Mr. Chair,
We warmly welcome Mr Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, to the Permanent Council and thank him for his address.
This year marks 50 years since the signing of the Helsinki Final Act – a cornerstone of our common security architecture. The anniversary reminds us of the shared values that underpin both the OSCE and the Council of Europe: democracy, human rights, rule of law, and peace based on justice. In a context where Europe is weakened by democratic backsliding, disinformation and foreign interference and a challenging security landscape, close cooperation between the two organisations is vital. Norway strongly supports their complementary roles.
Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine violates the core principles of both institutions. Norway stands in full solidarity with Ukraine and supports its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Accountability for international crimes, including aggression, is essential.
Without accountability, there can be no justice – and without justice, no lasting peace. The Register of Damage, established at the Reykjavík Summit in 2023 and now operational, is together with the newly established International Claims Commission for Ukraine, vital steps toward justice and future reparations. Norway further supports the early establishment of the special tribunal to prosecute Russians responsible for the attack on Ukraine. We also value the role of the OSCE Moscow Mechanism in documenting violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.
Our societies are based on free and fair elections, legal safeguards, independent courts, and respect for human rights. These features make our society strong and must be protected. Norway strongly supports the initiative for a New Democratic Pact for Europe, which seeks to restore confidence in democracy and the rule of law.
We take this opportunity to thank the Maltese Chairpersonship for its dedicated work and principled leadership. Finally, we thank Secretary General Berset for his remarks and wish him and his team continued success in their important efforts.
I thank you, Mr. Chair.