Skopje, 30 November 2023 (MIA) - Wisdom and political will are needed to overcome the challenges that the OSCE is facing, Serbian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivica Dačić said Thursday addressing the OSCE Ministerial Council in Skopje.

Dačić highlighted that the conflict in Ukraine has eroded trust, and the OSCE has faced its greatest challenges to date due to the inability to reach consensus on key issues regarding its functioning.

"I am confident that we will make a step forward and demonstrate that we are one of the few diverse organizations capable of successfully addressing all challenges,” Dačić said.

He emphasized that Serbia remains dedicated to that goal and will remain a constructive partner, contributing to the strengthening of the OSCE's capacity.

In his address, he also referred to Kosovo, stating that the situation of Serbs there has never been more difficult. He added that they encounter various forms of discrimination and uncertainty, highlighting issues such as the right to vote and participation in parliamentary elections in Serbia.

Dačić underscored that Serbia remains committed to the dialogue process for resolving the dispute with Prishtina, under the EU's auspices, and EU membership as a primary foreign policy priority.

“Concerning Kosovo's admission to the OSCE, when discussing territorial integrity, I would kindly request that you consider it as a universal principle applicable to all,” stated Dačić, adding that Yugoslavia was a state with six federal units, not seven.

"If you are already condemning the violation of territorial integrity in other countries," said Dačić, "be honest and do not openly legalize the violation of Serbia's territorial integrity at such a gathering."

"As for Kosovo, it is an integral part of Serbia, and without an agreement with Serbia, international law cannot be violated. I highly respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine and make every effort to preserve it. However, do not imply that the territorial integrity of Serbia is less important to Europe and the OSCE," added Dačić.

Photo: OSCE