“Russia’s unprovoked all-out invasion against Ukrainian cities and villages constitutes a fundamental breach of the UN Charter and Helsinki Final Act. Invoking article 51 of the UN Charter to justify this crime against humanity is deplorable and shameful. We condemn, in the strongest possible words, this act of aggression. We expect the Russian side to honor its international obligations and commitments. Any sustainable, political solution must fully respect sovereignty, territorial integrity, and independence of Ukraine,” said Zbigniew Rau during his speech.

Since the very beginning of the Polish chairmanship, my goal has been to seek a compromise and facilitate dialogue between parties in conflict, taking into account also the humanitarian impact on people living in conflict-affected areas. The parliamentary dimension of the OSCE and the Assembly itself is tailored for strengthening multilateralism and promoting conflict prevention through dialogue. And today this task may have greater and more important meaning than ever,” said the head of Polish diplomacy.

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA), which was established in 1992, is mainly tasked with facilitating inter-parliamentary dialogue to implement OSCE goals, strengthen security and co-operation in three dimensions: polito-military, economic and environmental, and human rights. There are 323 parliamentarians from 57 participating States in the Assembly. During the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Winter Meetings, the participants listen to high-level briefings and discuss draft reports for the next Annual Session.

The Polish Sejm and Senat’s delegation to the OSCE PA comprises eight representatives and eight deputy representatives, including six MPs and two senators.

 

Łukasz Jasina

MFA Press Spokesperson