The central theme of Minister Zbigniew Rau’s speech in his capacity as OSCE Chairman-in-Office was Russian aggression against sovereign Ukraine. The minister stressed that Russia’s actions have shaken the world and undermined the values underpinning the OSCE. He described Russia’s increasingly violent attacks against civilians as deplorable and amounting to state terrorism. At the same time, he stressed that the international community has the instruments and means to hold responsible those who commit and are complicit in war crimes.

Referring to the Russian accusations of a lack of impartiality in performing his duties of OSCE Chairman, the minister replied that “impartiality ends where blatant violations of international humanitarian laws start. In moments like these, it is our moral obligation to maintain decency and integrity. The perpetrators will be judged by their deeds. But we will be judged by the way we respond to this horror. We cannot stay indifferent,” he said.

Minister Zbigniew Rau pointed out the need for dialogue based on the principles of international law. He reiterated his call on Russia to respect international norms, stop the hostilities, and find a lasting, peaceful solution to the conflict.

 

Łukasz Jasina

MFA Press Spokesperson

 

Photo: Sebastian Indra / MSZ