Thank you, Madam Chair.
Madam President, on behalf of Norway, welcome back to the Permanent Council and thank you for your insightful intervention. We congratulate you on your re-election as Assembly President to a second one-year term.
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly plays a key role in addressing the challenges facing democracy throughout the OSCE region.
The Parliamentary Assembly’s role in election observation is important to protect fundamental civil and political rights, contributing to ensuring responsibility and transparency in political processes. Norwegian Parliamentarians have for nearly thirty years participated as election observers in OSCE participating states, this year being no exception.
Madam President,
We welcome the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s continued focus on Ukraine. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine threatens stability and security in Europe and undermines the OSCE’s efforts across all three dimensions.
We encourage The Parliamentary Assembly to continue addressing Russia’s brutal war of aggression and its devastating consequences, holding the Russian Federation accountable for its blatant disregard of its commitments under international law and the Helsinki Final Act, as well as the humanitarian principles on which these commitments are based. Your visit to Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities in February sent an important signal of solidarity with the brave and incredibly resilient people of Ukraine.
Madam President,
As the President rightly noted, the OSCE cannot meet expectations without the necessary financial, human, and political resources. We welcome the Assembly’s work in raising awareness of the OSCE’s relevance, available tools and pressing needs in member parliaments.
Madam President,
The future of our democracies lies with our younger generations. Norway remains a staunch supporter of the OSCE’s creative and innovate work to facilitate youth engagement in democratic institutions and public life.
We commend the Parliamentary Assembly ’s continuous efforts to encourage future generations to commit to the Helsinki principles, democracy and rule of law. We are delighted to welcome the OSCE PA Young Parliamentarians Network to Norway this week, to discuss energy security, climate and youth participation in political processes.
Thank you.