As a country that continues to suffer from the effects of the use of force, Cyprus is well aware that creating security and confidence is a painful and long process, Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis said speaking before the 18th OSCE Ministerial Council, in Vilnius, Lithuania.
Marcoullis said that “our collective security is intimately linked to that in adjacent regions of the OSCE,“ noting that “we have followed very closely the unfolding monumental developments in the Southern Mediterranean and the Middle East.“
She underlined that as a participating State neighbouring these regions, Cyprus is committed to supporting democratic transition and overall stability both bilaterally and through the coordinated efforts of the international community under the leadership of the United Nations. The contribution of the OSCE, where it has added value, must come as a response to the wishes of our partners, she noted.
Marcoullis said that the OSCE’s role does not pertain only to conflicts that the organization is already seized of. “If the OSCE is to live up to our expectations as a conflict prevention and mediation tool, it must be provided with the necessary means and political will. We must also ensure that its involvement in the conflict cycle conforms to the norms and principles of international law, including the Charter of the United Nations,“ she noted.
Marcoullis said that one of the strongest potential of the organization is in the field of confidence- and security-building measures; this is why my country has submitted its application, pending for almost ten years now, to accede to the Open Skies Treaty.
The potential of the OSCE and the comprehensive concept of security cannot be fully realized if we do not adequately adapt to the new challenges posed by non-traditional threats or ensure respect for rights and freedoms in an evolving security environment, she added.
She noted the valuable contribution of OSCE field operations and independent institutions “as tools of early warning and catalysts in the implementation of our commitments”. Furthermore, she said, “We stress the importance of enabling them to maintain their unhindered and effective functioning. We are aware that our collective commitments remain unimplemented”.
Marcullis also noted that the adoption of decisions such as those relating to the freedom of expression and the media are paramount in this context and we continue to support their prioritization by both the Lithuanian and Irish chairmanships.
Additionally, she pointed out that the OSCE has proven its value over the years, especially in the Western Balkans.
She said that this year, the successful completion of the mandate of the Office in Zagreb has been a very welcome addition to our achievements and we congratulate the Croatian government on the progress achieved.
We also welcome, she added, the joint offer by Switzerland and Serbia to assume the chairmanship of the OSCE in 2014 and 2015, respectively, and would welcome a decision to that effect at this Ministerial Council.
Cyprus Foreign Minister expressed support to the application of Mongolia to become a participating State and said Libya would be welcome as a partner State, if it wishes to become one. “The interest of new States to join the OSCE could only reinforce the relevance of our organization and help us to better address threats emanating from outside the OSCE space,“ she noted.
