Mr. Chair,
Norway joins others in welcoming for the first time Head of the OSCE Mission in Bishkek Ambassador Dr. Volker Frobarth, as well as the Director of the OSCE Academy in Bishkek Dr. Pal Dunay to the Permanent Council. We thank them for their comprehensive reports. While we are fully aligned with the statement delivered by Denmark on behalf of the European Union, I would like to make the following remarks in a national capacity.
Mr. Chair,
Norway commends the mission’s work for climate resilience, gender equality, rule of law, and an effective response to security challenges related to small arms and light weapons. We remain concerned by the human rights and civil society situation in Kyrgyzstan, in particular the effects of the law on foreign representatives have on civil society and independent media.
We recall that the OSCE and its institutions have a wide array of tools and expertise to help us as participating States to deliver on our common commitments, including in the Third dimension.
Mr. Chair,
The OSCE Academy in Bishkek holds a central role in providing high-quality education for the entire Central Asian region. Since its establishment, Norway has been a strong supporter and donor to the Academy, with the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, NUPI, as our main partner.
As a key donor, Norway would like to emphasize the need for sound financial management that takes into account the current financial situation. Whether it is human rights, environmental protection, security studies, or diplomacy, the quality and product that the Academy offers is dependent on good communication internally and with donors.
Mr. Chair,
We recognize the need to pass a unified budget, which would significantly enhance the effectiveness and impact of OSCE field missions. Norway remains constructive in the current budget negotiations, and encourage all participating States to do their utmost to find consensus on a unified budget for this organization.
I thank you.