Skopje, 30 November 2023 (MIA) – I think we have to reserve special criticism for those who attempt to block the functioning of this organization, because it’s a direct affront, not just to values that were put on paper in 1975, but to the lives of millions of people across our societies who are simply attempting to exercise the basic rights that we all agree they are afforded, said the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, James O’Brien, in his address Thursday at the 30th Ministerial Council of the OSCE in Skopje.

O’Brien highlighted the OSCE’s role as a “shining star of how governments try to uphold human rights and basic values”.

“When we come together here, it’s not just an honor, it’s a privilege, but it’s a choice. We come together here because we recognize that each of us struggled to meet these aspirations in all circumstances and we need the help of our partners. We support this organization not simply for others, but we do it for one another and we do it for ourselves, and as the Chair so eloquently said at the start this morning, we do it for the most vulnerable populations in each of our societies,” said the Assistant Secretary.

In his address, O’Brien characterized the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a “complete affront to civilized standards, to international law, and to the principles on which this organization is based”.

“I add my voice to those of my colleagues calling for Russia to stop its violations of the basic principles of the organization, but I am not sure that they are yet willing to listen,” he said.

The Assistant Secretary of State stressed that the U.S. believes the organization can thrive with Malta as its chair in 2024.

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