During his meeting with Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Sergey Lavrov, the Chairman-in-Office emphasised the need to continue a constructive dialogue based on the principles of international law and engagement in the existing OSCE mechanisms, in order to reduce tensions in the region. He also pointed out the potential benefits of the recently presented concept of the Renewed European Security Dialogue.

“The Renewed Dialogue which I presented in Vienna on 8 February is an important initiative of Poland’s Chairmanship of the OSCE given the current tense international situation. I hope that Russia will decide to get actively involved in it,” said Minister Zbigniew Rau.

“I believe that accepting Poland’s proposal is an opportunity to revitalise the OSCE and to strengthen its importance within the European security architecture, which Russia has supported on several occasions. That is why I hope that the Russian side will support the Chairpersonship’s efforts in this respect,” added Minister Rau. The initiative constitutes an attempt to meet the expectations concerning a dialogue on both the practical security aspects as well as conceptual matters, including the interpretation of the principles of comprehensive and indivisible security, the importance of which was raised by the Russian side.

A significant part of the discussion was also devoted to the security situation in and around Ukraine.

“Naturally, the tense security situation in eastern Ukraine, including the build-up of military potential along its borders, is a priority topic for the Polish Chairmanship of the OSCE. As the OSCE Chair, we support the efforts of the Trilateral Contact Group, as well as negotiators of the Normandy Format, to reinvigorate the peace process and break the deadlock in negotiations. Any progress in the work of the Trilateral Contact Group would translate into an improved situation for the local population affected by the conflict,” said the OSCE Chairman-in-Office. Moreover, Minister Rau stressed the need to make sure that the OSCE SMM can operate efficiently and fulfil its mandate.

At the end of his visit to Moscow, the head of the Polish MFA also met with representatives of Russian civil society and human rights experts. “As the OSCE Chairperson, I will spare no effort to make sure that the so-called human dimension of the OSCE should not be overshadowed by other issues. Respect for the rights of individuals is a guarantee of peace,” underscored the top Polish diplomat.

Photo: Sebastian Indra / MFA
 

Łukasz Jasina
MFA Press Spokesperson