Maltese Foreign Minister Ian Borg, Chairman-in-Office (OSCE), addresses the UN Security Council. OSCE Chairman: the war in Ukraine is a threat to international cooperation Peace and Security
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is a “stark reminder” of the challenges facing the international community today. This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malta, Ian Borg, current chairman of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), speaking at the Security Council.
Cooperation between the UN and OSCE
The annual UN meeting with the OSCE, a regional body that includes 57 states from Europe, Central Asia and North America, took place on Friday. The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malta said that as a result of the conflict in Ukraine, the OSCE countries found themselves in conditions of uncertainty. “Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine not only reverberates in the dark corridors of history, but also serves as a stark reminder of the challenges our multilateral system currently faces,” he said.
Borg informed the Security Council that the international order, based on rules designed to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, is being tested in these unprecedented times. At the same time, he said, the OSCE must remain committed to the principles and commitments agreed upon by its members 50 years ago to restore peace and security throughout the region.
Cessation wars in Ukraine
“We must and will keep Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine at the top of our agenda,” he said.
Borg previously visited Ukraine and saw first-hand the devastation caused by the war, which has claimed thousands of lives and forced millions to flee their homes. While in Kyiv, he also reaffirmed the OSCE’s unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.
“The attacks [on Ukraine] must stop. This war must end,” he said, calling for the release of three OSCE staff who have been detained in eastern Ukraine since April 2022.
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Preventing escalation, strengthening democracy
During his tenure, Borg, according to him, will also give priority to other regional conflicts – in Karabakh, Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Transnistria.
“We are committed to working with all parties to improve the prospects for a comprehensive resolution of conflicts by preventing escalation and restoring stability,” he said.
He reported his recent visits to Serbia, Kosovo and Moldova, and emphasized the OSCE’s commitment to maintaining peace, strengthening democracy and the rule of law.
Other priority areas of the OSCE’s work include the cyber domain, countering transnational threats, bridging the digital divide, climate change and ensuring the safety of journalists, including online, with a special focus on the safety of women journalists.