The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s winter meeting continues its work in Vienna. Regarding the 25th winter meeting of the OSCE PA, Sergei Rachkov, the head of the delegation of Belarus’ National Assembly to the OSCE PA and Chairman of the Standing Commission for International Affairs at the House of Representatives, noted that the session’s agenda is very busy, sb.by reports with reference to the House of Representatives’ press service.
The deputy pointed out that the primary focus of the discussions is on issues related to European security. The topic of Ukraine also comes up.
“In our view, this topic is becoming less prominent. Many delegates supported the proposal from the Belarusian delegation that dialogue, rather than conflict, is necessary. It is very important that we are currently at a very dangerous stage in the development of our region. Several delegations are beginning to recognise this. To some extent, common sense is returning to the discussion of these urgent issues,” Mr. Rachkov stated.
The parliamentarian noted that the Belarusian delegation receives support for the issues raised both at the meeting of the General Committee on Political Affairs and Security and at the meeting of the General Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology and Environment.
“At the second committee meeting, we naturally continued to strongly raise the issue of European sanctions against the Republic of Belarus. I would also like to mention that there were several positive statements, including from the OSCE Secretary General, who spoke in favour of inclusive dialogue, discussing difficult issues and seeking the reasons behind the crisis our organisation is currently facing. During the Political Committee session, the committee’s rapporteur addressed the topic of the inadmissibility of exerting influence on a state. This was, of course, a reference to the United States, particularly President Trump’s actions regarding Greenland. There were remarks and points made that align with our views, emphasising the need for economic co-operation rather than exerting pressure on each another,” Mr. Rachkov highlighted.
The MP also noted that the Belarusian delegation has a very extensive agenda of bilateral meetings and contacts as part of the session programme. In particular, meetings were held with the OSCE PA Secretary General and the Head of the Belarusian-Austrian Business Council. During these meetings, economic issues and opportunities to expand bilateral trade under the current circumstances surrounding Belarus were discussed. A very important meeting took place with Slovak parliamentarians, the Head of the Committee on Defence and National Security and the Chief of Staff to one of the Vice-Chairs of the Slovak Parliament.
“There is a strong interest in engaging with the Belarusian side. It is emphasised that Europe is beginning to recognise the harmful consequences of the policies pursued by the European Union leadership. In our view, it is essential to find common ground and work together to prevent Europe from sliding into disaster,” the parliamentarian stated.