Statement by the Republic of Slovenia at the briefing by the Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe

Thank you very much Madam President,

I would like to thank Minister Borg for his comprehensive briefing, as well as congratulate him and Malta for the work done since assuming the OSCE Chairpersonship, under without a doubt extremely difficult circumstance.

OSCE is of particular importance for Slovenia since it has been the first international organization that Slovenia has joined as a newly independent country.

Madam President, Let me underline three points on behalf of my delegation:

One: The importance of functional OSCE for regional peace and stability. This largest regional arrangement under Chapter VIII of the UN Charter 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 uphold peace and stability in Europe and beyond.

OSCE continues to deliver important outcomes for the European security. Its comprehensive approach to security, as well as 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 European security architecture and preserve its role as a platform for dialogue on different aspects of security in the region.

Two: OSCE and the war of aggression against Ukraine. Slovenia supports the priorities of Malta’s Chairpersonship-in-Office and 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 the continuous OSCE presence on the ground, through its Support Program for Ukraine.

We support 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. These violations have already been confirmed in the reports of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, as well as ODIHR’s Ukraine Monitoring Initiative (UMI) and the Moscow Mechanism.

Three: 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, Peace and Security. This is aligned with our efforts in this Council.

We further welcome OSCE’s promotion of the role and inclusion of youth in the peace and security agenda. The Chairpersonship-in-Office has our strong support for the continued strengthening of the OSCE activities in these fields.

We can not prevent or resolve conflicts without full, equal and meaningful participation of women and youth in such efforts. 

Madam President,

The current security scenario demands an effective, resilient and functional OSCE. I would like to renew our full support to the Chairpersonship, especially in efforts to safeguard the Organization’s functionality, and to the work of the Organization in helping Participating States uphold the principles of the OSCE and implement its commitments.

Let me conclude by wishing Malta every success during the Chairpersonship of the OSCE.

I thank you.

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