S/PV.9610 Security Council

In accordance with rule 39 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite His Excellency Mr. Ian Borg, Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta, to participate in this meeting. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. I give the floor to Mr. Borg. Mr. Borg: It is an honour for me to address the Security Council in my capacity as Chairperson-in- Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The year 2024 represents a high-water mark for Malta and its commitment to effective multilateralism. As OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and an elected member of the Security Council, we are not tiring in our efforts towards peace and security in the world. In fact, this dual role provides us with a unique vantage point from which to advocate for and enhance the cooperation between the OSCE and the United Nations. They are mutually reinforcing institutions, each playing a complementary role in the pursuit of peace and security on the regional and international stages, respectively. The OSCE is the largest regional arrangement on Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. It is with pride that we recall that Malta was the driving force behind the recognition of that special status in 1992. This is tangible evidence of our long-standing commitment to strengthening synergy and complementarity between these key institutions. Members can be assured that we will stay the course and do our utmost to reinforce the collaboration between the United Nations and the OSCE, with regard to both policy and operational implementation. Sadly, the challenging security situation in the OSCE region is dictating a major part of our agenda. As States and societies, we are confronted with an era of profound uncertainty. For more than two years, we have once again been witnessing a devastating conflict on European soil. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine not only reverberates through the dark corridors of history, but also serves as a stark reminder of the trials our multilateral system currently faces. The international rules-based order, designed to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war, is being rigorously tested in these unprecedented times. These multilateral frameworks, established not only to prevent the outbreak of conflict but also to nurture a lasting peace, are now facing an erosion of their effectiveness, as they strive to meet the complex demands of our world. Yet it is in the test of such challenges that our resolve must be strengthened. These testing times, while difficult, should not breed despair or resign us to inaction. Instead, they should galvanize us to move beyond words, move beyond support for the cause of multilateralism and commit ourselves to effective, tangible and sustainable engagement. Advocacy alone is not enough. Any multilateral organization depends on the work and commitment of all its members, regardless of their size. It is for that reason that Malta accepted the request to assume the role of Chair of the OSCE for the year 2024 at the eleventh hour. We assumed the chairpersonship with a profound sense of humility and responsibility, fully aware of the pivotal moment at which we are assuming this role. Malta’s approach is fundamentally driven by the goal of enhancing stability and building — or rather rebuilding — trust within the international system. The pursuit of peace and security is one of the fundamental principles of Malta’s foreign policy. We have consistently upheld dialogue and cooperation as the most effective and sustainable means of resolving differences, rather than resorting to violence or force. With our unique position at the crossroads of East and West, Europe and Africa, Malta is well placed to serve as a bridge in this volatile global landscape. In the spirit of our chairpersonship’s motto, “strengthening resilience, enhancing security”, our primary focus is on ensuring the broader functionality of the OSCE. We are determined to find effective and sustainable solutions to strengthen the OSCE’s resilience and capabilities to respond effectively and flexibly to the evolving security landscape. To that end, we are working hard to facilitate consensus on all necessary institutional decisions. That includes securing a sound financial basis for the organization and steering decisions on its new institutional leadership, both in terms of the top executive officers and future OSCE Chairs. The OSCE must remain anchored in the principles and commitments to which all 57 participating States agreed to 50 years ago — not as an end in itself, but as a means to an end. And that end is to restore peace and security in our region. Throughout our chairpersonship, we will hold a consistent and principled position based on the unequivocally collectively agreed norms set out in the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Charter of Paris for a New Europe, using the organization as a platform for accountability for acts in breach of those principles. That is why we must — and we will — keep Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine at the top of the agenda. I saw the devastation caused by this war first hand during my visit to Ukraine, which was my first visit in my capacity as Chairperson-in- Office. In Kyiv, I reaffirmed our unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in accordance with international law. Thousands of civilian lives lost, families torn apart and millions forced to flee their homes — those are the real consequences of war. The ongoing attacks must stop. This war must come to an end. I take this opportunity to reaffirm the unwavering commitment of the Maltese chairpersonship to facilitating every effort aimed at securing the release of Mr. Vadym Golda, Mr. Maksym Petrov and Mr. Dmytro Shabanov, the three OSCE Special Monitoring Mission officials who are currently being illegally detained. We must — and we will — do our utmost to ensure that they regain their freedom and well-being and be reunited with their loved ones, whom I met while I was visiting Ukraine. We urge all members of the international community to join us in calling on the Russian Federation to undertake all measures to ensure their immediate and unconditional release. As our chairpersonship will also prioritize the OSCE’s role in addressing other conflicts across the OSCE region, including Nagorno-Karabakh, Abkhazia, South Ossetia and Transnistria, we aim to engage with all sides to improve the prospects for a comprehensive resolution of conflicts by preventing escalation and restoring stability. We are committed to engaging actively and collaboratively with all relevant stakeholders on the ground, while strengthening the invaluable work carried out by our network of field missions. During my recent visits to Serbia, Kosovo and the Republic of Moldova, I conveyed a clear and resolute message: the OSCE stands ready to support peace and to strengthen democracy and the rule of law by facilitating dialogue aimed at durable and sustainable political solutions. I look forward to upcoming visits as we continue highlighting our commitment to sustained engagement across the region and to strengthening the excellent relations that the OSCE shares with its partners. As we continue to steer our chairpersonship, we remain dedicated to advancing a robust and dynamic programme across the OSCE’s three dimensions. We will continue leveraging our diplomatic initiatives here at the Security Council concerning the women and peace and security agenda. Women’s agency, perspectives and capabilities are crucial to fostering meaningful dialogues, shaping more effective policies and enhancing security. We also aim to give new impetus to strengthening the OSCE’s work on challenges in the cybersphere, addressing transnational threats and ensuring compliance with conventional arms control commitments. Recognizing the connection between the well-being of our citizens, economic stability and environmental sustainability, the Maltese chairpersonship will prioritize efforts to narrow digital divides, facilitate broader access to digital skills and technologies and also to foster increased collaboration on climate resilience, adaptation and mitigation. Simultaneously, we will intensify our commitment to combat corruption and bolster food security. Malta’s chairpersonship is convinced that our shared human rights commitments are an essential part of the OSCE’s comprehensive approach to security. At a time when media freedom is under greater threat than ever before, we are committed to advancing initiatives focused on enhancing media literacy and ensuring the safety of journalists, with a special emphasis on the well-being and protection of female journalists, both online and offline. In addition, we will actively engage in endeavours to counter violence against women and combat human trafficking. In the spirit of inclusivity, Malta will also place the region’s 1 billion people at the centre of all OSCE initiatives. That approach will focus in particular on effectively mainstreaming gender and increasing the meaningful engagement of youth across all dimensions. In conclusion, this strategic focus reflects our commitment to proactively addressing the multifaceted security threats of our time, ensuring that the OSCE remains an effective organization that strengthens resilience and enhances security across the entire region. On the path ahead, we are bound to encounter obstacles. However, our strong commitment to future generations will continue to guide us, as will our faith in dialogue and diplomacy, as we strive to secure a more peaceful and prosperous future.

I thank Mr. Borg for his briefing. I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements.

I welcome His Excellency Mr. Ian Borg, Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), to this meeting and thank him for his comprehensive briefing today. We meet today against the backdrop of even more daunting challenges than ever before. Multilateralism, of which the United Nations stands as the fundamental cornerstone, finds itself in crisis. Indeed, much of the world is being affected by expanding armed conflict. Most notably, more than two years of Russia’s illegal war against Ukraine is calling into question the effectiveness of the post-Second World War multilateral architecture in responding to major security and humanitarian crises and protecting civilians. Furthermore, we are confronted with an unprecedented situation, in which an OSCE member State that is also a permanent member of the Council has invaded another member State. That has done great damage to the international order based on the rule of law. In that connection, it is clear that Russia has violated the OSCE’s core principles, such as respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all States, the inviolability of frontiers and the peaceful settlement of disputes. The Republic of Korea condemns that violation of the Charter of the United Nations and international law and calls for Ukraine’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity to be restored immediately. My delegation is of the view that bolstering United Nations cooperation with key regional organizations, such as the OSCE, as envisioned in Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, is essential to strengthening multilateralism and supporting vital intertwined peace and security efforts during these times of globally interconnected crises. Regional organizations are well positioned to both understand the root causes of conflict, owing to their intimate knowledge of the region, and promote confidence, trust and dialogue among concerned parties and civil society partners within their respective regions. Those tools also underpin the foundations for the peaceful settlement of disputes, as stipulated in Chapter VI of the Charter of the United Nations. At a time when security and cooperation are more crucial than ever, the importance of the OSCE in addressing regional conflicts and tackling transnational security threats cannot be overstated. Despite the challenges to its functionality, my delegation is of the view that the OSCE continues to serve as a meaningful platform, where 57 participating countries and 11 partners convene regularly to discuss regional security issues and expand dialogue. For almost 50 years, the OSCE has played a key role in promoting peace, stability and security in Europe; and the comprehensive approach to security which the OSCE advocates still remains instrumental in addressing today’s security challenges as well. In the 1970s, the Helsinki process contributed to building confidence and de-escalating tensions during the post- Second World War era. There is a clear need today to advance the same spirit of substantive dialogue and mutual trust in order to promote a return to stability in Europe. As Mr. Borg briefed us in detail, the OSCE, the largest regional security organization in the world, is contributing to the stabilization of tensions in various regions, such as the Western Balkans, Caucasus and Central Asia. We appreciate and support its efforts to facilitate peaceful resolutions of conflicts in Europe. For its part, the Republic of Korea has been actively engaged in security cooperation with the OSCE, as a Partner for Cooperation since 1994. Last year’s interregional conference on emerging technologies and the Asian Partners for Cooperation group meeting on the Indo-Pacific region were both in line with that long- standing partnership. As a member of the Council and a partner of the OSCE, my Government will tirelessly join such efforts to build and maintain trust. Lastly, I would like to conclude by reaffirming our firm commitment to close cooperation with the partnership between the United Nations and the OSCE, with a view towards a realization of peace and security during this polycrisis era.

I would like to thank His Excellency Mr. Ian Borg for his insightful remarks as the Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Algeria recognizes the critical role of the regional intergovernmental organizations and their efforts towards the maintenance of international peace and security. Their deep understanding of the challenges facing peace and security that are affecting their respective regions and the influence they can exercise to direct the dynamics toward the right path are valuable assets that should be used. Algeria also considers paramount the cooperation frameworks that exist between those regional organizations and United Nations bodies, especially the Security Council. Such frameworks provide the Security Council with an effective tool to understand in a comprehensive way the root causes of the threats to international peace and security and to make the right decisions consequently. In that regard, Algeria reaffirms the importance of multilateralism and therefore supports the strengthening of cooperation between the United Nations and the OSCE, particularly in the areas of conflict prevention and resolution, in order to find concrete solutions to the multiple security challenges facing the region. As a Mediterranean Partner for Cooperation that actively participated in the negotiations of the 1975 Helsinki Final Act and that has since then contributed to the establishment of the OSCE Mediterranean partnership, Algeria would like to stress the following. First, it is important to overcome the challenges that the work of the OSCE is currently facing owing to the antagonistic political dynamics that are preventing the organization’s functioning. Secondly, dialogue is the very essence of effective multilateralism and must be used to identify common grounds that the different members could share. It is only on the basis of such common grounds that peace can be built and security achieved. In that vein, and with regard to the crisis in Ukraine, it is important to focus the organization’s efforts on seeking a lasting solution to the conflict and strengthening peace talks between the conflicting parties. Thirdly, respect for the rules of procedures and established practices of the OSCE is vital for its work and need to be upheld in all circumstances to maintain its credibility and impartiality. It is critical, in that regard, to observe the required impartiality in dealing with all situations that the organization is seized with. In a region not far from that of the OSCE, the ongoing barbaric aggression by the Israeli occupation against innocent civilians in Gaza cannot under any circumstances be considered from a biased or one-sided angle. Finally, Algeria remains hopeful that it will see the OSCE recover its effective role of promoting peace and security among its participating States and partners and in the surrounding areas, in line with the principles enshrined in its Final Act.

I would like to welcome to the Security Council the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta, as the Chairperson-in- Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), and thank him for the insightful and comprehensive briefing today. Japan pays tribute to the OSCE for the important role it has played in confidence-building among a great number of countries with diverse values and perspectives. Unfortunately, there exist many places in today’s world where conflict could not be prevented owing to the eroding trust among parties concerned in the region. Such situations have been further complicated and aggravated by Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, which has had a negative and destabilizing impact around the world. The role of the OSCE as a stabilizer and confidence-building mechanism that provides a forum for dialogue has never been more necessary. Last month, during its presidency of the Council, Japan held an open debate focused on promoting conflict prevention (see S/PV.9574), reaffirming the importance of preventing human tragedies and devastating political, socioeconomic and financial impacts of conflicts. Clearly, it is far more difficult and costly to manage conflicts and restore peace once they break out. Japan became the first OSCE Partner for Cooperation over 30 years ago, in 1992. Since then, Japan has been working with the OSCE to cope with global security challenges. We have been proudly contributing to the OSCE’s activities in a wide range of areas, including election monitoring, assistance to Ukraine, counter-terrorism, border control and support for women from the women and peace and security perspective. That long-standing cooperation is based on the firm belief that peace and stability in the OSCE region is directly linked to that of the international community, including the Asia-Pacific region. We are confronted with the unacceptable situation in which an OSCE member State, which is at the same time a permanent member of the Security Council, is continuing its war of aggression against another member State, despite its mandated position to prevent and end conflict. We recall the strong statement from OSCE leaders in February demanding an immediate end to Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. We reiterate our condemnation of Russia’s unacceptable violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty, the Charter of the United Nations and the commonly agreed principles and commitments of the Helsinki Final Act and the Charter of Paris for a New Europe, adopted by Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, predecessor to the OSCE. Japan will continue to cooperate with the OSCE in order to maintain and fortify the international order based on the rule of law. The international community must work together, regardless of geographical boundaries. Today is another good occasion to renew our commitment to peace and security under the United Nations Charter.

I listened carefully to the briefing delivered by Foreign Minister Borg, in his capacity as Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Strengthening cooperation between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations is a clear requirement of the Charter of the United Nations and an important manifestation of multilateralism. China has always supported the cooperation of the United Nations and the Security Council with regional organizations, including the OSCE, in accordance with Chapter 8 of the Charter, in order to effectively tackle challenges to international peace and security. In that process, we should uphold the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter and actively advocate the resolution of disputes through peaceful means. Amid a world in turmoil, with rising security risks and challenges for the European continent, China expects the OSCE to play a greater role in enhancing mutual trust among its member States, preventing and mediating conflicts, responding to non-traditional security threats and making greater efforts to maintain peace and security in Europe. We must pursue dialogue and cooperation. It is inevitable for countries to have differing views or even conflicts of interest on security issues. The more we face differences and conflicts, the more we must bolster understanding and mutual trust. The OSCE has rich experience and a sound coordination mechanism for conflict prevention and resolution. We encourage OSCE member States to improve mutual understanding through calm and rational dialogue, to find lasting solutions to conflicts and to resolve conflicts and disputes through peaceful means. We must also ensure common security. The principle of indivisible security was first established in the 1975 Helsinki Final Act. That important principle has taken on even greater significance in the current context and should therefore be upheld and put into practice. The OSCE should encourage and promote respect for each other’s legitimate security concerns among its member States and jointly explore the development of a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture in order to achieve common security. We must promote multilateralism. The world does not need a new Cold War. It can accommodate the shared growth and progress of all countries. The OSCE has many members and covers a vast area. Strengthening mutual trust and cooperation among its member States will not only benefit their own development, but also inject greater stability and positive energy into the world. We encourage OSCE member States to transcend their historical, cultural, geographical and institutional differences, unite under the banner of multilateralism and work together to safeguard the international system, with the United Nations at its core, as well as the international order based on international law and the basic norms of international relations enshrined in the purposes and purposes of the United Nations Charter. The crisis in Ukraine continues to drag on, the humanitarian situation remains dire and the spillover effects are accelerating. China is concerned about the complex and protracted nature of the conflict and deplores the suffering of innocent civilians. The continuation of the war will bring more unpredictable risks and challenges to the European continent and the world at large. China once again calls on all parties concerned to act responsibly, intensify diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire and an end to the war and promote a political settlement of the crisis in order to bring about the dawn of peace as soon as possible.

I thank you, Madam President, for organizing this meeting, and I thank the Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), His Excellency Mr. Ian Borg, for his briefing. Switzerland pledges its full support to Mr. Borg in this difficult task, and we particularly welcome his focus on the resilience of the OSCE. Almost 50 years ago, the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe adopted the Helsinki Final Act. At a time of great division, the Act established the basic principles of cooperation among the participating States and helped to re-establish trust among them. It made it possible to implement a global approach to security, linking it to human rights, the environment and economic issues. In that way, the Final Act laid the foundations for a peaceful, rules-based order in the OSCE region — as also envisaged by the Charter of the United Nations. But today, 50 years on, the European security architecture and that trust are in turmoil. Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine violates the principles of the Helsinki Final Act, as well as the United Nations Charter. In recent weeks, new strikes have once again killed and wounded hundreds of civilians in Ukraine. It is urgent that international humanitarian law and human rights be finally respected. Even after the onset of Russia’s military aggression, the OSCE’s long-standing commitment in Ukraine continued, with the establishment of the OSCE Secretariat Extra-Budgetary Support Programme for Ukraine, which Switzerland welcomes and actively backs. In the South Caucasus, the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan continues to demand our full attention. On another note, the OSCE is playing an essential role in the prevention and peaceful management of the conflicts in South Ossetia and Abkhazia. In that context, we welcome the holding, in April, of the sixtieth session of the Geneva International Discussions, co-chaired by the OSCE, during which participants again confirmed their commitment to this process. With regard to the Transnistrian settlement process, we underline the OSCE’s commitment to a peaceful, comprehensive and lasting settlement of disputes. The recent visit to the region by the Chairman-in-Office was an important signal in that regard. In the Western Balkans, the OSCE’s network of local offices contributes to the promotion of democratic governance, elections, human rights, as well as economic activities and the inclusion of young people, all essential factors for lasting peace. One of the OSCE’s strengths lies in its well- developed tools. It is available to participating countries as an impartial mediator and observer. The OSCE has instruments such as the Moscow Mechanism, which aims to investigate allegations of serious human rights violations by OSCE participating States, currently under way in Ukraine, or the Vienna Mechanism, which enables participating States to request information on the human rights situation within a participating State. Independent election observation is an essential contribution to the establishment of democratic governance and must be guaranteed. In addition, field operations continue to play an important role in the implementation of OSCE commitments by the various participating States and contribute to conflict prevention and post-conflict monitoring. The OSCE’s strength lies precisely in its holistic approach to security. That is why the Helsinki Accords, even and especially in these times of heightened pressure, must remain our benchmark for Europe’s common peace and security architecture. For the United Nations and the Council, the OSCE remains an indispensable partner as an inclusive platform for dialogue, in accordance with Chapter VIII of the Charter. And, as stated in the Helsinki Accords, we must remember that: “political will, in the interest of peoples, to improve and intensify their relations and to contribute in Europe to peace, security, justice and cooperation as well as to rapprochement among themselves and with the other States of the world”.

I welcome the Chairperson-in-Office and Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta, Mr. Ian Borg, to the Security Council and thank him for his briefing on behalf of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). I also commend Malta for its leadership since assuming the chairpersonship of the OSCE, especially at a time when the security situation in Europe continues to be tested. The OSCE’s comprehensive approach to addressing security challenges is commendable. With a mandate covering areas across the spectrum, from the political and military, to often overlooked dimensions such as economic development, the sustainable use of natural resources and the promotion of the full respect for human rights, the organization’s potential to manage and resolve conflicts is deeply valuable to global peace and security. Guyana supports and welcomes the contributions of the OSCE to regional stability. In our view, the OSCE and the Council have a shared responsibility to prevent and end violent conflict while preserving the rule of law and protecting human rights for all. We note that the organization’s presence and ongoing work across the continent and in Central Asia play a vital role in de-escalating tensions and finding lasting solutions to protracted conflicts. The OSCE today is operating in an environment of complex security challenges, with heightened tensions and risks of escalation. We are hopeful that the organization will be able to continue to sustain its critical work. We call on parties to conflicts across Europe to fully commit to diplomatic engagement as the only path to sustainable and lasting peace. We urge them to take advantage of the tools made available by organizations like the OSCE. The invaluable experience and expertise of the OSCE across a spectrum of areas is undoubtedly critical to addressing those ongoing and protracted conflicts in Europe. In conclusion, Guyana reiterates our strong support for the critical work done by regional and subregional organizations, including the OSCE, in addressing conflicts and security challenges in countries within their areas of remit. Regional leadership is critical to maintaining global peace and security and is essential in supporting the efforts of the Council. We look forward to the further strengthening of the decades- long relationship between the United Nations and the OSCE. We can and must work together to find pathways for lasting peace in Europe and beyond.

We are disappointed that the Chairperson-in- Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta, Mr. Borg, instead of implementing the direct mandate that was entrusted to him by the organization’s 57 participating States, has actually spent most of his time, as he did today in the Chamber, advancing the political agenda of the West to tarnish the Russian Federation in the context of the situation in Ukraine. From the very beginning of his term at the OSCE, the Minister has been demonstrably violating its rules. During the presentation of the priorities of the Maltese chairpersonship on 25 January, he set out as his top priority for this year “keeping Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine at the top of the OSCE agenda”. He promised to continue to demand the full and immediate withdrawal of Russian troops from all Ukrainian territory. He also made anti-Russian statements during his visit to Ukraine on 2 and 3 February. His biased and one-sided allegations against an OSCE participating State are contrary to the mandate of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office set out in the 2002 ministerial decision adopted in Porto, Portugal, which unequivocally states that the “functions of the Chairperson-in-Office shall be exercised by the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the participating State so designated … ensuring that its actions are not inconsistent with positions agreed by all the participating States and that the whole spectrum of opinions of participating States is taken into account”. When and under what circumstances did all 57 OSCE States authorize him to spread anti-Russian allegations? He egregiously disregarded Permanent Council Decision No. 485 dated 28 June 2002, which explicitly set out that all public statements made by the Chairperson-in-Office on behalf of the organization, under all circumstances, must be in line with and consistent with the consensus rule, which is fundamental to the OSCE. On whose behalf did he express his unwavering support for Ukraine today? Let us recall that that document states “formal OSCE positions are expressed in decisions, statements and documents adopted by the decision-making bodies on the basis of consensus”. There is also a list of individuals authorized to make such statements on behalf of the OSCE as a whole — the Chairperson-in-Office, the Secretary General and their authorized official representatives. It is emphasized that “their statements and public outreach activities are to be made in line with their mandates and should not be inconsistent with OSCE consensus positions”. We have the right to demand that the Maltese chairpersonship, at the helm of the organization this year, ensure maximum impartiality and operate exclusively on behalf of all 57 member States. We also have every reason to expect it to undertake activities to smooth out disagreements and conflict among the participating States of the organization. Instead, he is leading the organization into an aggravation of confrontation and complicating work aimed at finding mutually acceptable decisions and common ground. It seems that instead of creativity and dialogue, he has deliberately been backing destruction and discord. How the OSCE continues to operate regarding the crisis in Ukraine is a complete fiasco. Its Special Monitoring Mission not only failed as a mediator to implement the Minsk agreements, but it also has stooped to blatantly criminal actions. Some of its staff, instead of monitoring, were collecting and handing over intelligence data to Kyiv. It is very difficult to believe that the leadership of the Mission was unaware of that fact. As for the former locally recruited employees of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine who were mentioned today, clarifications were repeatedly presented during the meetings of the OSCE Permanent Council, including that held in September 2023. There is nothing else to add. Those individuals were brought before Russian justice on very serious criminal charges related to the protection of life and ensuring the safety of civilians living in Donbas. The issue is closed. In that context, we wish to recall that yesterday marked exactly tens years since the Kyiv regime that came to power following an illegal coup d’état unleashed a so-called counter-terrorism operation against its own citizens in Donbas. From the outset, it was obvious that that was nothing other than an attempt to expel the Russian-speaking population from their ancestral lands or to forcefully Ukrainize those people who were unwilling to resign themselves to the radical national forces that seized power. People began to be stripped of opportunities to speak in their own language; they were unable to teach children in their mother tongue. They were persecuted for dissent and their basic freedoms were violated. Soon that practice spread to all Ukrainian territory, in addition to the south and south-east. The unabated shelling of cities, the deaths of their loved ones — that is the reality that the civilians of Donbas had to endure for eight years. The shelling continued even after the beginning of our special military operation. We have to note that the Maltese Chairperson-in- Office is blindly marching in lockstep with his predecessors and is dancing to the tune of hardened Russophobes from the Western camp. Time and again, we hear utterly false fabrications against Russia in the statements made by the OSCE Chairperson. I wonder if Mr. Borg knows about the recent International Court of Justice verdict, in which the Court rejected the groundless insinuations of the Kyiv regime and its Western sponsors — that were very much in line with the statements of the Maltese chairpersonship — regarding my country’s alleged support for terrorist structures in Donbas and the unleashing of a genocidal war in 2022 as part of our special military operation. We advise him to read that decision carefully and see for himself how out of touch the fabrications of Kyiv and its Western sponsors are — fabrications that he has been promoting on the OSCE platform. Unfortunately, Mr. Borg’s condoning of the Kyiv regime has had very concrete consequences. It is with ever-growing concern that we are watching how almost all OSCE tools and resources have been assigned to the corrupt task of the total “Ukrainization” of the organization’s agenda. One must realize that that impairs other crisis issues in the OSCE area, including Transnistria, security and stability in Southern Caucasus and the Balkan file. We are outraged by the active involvement of the Chairperson-in-Office in the Western campaign to whitewash the criminal actions of the neo-Nazi Maidan authorities. I appeal to the Maltese Chairperson-in- Office not to deceive himself. By ignoring the heinous attacks by armed formations of the Zelenskyy regime against peaceful Russian cities, he is essentially showing solidarity with them. Therefore, as an accomplice, he is also sharing responsibility with the Kyiv regime for the atrocities committed against Russian service personnel and civilians, including on Russian territory. Such selective blindness on the part of the OSCE is regrettable. For example, it failed to react to the Ukrainian armed forces strike on a market in Donetsk earlier this year. Twenty-seven people were killed, and dozens were wounded. There were no military targets near the market. It was a targeted, brutal shelling of the civilian population, which cannot be qualified as anything but a terrorist attack. Neither did it pay due attention to the downing by the Ukraine side of Russian IL-76 aircraft with six crew members, 65 captured Ukrainian armed forces soldiers who were being taken to an exchange and three convoys on board. Since the Kyiv regime was aware of the route and mode of transportation of the prisoners of war to the pre-agreed exchange location, one can draw the natural conclusion that it was a deliberate and pre-meditated crime. Ukrainian security services have repeatedly admitted — including in interviews with foreign media — to preparing and committing crimes on Russian territory. However, the OSCE never expressed direct unequivocal condemnation of such steps and never called to put an end to such vicious practices. I would like to recall that on the same day that Mr. Borg was meeting with the head of the neo-Nazi regime in Kyiv, the Ukrainian armed forces shelled a bakery in the town of Lysychansk, in the Luhansk People’s Republic of Russia. The OSCE leadership did nothing but cowardly turn a blind eye to that and many other crimes. It did not have the courage to condemn the deliberate attack against the civilian population in violation of the norms of international humanitarian law. For the OSCE, which not long ago used to contribute significantly to countering the international terrorist threat in all its manifestations, that is simply shameful. We have repeatedly called on the Chairperson-in- Office to take seriously his well-known obligations to formulate a unifying and constructive agenda, as repeatedly confirmed by OSCE decisions. We warned against steps that could undermine the authority of the OSCE as a unique all-weather platform for cooperation among the States of the Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian region. And despite the fact that the fate of the organization is hanging by a thread, we believe that it can still play its role and be in demand after the inevitable defeat of the Kyiv regime and its sponsors. The OSCE still has some potential as a mediator, which has effectively been abandoned at this point. For the OSCE not to fade into history in disgrace, it must stop trying to impose on us ultimatums and frantic and knowingly unrealistic formulas regarding Ukraine and to work in good faith to restore trust and build a truly mutually respectful dialogue in the interests of finding and implementing formulas for the preservation of global peace and security. The interaction between the United Nations and the OSCE under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations should also be directed towards those noble goals. Such efforts can be viable only if they are inclusive and if they take into account Russian interests, and not if they assume a Russophobic spirit and encourage a zero-sum game. The sooner Mr. Borg and his colleagues realize that immutable truth, the better the OSCE’s chances of survival will be. The choice is theirs.

I thank Chairperson-in-Office Borg for his briefing and participation today and for Malta’s principled leadership of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Let me begin by expressing gratitude to Malta for taking on the OSCE chairpersonship at short notice. Malta’s principled leadership and objectivity has provided vital continuity for this important regional organization. The role of regional organizations like the OSCE, which are committed to promoting respect for human rights and international law, has never been more critical to international peace and security. Russia continues to inflict grievous harm on the people of Ukraine, despite condemnation by the international community of Russia’s brutal and illegal war. From the many credible reports of torture, to the children who Russia continues to forcibly transfer or deport, to the millions who are displaced, the human cost in suffering and lives is appalling. The OSCE has been instrumental in supporting accountability efforts in Ukraine thanks to its work to monitor and report on the atrocities and other abuses. It has done so through the effective use of its Moscow Mechanism, which has been invoked multiple times by 45 participating States. Successive expert missions have documented severe human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law in Ukraine by Russian forces. Those findings underscore the scope and depth of the crisis and reinforce the need for a unified and resolute international response. Beyond Ukraine, we welcome the OSCE’s joint initiative with the Office of Counter-Terrorism to bolster Tajikistan’s defences against terrorist threats. We believe that partnerships such as this one, which aims to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure and soft targets against terrorist attacks via capacity- building workshops, are essential. Elsewhere in Central Asia, we welcome the OSCE’s promoting of regional integration and participation in international trade, including through its project Promoting Green Ports and Connectivity in the Caspian Sea Region, in harmony with the Sustainable Development Goals. The OSCE’s support of the work of the United Nations is long-standing, and one need look no further than Bosnia and Herzegovina for an example of that, as the OSCE and the United Nations mark more than 30 years of robust partnership there. The United States fully supports the OSCE’s collaboration with the United Nations and the European Union, which has contributed to the country’s journey from conflict towards a more stable and prosperous future. That long-standing collaboration has supported the return of displaced persons, property repossession, education reform and more, reflecting our shared commitment to building sustainable peace, promoting reconciliation and advancing the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all. We also welcome the OSCE’s efforts with respect to cyberspace. For example, in North Macedonia, the OSCE’s Transnational Threats Department is working with the Office for Disarmament Affairs to promote peace and stability in cyberspace by gathering States to discuss and advance the implementation of the framework of responsible State behaviour. Those efforts contribute to global efforts to ensure peace and stability in cyberspace. The United States remains steadfast in its support for the OSCE. By enhancing collaborative endeavours between the OSCE and the United Nations, we can leverage our collective strength to address complex global challenges more effectively.

We thank Malta’s presidency for convening this annual briefing on the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). We highly value the insights on the actions and priorities provided by His Excellency Mr. Ian Borg, Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and Minister for Foreign, Trade and European Affairs of Malta. Amid unprecedented challenges and turbulence in the global security landscape, it is imperative for organizations like the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the United Nations, the African Union and other international and regional bodies to take decisive collective action based on shared objectives to reinforce global security and establish the foundations for peace and prosperity. In that context, the OSCE continues to have a crucial role to play in safeguarding and upholding the fundamental principles and commitments enshrined in the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe of 1975, the Charter of Paris for a New Europe of 1990 and the Istanbul Summit Declaration of 1999. Rekindling the spirit of those historic agreements is essential, and we should continue to uphold their principles and work towards a safer, more cooperative international community. The OSCE’s commitment to diplomacy, dialogue and risk reduction remains vital for fostering peace and security across its diverse member States. Mozambique recognizes the importance of fostering collaboration between the United Nations and regional and subregional organizations, such as the OSCE, which plays a crucial role in maintaining international peace and security, as rightly envisioned in Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. Mozambique pays particular attention to the OSCE’s role in facilitating dialogue and cooperation between its member States on multiple emerging issues, including terrorism and violent extremism leading to terrorism, transnational organized crime, arms control and migration — issues also faced by our own country and by our regional and subregional organizations in Africa. We therefore can confidently state that the African Union’s Silencing the Guns initiative resonates with the core of the OSCE’s mandate. In that regard, there is a shared agenda and practice, alongside respect of the contextual and historical specificities of both regions. We firmly believe that commitment to shared goals and practical action transcends regional boundaries. From an African Union regional perspective, we consider that the ongoing fruitful relationship between the Secutriy Council and the African Union Peace and Security Council provides a practical and inspirational example. Their annual interactions address diverse and important matters affecting peace and security. In that context, a platform could be created to address issues of mutual concern, including the participation of women and youth in conflict prevention, peacebuilding and post-conflict and transitional justice, through regional cooperation between the OSCE and the African Union Peace and Security Council. Working together, both can enhance the effectiveness of their common efforts by heeding the call set forth in the Secretary-General’s report entitled Our Common Agenda (A/75/982). We encourage active diplomacy and the OSCE’s continued commitment to facilitating dialogue between all parties in the organization’s regions that are experiencing crises and conflicts, such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Nagorno-Karabakh and Ukraine. As we navigate that complex situation, renewed dialogue, diplomacy and trust-building efforts are crucial to de-escalate conflicts and pave the way for a revised European security architecture. We are mindful that the lack of respect for genuine security concerns and commitments undermines building trust and the prospects of peace and security worldwide. Reflecting on the OSCE’s contribution, let us develop a fresh, balanced security architecture that minimizes volatility and fosters collaboration while working actively towards ending ongoing and potential conflicts. We remain confident that the OSCE will continue to be an essential partner in efforts to promote peace, stability and cooperation in Europe and beyond.

I would like to thank Minister Borg for his comprehensive briefing and to congratulate him and Malta for the work done since assuming the chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), under what are, without a doubt, extremely difficult circumstances. The OSCE is of particular importance for Slovenia, as it was the first international organization that Slovenia joined as a newly independent country. Let me underline three points on behalf of my delegation. First, with regard to the importance of a functional OSCE for regional peace and stability, this largest regional arrangement under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations is a fundamental pillar of regional security and a prominent partner of the United Nations. The two organizations share the same core principles and commitments, and their partnership is essential to upholding peace and stability in Europe and beyond. The OSCE continues to deliver important outcomes for European security. Its comprehensive approach to security and its autonomous institutions and field missions contribute to reducing risks, promoting transparency and building confidence. It is imperative to safeguard the OSCE as a pillar of the European security architecture and preserve its role as a platform for dialogue on different aspects of security in the region. Secondly, with regard to the OSCE and the war of aggression against Ukraine, Slovenia supports the priorities of Malta’s chairpersonship-in-office and its prioritization of Ukraine. We consider it paramount to continue to uphold the principles and commitments of the organization and to monitor closely the war on Ukraine. It is fundamental to ensure a continuous OSCE presence on the ground through its Support Programme for Ukraine. We support the OSCE’s efforts in ensuring full accountability for gross violations of international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law, connected to Russian aggression and resulting in immense human suffering. Those violations have already been confirmed in the reports of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, the Ukraine Monitoring Initiative and the Moscow Mechanism. Thirdly, we welcome the OSCE’s efforts to integrate gender equality across its policies and practices and its support for the implementation of the Security Council resolutions on women and peace and security. That is aligned with our efforts in the Council. We further welcome the OSCE’s promotion of the role and inclusion of youth in the peace and security agenda. The Chairperson-in-Office has our strong support for the continued strengthening of the OSCE’s activities in those fields. We cannot prevent or resolve conflicts without the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and youth in such efforts. The current security scenario demands an effective, resilient and functional OSCE. I would like to renew our full support for the chairpersonship, especially in efforts to safeguard the organization’s functionality, and for the work of the organization in helping participating States to uphold the principles of the OSCE and implement its commitments. Let me conclude by wishing Malta every success during its chairpersonship of the OSCE.

Ecuador once again welcomes Foreign Minister Borg to this Chamber and thanks him for his detailed briefing. The dual mandate of Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and President of the Security Council reflects the importance his country attaches to multilateralism and international cooperation — two pillars of Ecuador’s foreign policy. Malta brings to the Council a unique perspective which I consider a bridge between European security policies and the United Nations global strategies, which are of particular importance in the complex global geopolitical agenda and situation. Indeed, in times of global uncertainty, the OSCE must preserve an essential role for peace and security on the European continent and beyond by remaining a platform for open dialogue among its 57 member States. In order to restore trust, it is crucial that OSCE members reaffirm their commitment to the fundamental principles enshrined in the Helsinki accords and other normative frameworks guiding the OSCE. That renewed commitment is essential to fostering an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual understanding, which are essential in the search for lasting solutions to today’s conflicts. In that regard, my delegation values the priority that Malta has placed on resolving existing conflicts in the OSCE region in a peaceful, comprehensive and sustainable manner, and trusts that the use of its toolbox and the strengthening of the capacity of its operations on the ground will contribute to achieving that objective. Ecuador values the OSCE’s vital support to Ukraine through the implementation of programmes to mitigate the effects of the war in that country. It is urgent that collective efforts be made to put an end to the hostilities and the suffering of the civilian population. Ecuador shares Malta’s concern about emerging security challenges, including cyberthreats and transnational threats, and recognizes the urgent need for a collaborative and multilateral approach to address those problems. The inclusive vision of security of its chairpersonship, incorporating the gender perspective and youth participation, is plausible. Ecuador is convinced that peace and security are sustainable when they are inclusive. In conclusion, I wish Foreign Minister Borg success in undertaking the enormous responsibility of leading the OSCE and continuing to uphold the principles of the organization.

I would like to thank Malta for assuming the chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) during this difficult period for the organization. As we commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act next year, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine violates all the commitments arising from the founding texts of the OSCE, on which the stability of Europe is based. France welcomes the fact that the OSCE is using all its tools to support Ukraine. The Support Programme for Ukraine will continue for as long as necessary. The OSCE’s contribution to documenting Russian atrocities is critical, and the findings of the Moscow Mechanism’s rapporteurs and those of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights are unequivocal. France calls for the release of the three OSCE staff members who remain illegally detained by the Russian Federation. The OSCE must also continue to support the other countries which have been most violently affected by the consequences of the war, in particular Moldova. France welcomes the Maltese chairpersonship’s emphasis on strengthening resistance to disinformation and promoting a well-informed citizenry, at a time when our democracies are facing an unprecedented disinformation campaign waged by Russia. We reiterate our support for the vital work of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media. The OSCE must be able to continue fulfilling its mandate in accordance with the principles of international law. Its missions on the ground remain essential to the security of participating States and their citizens in the Western Balkans, Central Asia and Moldova. France welcomes the OSCE’s ongoing engagement in international discussions in Geneva, the sixtieth session of which was held from 4 to 5 April in Geneva, and which is the only platform where the consequences of the conflict between Russia and Georgia have been addressed since 2008. In the South Caucasus, the OSCE should be able to be more engaged for the benefit of the local population. France deplores the fact that over 100,000 Armenians were forced to flee Nagorno-Karabakh as a result of Azerbaijan’s military offensive on 19 September 2023. We call for the implementation of the decision of the International Court of Justice of 17 November 2023 calling on Azerbaijan to ensure that all persons who have left Nagorno-Karabakh and who wish to return to Nagorno-Karabakh are able to do so in a safe, unimpeded and expeditious manner. France reiterates its support for the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia and respect for international law and the territorial integrity of both countries. Azerbaijan must conduct discussions in good faith and without any use or threat of use of force. France reiterates its commitment to the gains of the human dimension of the OSCE. It regrets the decision by the Russian and Belarusian authorities not to invite observers from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights to their elections. Those decisions run counter to the commitments made by Russia and Belarus within the framework of the OSCE and have deprived Russian and Belarusian citizens of an impartial and independent assessment of those elections. The OSCE’s capacity for concrete action relies to a large extent on its executive structures and autonomous institutions. Their mandate and financial resources must be preserved. France supports the timeline proposed by the Maltese chairpersonship to resolve the pending institutional issues.

Let me start by thanking Foreign Minister Borg on behalf of the United Kingdom for his briefing today and for the excellent work he has already undertaken this year as Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The United Kingdom remains a firm supporter of the OSCE and of its cooperation with the Council. At a time when Europe faces its greatest security challenge since 1945, the OSCE’s work to uphold the founding Helsinki principles and safeguard European security has never been more important. I would like to highlight three areas in particular. First, it has been over two years since Russia’s unprovoked and barbaric invasion of Ukraine. We remember the OSCE’s tireless efforts to try to avoid that catastrophe. For years, the OSCE worked to support the implementation of the Minsk agreements — a process Russia claimed to support, while planning for war. On 21 February 2022, Russian diplomats told the OSCE that the key to lasting peace lies in the implementation of the Minsk agreements. Three days later, Russia invaded Ukraine. In that context and noting today Russia’s description of certain towns in Donetsk and Luhansk, the United Kingdom reiterates its rejection of Russia’s efforts to illegally annex parts of Ukraine and reiterates its support of Ukraine’s territorial integrity. With mounting evidence that Russia has committed grave violations of international humanitarian law in Ukraine, we strongly welcome action taken under the Moscow Mechanism in 2022, 2023 and February this year to gather evidence and ensure Russia is held to account. And we have not forgotten the three OSCE colleagues who were part of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, who have been unjustifiably held by the Russian authorities for over 700 days. We call for their immediate release. Secondly, we welcome the OSCE’s vital work to address other protracted conflicts in the OSCE region. We firmly support the work of OSCE field missions in Central Asia and the Western Balkans, and we welcome efforts to facilitate a peaceful resolution of the conflicts in Georgia and Moldova. We encourage Armenia and Azerbaijan to seize the opportunity to reach a lasting peace agreement. Thirdly, the OSCE continues to play a key role in promoting democracy and human rights in the OSCE region. We recognize the important work of the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, and we share its concern about Russia’s decision, for the first time, not to invite OSCE observers to its presidential election this year. At a time when the founding principles of the United Nations and the OSCE are under threat, it is vital that we strengthen the OSCE and enhance the Council’s cooperation with it in order to deliver long-term peace and security for the more than 1 billion people living across the OSCE region.

I thank you, Madam President, for convening this meeting. I also thank Mr. Ian Borg, Minister for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta, for his comprehensive briefing on the activities of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), delivered in his capacity as the current Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE. Sierra Leone welcomes the OSCE’s efforts to strengthen cooperation with the United Nations and recognizes that the Council’s engagement with the OSCE is crucial in fostering dialogue and cooperation on key security challenges in the EuroAtlantic and Eurasian regions. The annual briefings from the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office serve as a valuable platform for sharing insights and perspectives on its priorities and initiatives. We therefore acknowledge the critical importance of this briefing. Sierra Leone takes note of and welcomes the OSCE Ministerial Council’s unanimous decision, on 1 December 2023, to select Malta as the 2024 Chairperson and to extend the tenure of senior officials, including OSCE Secretary-General Helga Maria Schmid, until September 2024. That underscores the OSCE’s efforts to promote peace, security, cooperation, continuity and stability. The unanimous agreement reached on that decision reflects the spirit of cooperation and collaboration that is essential in advancing the OSCE’s mandate. Sierra Leone commends Malta for its concurrent roles as Chairperson of OSCE and a member of the Council, which uniquely positions Malta to contribute to the achievement of lasting peace within its region and globally. In recognition of the importance of maintaining unity and political will in the OSCE, Sierra Leone takes this opportunity to reiterate Mr. Borg’s call for safeguarding the OSCE’s functionality and reaching a consensus on critical issues, such as the unified budget, as it is crucial in ensuring the OSCE’s effectiveness in addressing security challenges. In that regard, we call for consensus-building and cooperation among members. The OSCE plays a crucial role in promoting security, stability and cooperation in Europe, and Sierra Leone commends the OSCE’s efforts to address conflicts in the region, including the Transnistrian conflict. We urge all stakeholders to engage in dialogue and mediation, de-escalate tensions, advance and implement conflict resolution initiatives and engage in conflict-prevention and peacebuilding mechanisms. We emphasize the importance of OSCE-United Nations cooperation in addressing complex security challenges and advancing peace and security objectives in Europe. We note Mr. Borg’s outlined priorities, including its top priority of addressing the conflict in Ukraine, as well as other priorities such as enhancing stability in crises settings across the OSCE region and increasing concerted action in the face of complex security challenges. Recalling Sierra Leone’s priorities on the Council, we also welcome Malta’s intention to advance discussions on the women and peace and security and youth, peace and security agendas; as well as on cybersecurity, transnational challenges and arms control. Sierra Leone also recognizes the importance of the OSCE’s efforts to address human rights violations and humanitarian concerns in conflict-affected areas. The OSCE’s role in documenting abuses and advocating justice is essential in upholding the rule of law, ensuring accountability and protecting the rights of vulnerable populations. We welcome the importance placed on the commitment to investigating violations of international law and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. In conclusion, as discussions on the future of European security architecture continue to evolve, Sierra Leone emphasizes the importance of regional bodies in the maintenance of international peace and security. The OSCE’s efforts in conflict mediation and resolution play a vital role in fostering regional cooperation and addressing security threats. We express our support for the OSCE’s mission and objectives in promoting security, cooperation and respect for human rights across its area of operations. We commit to constructive engagement to address the pressing challenges of the OSCE and the broader international community.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as the representative of Malta. I begin by thanking Mr. Borg, Chairperson-in- Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), for his briefing. In a world marked by complex security threats and global uncertainties, Malta attaches great value to multilateralism and strongly supports enhanced cooperation between the United Nations and the OSCE. As highlighted by OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Minister Borg, Malta is proud to have led efforts that resulted in the OSCE’s recognition as a regional arrangement under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations. With their converging objectives, both organizations should stand together and actively work to promote and safeguard international peace and security. This year Malta commemorates three proud milestones — 60 years as an independent nation, 50 years as a republic and 20 years as a member of the European Union. Throughout that time, we have always sought to meaningfully engage in finding solutions to challenges affecting the global community of nations. Malta’s leadership in the OSCE goes back to the signing of the Helsinki Final Act, where we affirmed that there cannot be European security without Mediterranean security. Our conviction lies in the imperative need of restoring the world to a state of peace and serving as a multilateral bridge, inspired by Malta’s unique position at the crossroads of East and West, of Europe and Africa. We regret that violations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law continue to occur in the region. With its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia continues to blatantly violate the United Nations Charter and the founding principles and commitments of the OSCE, enshrined in the Helsinki Final Act, and subsequent key documents, including the Charter of Paris for a New Europe. We remain steadfast in demanding Russia’s full and immediate withdrawal from Ukraine. This war must end. Malta maintains its consistent and principled position of using all available means to ensure accountability for actions that violate collectively agreed-upon principles and commitments. A prime example is the OSCE Moscow Mechanism, a key instrument that not only promotes accountability but also safeguards human rights. The arbitrary detention of Ukrainian civilians is unacceptable. It is clear under international law that no individual shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest or detention — an obligation that each member State has to adhere to. Furthermore, the unjust and illegal detention of the three staff members of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine, who have been held in Russian captivity for more than 700 days, is unacceptable. We echo Mr. Borg’s call for their immediate release. We are concerned about their health and safety, and our thoughts are with them and their families during this challenging time. Malta’s leadership in the OSCE is not to be seen in isolation, as we work to optimize links with our term as an elected member of the Security Council. We remain committed to supporting peace by facilitating dialogue towards durable and sustainable political solutions, particularly in Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus. Furthermore, we remain committed to supporting the OSCE’s ongoing Field Operations in Moldova, Southeastern Europe and Central Asia, with a view to strengthening host countries’ national capacities and capabilities. Malta is convinced that our shared human rights commitments are an essential part of our comprehensive approach to peace and security. Another priority for us is to ensure the full, equal and meaningful participation of women and girls in all aspects of work in the security sector at the national, regional and international levels. That is a basic prerequisite for comprehensive security in Europe and throughout the world. Malta will continue to advocate the implementation of the women and peace and security agenda, both at the Security Council and the OSCE. We would also like to stress that respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, democracy and the rule of law is the basis for a peaceful and secure world. In conclusion, we believe that only through strengthening resilience and enhancing security will a fruitful cooperation between the United Nations and the OSCE be achieved, with a view to building a safer, more secure and cooperative future for all within the OSCE region and beyond. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I give the floor to Mr. Borg to respond to the comments and questions raised. Mr. Borg: I thank you, Madam President, and the other members of the Security Council for sharing their invaluable insights. Their contributions serve as a strong reminder of the enduring partnership between the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the Security Council. For over three decades, dating back to the 1993 Framework for Cooperation and Coordination, that collaboration has yielded significant results. While the Helsinki Final Act upholds the fundamental principles of peace and security as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations, it is regrettable that we currently face a situation where one OSCE participating State is breaching the core values of the Helsinki Accords. However, that should not deter us from our mission. Its primary focus remains our determined pursuit of peace in the region, demonstrated by our support for Ukraine and mitigation of the impact of Russia’s aggression. Until the war is brought to an end, our efforts to seek accountability and uphold Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders must continue unwaveringly. Our hearts and thoughts go out to all those who have lost their lives in that aggression, regardless of which side they may be on, and to their grieving families. As previously mentioned, our goals, shared with the United Nations, are broad and consequential. From conflict prevention to climate change, promoting human rights and addressing transnational threats, our objectives align in critical areas that significantly affect the lives of countless individuals. Together, our complementary efforts translate into tangible results, making a palpable difference on the ground. Consider Kosovo, where the OSCE mission operating under the mandate of resolution 1244 (1999), plays a pivotal role in promoting human rights and fostering inter-ethnic dialogue. That collaboration between the OSCE and the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo, alongside the international community on the ground, exemplifies how our joint efforts are indispensable for progress. Similarly, the Geneva international discussions following the 2008 conflict in Georgia underscore the efficacy of our joint endeavours. In combating cyberthreats, our coordination with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is paramount. Through capacity-building activities, particularly in regions like South-Eastern Europe and Central Asia, we confront cybercrime head-on, demonstrating our shared commitment to security in the digital age. We have numerous missions, each undertaking vital work, often silently yet most effectively and pragmatically. Let us not overlook our contributions to non-proliferation efforts. Working hand in hand with the United Nations to implement resolution 1540 (2004), we support participating States to promote best practices and intensify cooperation with other international organizations. That partnership is integral to safeguarding global security. Looking ahead, the challenges we face are many — from traditional conflicts to emerging threats like climate change. Our collaboration with the United Nations is indispensable. As we confront the climate change crisis together, our joint efforts underscore the profound impact we can achieve through collective action. In conclusion, I wish to express my sincere appreciation for the outstanding relations we share with our United Nations partners. Together, we have established a solid foundation for future aspirations. With confidence in our continued cooperation, I am certain that we will leave an indelible mark on the world stage.

I thank Mr. Borg for his clarifications and additional comments. There are no more names inscribed in the list of speakers.