Chair,
Norway thanks Director Fearon for a clear and substantive report. It confirms that the CPC remains the operational backbone of this Organization.
That backbone is tested daily by Russia’s war against Ukraine. The CPCs continued work shows what this organization can still deliver when its principles are under attack.
Norway welcomes the CPC's support to the Structured Dialogue. In an environment without trust – strategic risk reduction is not naive. It is responsible.
We note the launch of iMARS. Military information strengthens transparency under the Vienna Document and helps prevent dangerous misunderstandings. As Chair of the Structured Dialogue, we are convinced this tool will prove even more important in the years to come.
Norway greatly appreciates the CPC's work on early warning and analysis. We would welcome more insight into the scale of this work. How many analyses and early warning assessments were produced during the reporting period. Hearing more about what impact they made for stability and peace in the OSCE area would strengthen participating states’ shared situational awareness.
We are concerned about the resource situation. Cuts to operational funds and changes to the post table weaken the CPC's ability to deliver. Like the European Union we underline that any structural changes must strengthen and not dilute the CPC's role vis-à-vis the field operations. An effective CPC requires adequate resources.
Let me close with a personal word to you Kate. Your commitment and clear leadership have not gone unnoticed. Your team's briefings and advice are of the highest quality.
The CPC deserves our full support. Not because the times are easy. But because the times are dangerous.