Thank you, Mr. Chair,
Norway warmly welcomes Mr. Mihai Popșoi, President of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to the Permanent Council and thank him for his address.
The OSCE and the Council of Europe share common founding principles: democracy, human rights, rule of law, and peace based on justice. Norway strongly supports close cooperation and the complementarity between the two organizations. This cooperation is of particular importance for a peaceful and just resolution of Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Norway strongly supports the Moldovan presidency in prioritizing support for Ukraine and the accountability for the crime of aggression committed by the Russian Federation, particularly the efforts to strengthening the mechanisms to ensure accountability and the Special Tribunal. Those responsible for violations of international law committed in Russia’s war of aggression must – and will – be held accountable.
The Moldovan presidency expressed in their priorities that democracy is a process rather than a destination. We must genuinely engage with and work to protect our democracies every single day.
Our region is faced with an alarming trend of democratic backsliding, shrinking space for civil society, attacks on our freedom of speech and foreign interventions aimed at changing public opinion and disrupting our democratic processes. We welcome the Moldovan priority of adapting and finding effective and innovative solutions to combat these great challenges.
Norway looks forward to continuing cooperating in both the OSCE and the Council of Europe to protect our democracies, fundamental freedoms and uphold the rule of law.
In conclusion, let me highlight the excellent bilateral relations between Norway and Moldova.
We wish Moldova every success for the remainder of its Presidency.
Thank you.