementation of the package of measures across both sides of the contact line in eastern Ukraine, he pointed out that recent developments in Ukraine and consequent deterioration of the security situation have halted the functioning of the Special Monitoring Mission. […]
MONA JUUL (Norway) said that, with an inclusive mandate and participation, OSCE has a rich toolbox for increasing transparency, building trust and reducing tensions. Commending its work in Ukraine, she said good use should be made of its Special Monitoring Mission’s national staff on the ground, as well as its fleet of vehicles, premises and its long experience as an intermediary facilitating localized ceasefires. OSCE can also provide competence on border management and human trafficking. Condemning the Russian Federation’s illegal and unprovoked military aggression against Ukraine, which is a serious violation of international law and Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, she stressed that Moscow’s warfare in urban and populated areas and the use of heavy explosive weapons is causing terrible, long-term harm to civilians. Humanitarian actors in Ukraine must be allowed to stay and deliver, she said, also voicing concern about the increasing strain on neighbouring countries as people flee the fighting. Läs alla inlägg