Skopje, 30 November 2023 (MIA) - The people of North Macedonia have built an inclusive multiethnic society, and the country has demonstrated successful diplomacy with its neighbors and best understands the value of positive engagement within the OSCE, President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly PIA Kauma said addressing the opening of the 30th OSCE Ministerial Council in Skopje on Thursday.

Kauma said the Organization recognizes the unwavering commitment of North Macedonia to finding a solution towards peace and stability. 

She pointed out that the impact of Russian agression against Ukraine echoes across the entire region. 

"The Ukrainian people, brutalized and suffering, remain at the forefront of our attention. We cannot turn a blind eye to these clear gross and uncorrected violations of the Helsinki Final Act. Simultaneously, we confronts a multitude of challenges in all corners of the OSCE," said Kauma.   

Regional development, she stressed, cannot be guaranteed without peace and stability. 

"Tensions in the Western Balkans persist, serving as a stark reminder of the fragility of the region. Old wounds can resurface, threatening progress towards stability. Central Asia demands our continued attention, as the region faces its own unique set of challenges that contribute to this overall complexity. The October 7 terrorist attacks and Israel's military response in Gaza have intensified tensions in the Middle East with a ripple effect in all of our countries," Kauma added.

She noted that North Macedonia is a country whose people laid down their weapons to build an inclusive multiethnic society, a country which demonstrated successful diplomacy with its neighbors and a country which best understands the value of positive engagement within the OSCE. 

Kauma pointed out that her Presidency will continue to prioritize strengthening engagement towards peace and stability. 

"In the face of such unprecedented uncertainty, I maintain that the OSCE is more crucial than ever. Our Vancouver Declaration outlines recommendations that underscore our widespread commitment to supporting Ukraine through all means necessary. Real accountability focusing on victims of conflict is paramount. To do this and be more responsive to our colleagues in Kyiv we establised a parliamentary support team for Ukraine which I have the honor to lead. My Presidency will continue to prioritize strengthening our engagement. We will continue to address challenging topics, offering recommendations to the OSCE and its governments on ways to address our Organization's shortcomings," said Kauma.  

According to her, cooperation with the entire OSCE family, especially with the ODIHR, remains crucial. 

"Strong partnerships in the areas like election observation highlight the effectiveness of our work. But let us not forget that the OSCE mission goes beyond crisis management," Kauma noted adding that it extends to shaping a future where the principles of the Helsinki Final Act are not just words on paper but cornerstone of peace and stability.

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