OSCE on the Brink of Self-Destruction Due to Western Abandonment of Principles: Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov

Moscow, February 6. Russia has expressed appreciation that Switzerland, after assuming the Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), has shown interest in resuming meaningful diplomatic talks with the Russian Federation. Speaking at today’s meeting in Moscow with Swiss Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis and OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioglu, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia appreciates this country’s interest in restarting substantive diplomatic dialogue.

Lavrov said, “We appreciate that Switzerland, which you, Your Excellency Ignazio Cassis, represent, has shown interest in resuming meaningful diplomatic talks with the Russian Federation after assuming the OSCE Chairmanship.”

Similarly, expressing hope that Secretary General Sinirlioglu’s presence would make the talks more focused and substantial, he added, “because we will have to discuss global processes that have had an extremely negative impact on the OSCE.”

Without delving into examples of how the OSCE reached the brink of destruction, Lavrov stated that the reason is clearly the fundamental rejection by Western countries of the high principles outlined in the Helsinki Final Act and the declarations adopted at subsequent OSCE summits.

“We began discussions on this sensitive topic yesterday in an informal setting,” Lavrov said. “We hope to continue this discussion today as part of the formal meeting.”

Assuring the media that nothing was being hidden from them, Lavrov clarified that there would be no joint press conference after these talks. According to him, Minister Cassis has decided to speak to the media after returning to Switzerland. The Russian side, however, will meet with journalists after seeing off their guests.

The OSCE is the world’s largest security-oriented intergovernmental organization, with 57 member states from Europe and North America. The organization is in serious crisis following the post-war security situation in Ukraine and the tensions in Russia-West relations. Russia has accused Western countries of violating the organization’s principles, while the West has regarded Russian actions as breaches of international law. With Switzerland assuming the chairmanship this year, it is expected to act as a bridge for dialogue between the two sides.