UN-OSCE partnership key for peace, stability in Euro-Atlantic region and beyond: Chairperson-in-office

HAMILTON, Canada

The chairperson-in-office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on Monday highlighted the "essential" role of its partnership with the UN for "peace and stability" in the Euro-Atlantic region and beyond.

"The UN-OSCE partnership is essential for peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic region and beyond. The UN and the OSCE and their staff continue to cooperate for common goals in various contexts," Elina Valtonen, who is also Finland’s foreign minister, said at the UN Security Council.

Pointing to the OSCE’s 50-year history, Valtonen noted that the organization was founded in 1975 with the Helsinki Final Act.

"Its principles mirror the UN Charter, sovereign equality, territorial integrity, the inviolability of borders, refraining from the threat of or use of force, and respect for human rights," she said.

She also said the OSCE has for decades acted as a guardian of these principles and held states accountable.

Valtonen argued that Russia's war on Ukraine represents "the largest and longest war in Europe since the Second World War."

She accused Moscow of violating the UN Charter and added that "each of the 10 Helsinki principles supporting Ukraine and promoting accountability for violations of international law have been at the heart of the work of our chairpersonship of the OSCE."

Valtonen further called on all countries to "support Ukraine in achieving a just and lasting peace as soon as possible."

She noted the OSCE's efforts in peace mediation, including in Moldova, the South Caucasus and Southeastern Europe and said: "Moreover and importantly, we also looked beyond our own region and strengthened ties with the oversea partners for cooperation, recognizing that Euro-Atlantic stability is interconnected with security and stability in other regions, such as the Indo-Pacific region."

She also underscored the importance of international cooperation.

"Multilateral cooperation based on international law can and must be the bedrock for international peace and security.”

"While this Council bears primary responsibility for international peace and security, regional efforts can amplify its impact," she added.