OSCE must return to its roots, says Lavrov in talks in Moscow

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov pointed to a “severe violation of the goals and principles of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)”.

 

“All the original goals of the organization’s creation and the principles on which it is based, which were agreed upon by consensus, are now being severely violated and ignored,” he said opening talks with OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioglu.

 

Lavrov said that Sinirlioglu took charge of the organization in “challenging times.” “The organization has approached the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, let’s be honest, in a very deep crisis, into which it was driven by the countries of NATO and the European Union,” he said.

 

He said that Moscow is counting on Sinirlioglu’s expertise and wisdom. “We are well aware of your track record in the United Nations and in other key positions, including in Afghanistan. We have no doubt that you will do everything possible to return the OSCE to its fundamental principles, to the very principles that were solemnly proclaimed at numerous summits, in declarations, and which Europe really, really needs now,” Lavrov said.

 

Lavrov added that Sinirlioglu “has repeatedly publicly expressed his position on this issue, precisely in the direction in which the OSCE should evolve.” “We appreciate this position, and we will contribute to it in every possible way,” the head of Russian diplomacy assured.