OSCE reaches interim agreement on personnel decisions, Russia lifts veto

The member states of the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) will be able to continue operating after Russia agreed with the temporary appointment of the organisation’s leadership, the full-fledged election of which was blocked by Russia.

Source: Michael Carpenter, United States ambassador to the OSCE, cited by European Pravda

Details: Carpenter reported about the end of negotiations held so that the organisation is not left without legitimate leadership.

Quote: "We have just reached an agreement to prolong the mandate of four key officials for nine months. I hope that this agreement will be fulfilled."

Thus, the current Secretary General, the Head of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) of OSCE, the Special Representative for the Freedom of Media and the Commissar for National Minorities will continue their work next year. They were elected three years ago, and the mandate of all four heads will expire at the beginning of 2024.

"This will keep the organisation functioning," the Ambassador explained, adding that the OSCE member states agreed to work towards full replacement.

"During this time, we will discuss who the most suitable candidate for the office of Secretary General is," Carpenter explained.

Background:

• Russia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed at the meeting in Skopje that he might block the operation of the OSCE by not voting for personnel decisions.
• European Pravda will keep track of the course of the minister’s meeting of the OSCE.

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