New OSCE secretary general extends help to Russia and Ukraine for peace talks
The Russian Foreign Ministry building is seen behind the Army billboard reading "The Unity Leads to the Victory!" in Moscow on November 21, 2024. (AFP Photo)
The newly elected Secretary General of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Feridun Sinirlioglu, extended the organization’s support to Russia and Ukraine on Friday, should the two warring countries begin a peace process.
Speaking at a news conference following the OSCE’s 31st Ministerial Council meeting in Malta, Sinirlioglu emphasized that the OSCE prioritizes diplomacy and is prepared to assist both nations in finding a path toward peace.
“OSCE is an organization of comprehensive security that puts diplomacy above everything else, and therefore, I do hope that if the two parties start a process, they can benefit from the opportunities and tools of the OSCE,” said Sinirlioglu, who was appointed to the role after his tenure as Turkey’s ambassador. He added that he is committed to ensuring that the OSCE remains flexible and responsive to the evolving security challenges faced by its member states.
In his remarks, Sinirlioglu reiterated his determination to ensure that the OSCE remains adaptable in the face of shifting global dynamics, with a focus on peace and security.
During the same meeting, Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ian Borg, who serves as OSCE Chair-in-Office, praised the organization’s efforts throughout the past year, describing it as one of the most difficult periods in the OSCE’s history. He underscored that Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine has had devastating effects on millions of lives and raised profound questions about the security framework in Europe.
“Russia’s war against Ukraine has not only devastated millions of lives; it has also called into question the very foundations of Europe’s security architecture. That is why we made a deliberate decision to put Ukraine at the center of our work,” Borg stated.
Borg further emphasized the significance of the OSCE, noting that it was important for Russia to recognize the organization’s role. “This organization, first of all, is crucial to remind themselves that they violate the very Helsinki Final Act that they signed 49 years ago,” he said.
Sinirlioglu’s election as OSCE Secretary General was supported by all 57 member states from North America, Europe, and Asia. His three-year term will focus on addressing critical issues related to global peace, stability, and the preservation of European security structures.
Founded in 1975 during the Cold War, the OSCE was established to facilitate dialogue and reduce tensions between Eastern and Western blocs, positioning itself as a key player in international diplomacy and security.
