MINSK, 17 November (BelTA) – Belarus proposes to begin substantive work on forming a new Eurasian security architecture, Sergei Rachkov, Chairman of the Standing Commission on International Affairs of the House of Representatives, head of the delegation of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, said as he addressed a meeting of the OSCE PA Standing Committee in Istanbul, Türkiye, BelTA has learned.
The Belarusian representative noted that confrontation and distrust currently dominate the European continent. The OSCE is increasingly becoming less of an inclusive forum for dialogue and more of an arena for political accusations and mutual reproaches. “Belarus is convinced: the future of the OSCE does not depend on who will take the chairmanship, nor even on whether the organization’s budget will be adopted. The fate of our organization depends on the political will of the participating states to restore respect, dialogue, and trust, the very things for which Helsinki 1975 took place,” the MP emphasized.
“Located in the center of Europe, Belarus is more interested than anyone else in restoring peace, security, and stability on the European continent and is doing everything possible for this,” Sergei Rachkov emphasized.
“We propose to begin substantive work on forming a new Eurasian security architecture, covering the entire geography from Vancouver to Vladivostok, from Reykjavik to Shanghai,” the Belarusian representative stated. “The discussion about the future of the OSCE and Eurasian security should take place in a constructive, inclusive format. Belarus is ready to host such meetings, including on the platform of the Minsk Conference on Eurasian Security, which has already become a regular event.”
“We are sincerely glad that the number of those ready for dialogue and concerned about our future is steadily growing,” Sergei Rachkov said. “A thorough exchange of views took place across a wide range of security issues, from military-political aspects to combating transnational challenges and threats such as illegal migration, information and economic security.”
He emphasized that Belarus invests in diplomacy, not weaponry. “We invite all participating states to a dialogue without preconditions or political demands,” the MP said adding that 50 years ago in Helsinki, leaders proved that diplomacy was stronger than weapons and that dialogue could overcome the deepest divides.
“Today we have a chance to restore the spirit of Helsinki, not with words, but with actions. If not us, then who will preserve the OSCE as the organization for this dialogue?” the Belarusian representative concluded.
The 23rd Autumn Meeting of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is taking place in Istanbul on 17-19 November.