On Russia’s Ongoing Aggression against Ukraine and Illegal Occupation of Crimea
The United States supports Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders.
Read More» 
The 26th OSCE Ministerial Council
Find out more about what takes place at a meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council and learn about decisions from past meetings.
Read More»
The 25th OSCE Ministerial Council
Find out more about what takes place at a meeting of the OSCE Ministerial Council and learn about decisions from past meetings.
Read More»
Right of Reply on the Death Penalty
Right of Reply on the Death Penalty delivered at OSCE Permanent Council on October 11, 2018
Read More»
Right of Reply to Russia On Russia’s Ongoing Violations in Ukraine
Right of Reply to Russia On Russia’s Ongoing Violations in Ukraine.
Read More»
Welcome Remarks at the U.S. Tri-Mission Independence Day Celebration
Remarks by U.S. Mission to the OSCE Chargé d’Affaires Harry Kamian
Read More»
Right of Reply on the Death Penalty
The American people, both at the federal level and in the majority of our individual states, acting through their freely elected representatives, have enacted, and continue to maintain, laws authorizing the death penalty for the most serious crimes.
Read More»
Right of Reply to Russia on FARA
Right of Reply to the Russian Federation at the Permanent Council on the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).
Read More»
Sneak Preview: This Week at the OSCE
With the winter recess now over, regular business resumes at the OSCE under the 2018 Italian Chairmanship.
Read More»
Russia’s Ongoing Violations in Ukraine
The fighting in the Donbas continues to worsen, reaching a level similar to that last experienced in January and February of 2017.
Read More»
Right of Reply to Russia on the Glorification of Nazism
The United States condemns the glorification of Nazism and all modern forms of racism, xenophobia, discrimination, and related intolerance.
Read More» Response to the Secretary General on the Security Situation in Ukraine
I’d like to make a substantive comment in response to the information that the Secretary General provided regarding the security situation in response to the question from the EU.
Read More»
What is the OSCE’s Economic and Environmental Dimension?
Recognizing that economic and environmental stability are fundamental to lasting peace, OSCE States have long cooperated on issues as crucial to our common security as good governance, fighting corruption, and environmental stewardship.
Read More»
What is the OSCE Mission to Moldova?
The OSCE Mission to Moldova plays a crucial role in the ongoing settlement process on the Transnistria conflict, and advises Moldova’s authorities on human rights and democratization issues.
Read More»
Response to Condolences Regarding the Attack in Sutherland Springs, Texas
Response to the Austrian OSCE Chairmanship’s Condolences Regarding the Attack in Sutherland Springs, Texas.
Read More» In Recognition of Intersex Awareness Day
The United States stands in solidarity with intersex persons and their advocates around the world.
Read More» Right of Reply to Azerbaijan on Economic Activities in Nagorno-Karabakh
The United States Embassy in Baku has emphasized to the government in Azerbaijan that it is not against U.S. law for American companies to operate in Nagorno-Karabakh.
Read More» On International Day of the Girl
We commit to working to ensure that every girl is born into a world where she is free to live her life to the fullest.
Read More» What is the Permanent Council?
Permanent Council sessions are plenary meetings where OSCE delegations discuss the OSCE’s work, developments throughout the region, and reach decisions.
Read More»
Right of Reply to the Russian Federation
The United States categorically rejects any claims that the United States government is involved in the kidnapping of foreign nationals and that it operates in manner inconsistent with its international obligations.
Read More» Right of Reply to Azerbaijan on Media Freedom in the United States
We have taken note of the statement by Azerbaijan on media freedom in in the United States. However, let me be clear. The United States has the most vibrant, pluralistic media environment in the world.
Read More»
Remarks to the OSCE Informal Ministerial Meeting at Mauerbach
There is no substitute for the political will to work together to find solutions, rather than take unilateral actions at the expense of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of neighboring States.
Read More»
On the Implementation of OSCE Recruitment Policies
The United States continues to support transparent, merit-based, unbiased recruitment policies and practices throughout the OSCE.
Read More» On the Execution of William Charles Morva in the Commonwealth of Virginia
Mr. Morva’s case was the subject of exhaustive review over the course of nine years at both the state and federal court levels, including a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court to deny further review.
Read More»
Special Session: Ensuring Security and Stability in the OSCE Region in Light of Developments with Respect to Ukraine
The United States fully supports Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity within its internationally-recognized borders. We do not, nor will we ever, recognize Russia’s purported annexation of Crimea.
Read More» 2017 Annual Security Review Conference Closing Session
In closing, let me say that the United States appreciates the opportunity provided by the ASRC, which helps us to have a shared understanding of the threats and challenges facing the OSCE region, while also highlighting where our perspectives differ. In addressing these threats and challenges, we must all be guided by the same principles, …
Read More»
Opening Session of the 2017 Annual Security Review Conference
Opening Session of the 2017 Annual Security Review Conference As prepared for delivery by Deputy Assistant Secretary for European Affairs Kathleen A. Kavalec to the 2017 Annual Security Review Conference, Vienna June 27, 2017 Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Last year, I delivered an intervention at this conference asking participating States to consider what we as …
Read More» Conventional Arms Control and Building Confidence- and Security-building Measures: Problems and Prospects
In parallel we can – and, in fact, have begun to – engage in a comprehensive dialogue on our security concerns, to explore all the factors that are currently contributing to a sense of lessening stability and security in Europe. We must work toward finding practical ways to reverse those negative trends. The United States …
Read More»
Reply to the Opening Session of the RFOM Conference “Media Freedom in Volatile Environments”
We agree that we can all do more to strengthen journalist protections. We agree that there is a need for more fact-based reporting. And we agree that these issues need to be addressed democratically and in a manner consistent with OSCE principles and commitments.
Read More» Reply to the Closing Session of the RFOM Conference “Media Freedom in Volatile Environments”
The United States was disappointed, but not surprised, that instead of acting in good faith and using the conference for its intended purpose, certain participating States instead sought to stack this room with surrogates and proxies.
Read More»
Closing Session of the Second Preparatory Meeting of the 25th OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum in Astana, Kazakhstan
The United States will remain an active participant in this continuing conversation, one that includes civil society, academic experts, government officials, and business representatives, to discuss opportunities to strengthen security and good governance through a greener economy and stronger partnerships.
Read More» Remarks to the Opening Session of the Second Preparatory Meeting of the 25th OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum
Remarks to the Opening Session of the Second Preparatory Meeting of the 25th OSCE Economic and Environmental Forum As delivered by U.S. Ambassador to Kazakhstan George A. Krol Astana, Kazakhstan June 15, 2017 Thank you, Mr. Chair. Good morning fellow delegates, representatives, and distinguished guests, including many of you who have joined us from capitals, …
Read More»
Remarks by Secretary of State Tillerson to NATO-Ukraine Commission
The OSCE must be able to fulfill its mandate which included monitoring throughout the conflict zone and to the international border. And Russia must understand there is no basis to move forward on the political aspects of the Minsk agreements until there is visible, verifiable, and irreversible improvement in the security situation.
Read More»
Women in the OSCE: Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatovic
Watching [the students], I was reminded how important it is to encourage young people, not just because we can support and inspire them, but because their unique and hopeful perspectives are all too often absent in global discussions.
Read More»
Women in the OSCE: OSCE Deputy Chief Monitor in eastern Ukraine
I am humbled by these women. I will report and embrace. It is for them, we will continue our work.
Read More»
Celebrating International Women’s Day 2017 and Women’s History Month
International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
Read More»
Second Anniversary of the Murder of Boris Nemtsov
On February 27, 2015, Russian opposition leader Boris Nemtsov was assassinated just outside the Kremlin.
Read More»
Ambassador Haley’s Remarks to the UN Security Council on Conflicts in Europe
The OSCE is playing a crucial role observing and monitoring the situation in eastern Ukraine. U.S. bonds with NATO and the OSCE have stood the test of time. These are institutions that bring together partners on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean to defend our shared ideals.
Read More» Reply to Russian Federation on Russia’s Ongoing Violations of Ukraine’s Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity | Statement to the PC
I wanted to respond, not really directly to our distinguished Russian colleague, but rather, to point out to the rest of my distinguished colleagues around this table – just picking up on that last point that we heard from the Russian delegation this morning: that all those who are interested in dialogue need to accept …
Read More» On Recent Executions in the United States | Statement to the PC
Thank you to our colleagues from the delegations of Iceland, Liechtenstein, Mongolia, San Marino, Switzerland and Norway for raising their concerns.
Read More» On Ministerial Council Declaration “From Lisbon to Hamburg: On the 20th Anniversary of the OSCE Framework for Arms Control” | Interpretative Statement
On the occasion of the adoption of the Hamburg Ministerial Council Declaration, “From Lisbon to Hamburg: Declaration on the Twentieth Anniversary of the OSCE Framework for Arms Control,” the United States of America would like to make the following interpretative statement under paragraph IV.1(A)6 of the OSCE Rules of Procedure. We note that the declaration …
Read More»
On the Conflict in Georgia | Joint Statement of the Group of Friends of Georgia to the 2016 OSCE Ministerial Council
We reaffirm our full support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. We underline the need for a peaceful resolution over the conflict in Georgia, based on full respect of the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, and the fundamental norms and principles of international law. We call upon the Russian Federation to fully implement …
Read More»
On the Ministerial Council decision on the OSCE’s Role in the Governance of Large Movements of Migrants and Refugees | Interpretative Statement
In connection with the Ministerial Council decision just adopted on the OSCE’s Role in the Governance of Large Movements of Migrants and Refugees, the United States would like to make the following interpretative statement under paragraph IV.1(A)6 of the OSCE Rules of Procedure. The United States believes that this phenomenon is truly a multi-dimensional, cross-cutting …
Read More» On the Ministerial Decision on the OSCE’s Role in the Governance of Large Movements of Migrants and Refugees | Joint Interpretative Statement
In connection with the adoption of the Ministerial Decision on the OSCE’s Role in the Governance of Large Movements of Migrants and Refugees, we would like to make the following interpretative statement under paragraph IV.1(A)6 of the OSCE Rules of Procedure: The delegations of Azerbaijan, Canada, Georgia, Latvia, Lithuania, Sweden, Ukraine, and the United States …
Read More» On the Ministerial Council Decision on Strengthening Good Governance and Promoting Connectivity | Interpretative Statement
We would like to express our disappointment that the Russian Federation would not accept more robust language on the importance of combatting human trafficking.
Read More» Reply to Russia’s Response to Ukraine on Media Freedom in the Russian Federation | Statement to the PC
Given past statements made by the Russian delegation in this room, I can only assume that the distinguished representative of the Russian Federation is making his snide remarks about sponsors with reference to several of us around this table. I think it is important to back up and recognize that what happened in Ukraine three …
Read More»
Reply to Russian Federation on Response to Report by RFoM Dunja Mijatović | Statement to the PC
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Allow me to make a response to the comments just made by our distinguished Russian colleague. First, our distinguished Russian colleague said that not a word was said about concerns about journalists in the United States. That is simply false. In fact, my statement started today in recounting an exchange that …
Read More»
Replies to Russia on the OSCE Observer Mission at the Russian Border Checkpoints Gukovo and Donetsk | Statement to the PC
Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I, too, was disappointed with the statement from the Russian delegation today. Colleagues, I think it’s important — I’d just like to remind of one quote from our Russian colleague today — that some of us around the table point to “an external boogie man who can be blamed …
Read More» Reply (2) to Russia on Constitutional Policing in the United States | Statement to the PC
I’d just like to respond to our distinguished Russian colleague. First, I didn’t say that the United States doesn’t have statistics, I said that a member of the Federal Government testifying before Congress might not have statistics at his fingertips — while he was testifying — that come from all 50 states. That’s different. Second, …
Read More» Reply to Russia on Constitutional Policing in the United States | Statement to the PC
Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you to the Russian Federation for expressing concern about human rights. As colleagues are aware, the United States has regularly raised in the Permanent Council incidents in which African Americans were killed in encounters with the police. We have not attempted to hide the fact that the United States …
Read More» Reply to Russia on its Ongoing Violations in Ukraine | Statement to the PC
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I, too, wanted to respond to some of the comments made by our distinguished Russian colleague. First, to remind all colleagues around this table about SMM reporting, which we value highly and study closely. For many months now, SMM reporting — obviously, as folks know, the SMM can only report things …
Read More» Reply to Russia on International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists | Statement to the PC
I’d like to reserve my right to reply more fully to the list of cases raised by our distinguished Russian colleague, but I would like to say today that my delegation is happy to follow-up on any cases that our distinguished Russian colleague or others want to raise in good faith with us. And we …
Read More» Reply to Russia and the OSCE Secretary General on the Update on OSCE Cooperation with Regional and International Organizations | Statement to the PC
Thank you, Mr. Chair, and thank you, Secretary General, for your update this morning. Understanding the request of our distinguished Russian colleague, I would point out two things. One, that although our distinguished Russian colleague said that not knowing about the topic of today’s presentation would limit the Russian Federation from replying, our distinguished Russian …
Read More» Reply to Russia on Raising Syria in the Permanent Council | USOSCE
Thank you, Mr. Chair, for giving me the floor. I’d like to respond to the comments of our distinguished Russian colleague. First, in terms of his question of why my delegation raised Syria today and at the Mediterranean conference: as I’m sure he’s aware the ICRC does a lot of very important work on the …
Read More» On the 2017 Unified Budget Proposal | Statement to the PC
The United States welcomes the draft 2017 Unified Budget Proposal (UBP) and thanks the Secretary General and the fund managers for all their hard work. The OSCE is, and will continue to be, a major contributor to regional security and stability. The organization is as necessary and relevant as it was in 1975 with the …
Read More» Reply to Azerbaijan on Nagorno-Karabakh | Statement to the PC
Thank you to our distinguished colleague from Azerbaijan for raising his delegation’s concerns. There are US companies that are currently providing goods and services in Nagorno Karabakh and in the neighboring territories. In some cases these are resellers of goods purchased elsewhere and resold in Nagorno Karabakh, in other cases goods and services are being …
Read More» Reply to Spain on the Report by Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo | Statement to the PC
Mr. Chair, just two brief points. First, I think it’s useful that we are having a discussion at the Permanent Council – we often call for the PC to be used to have a discussion including about difficult issues. I wanted to make two comments. One to our distinguished colleague from Spain: I understand the …
Read More» Reply to Russia on Russia’s ongoing violations in Ukraine | Statement to the PC
I’d just like to take the opportunity to respond to a couple of the statements made by our distinguished Russian colleague. First, there is no parallel reality. Many of us – I didn’t have the pleasure of seeing our distinguished Russian colleague there last week in Potsdam – but many of us were present in …
Read More» Reply to Russia on International Day for the Victims of Enforced Disappearances | Statement to the PC
I’d like to respond to the statement by our distinguished Russian colleague. First, a technical point: the distinguished Russian colleague is within his rights within this forum to raise whatever issues he wants to; under the topic of enforced disappearances, I don’t think that he raised anything that applies to my country. Enforced disappearances are …
Read More» Reply to Azerbaijan on Freedom of Expression Concerns in Azerbaijan | Statement to the PC
I just would like to express my regret at the interpretation that our distinguished Azerbaijani colleague puts on my delegation’s raising our genuinely held concerns. I don’t think that it is accurate to say that there is a permanent focus on any particularly participating State, but rather that we consistently try to use the common …
Read More»
Replies to Russia on its Ongoing Violations in Ukraine | Statement to the PC
Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Just to respond to the statement of our distinguished Russian colleague — who just responded to my statement and said that he disagreed with what he claimed I said– He claimed I said that all restrictions on the SMM are the result of the Russia-backed separatists. I did not …
Read More» On the 2015 Annual Evaluation Plan on the Promotion of Gender Equality | Statement to the PC
The United States thanks the Secretary General for his comprehensive report. We recognize the influential role that the empowerment of women can play in advancing international security, and we are committed to furthering this agenda. The concept is both simple and powerful: that we are all safer, that our efforts at peacebuilding are stronger, that …
Read More» Right of Reply to the Holy See and Russia on Prevention of Sexual Violence in Conflict | Statement to the PC
First, to our colleague from the Holy See — I wanted to reassure our colleague at the Holy See that, indeed, through what has now been years of negotiations in which the Holy See has played a very active role on the Addendum on the Gender Action Plan, that there is no secret agenda there …
Read More»
Protecting the Rights of Migrants in the U.S. | Statement to the PC
Last month at the Permanent Council, we said that we would return to the issue of the human rights of migrants in the United States. Let me begin by emphasizing that the United States takes its international obligations and OSCE commitments with regard to migrants very seriously. We are, after all, a country of immigrants, …
Read More» On the Implementation of OSCE Recruitment Policies | Statement to the PC
We would like to thank the Secretary General and his team for the presentation on the implementation of OSCE recruitment policies in 2015. The United States continues to support transparent, merit-based, unbiased recruitment policies and practices. An organization’s greatest asset is its employees and we applaud the OSCE’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its recruitment processes …
Read More»
On Russia’s Ongoing Violations in Ukraine | Statement to the PC
Russia and the separatists perpetuate a high level of violence that harms the civilian population in eastern Ukraine and threatens OSCE monitors.
Read More»
Right of Reply to Russia on Freedom of Association Concerns in Russia | Statement to the PC
Thank you to our distinguished Russian colleague for his comments. I just wanted to clarify that the statement from my delegation was not a request for special treatment of any individuals under the law, it was an expression of concern that, as you said yourself, we have several times made clear that we see the …
Read More» Response to UN Assistant Secretary General for Human Rights Ivan Šimonović | Statement to the PC
It has become all too common for some to speak of a “crisis in European security,” which is really an inadequate way to refer to Russia’s occupation and attempted annexation of Crimea, and Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine.
Read More» Reply to Russia on the Renewal of the Russia-Ukraine Border Checkpoint Observation Mission | Statement to the PC
Since the distinguished Russian ambassador made a statement that directly contradicts or responded to an element in the statement by my delegation, I just wanted to clarify that the part of the Minsk Protocol – since the distinguished Russian ambassador said that the Minsk Protocol of September 2014 in no way mentions monitoring of the …
Read More» On the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture | Statement to the PC
The United States stands in solidarity with victims of torture throughout the OSCE region, and around the world.
Read More» Responses to the Report of the External Auditor and to the Report of the OSCE Audit Committee | Statement to the PC
We thank the External Auditor and his staff for their comprehensive audit, and we also thank the Audit Committee for the presentation of its Annual Report.
Read More» Response to the Report by the OSCE Project Coordinator in Ukraine | Statement to the PC
We urge the Government of Ukraine to work closely with the Project Coordinator to maximize its contributions to the fight against corruption.
Read More» Right of Reply to Russia and the CSTO at Working Session IV | Statement at the 2016 ASRC
I wanted to reply to the request from the CSTO for a speaking role at ministerials, and to just emphasize that there is a long-standing practice that organizations that both have a founding philosophy and approach that overlaps with that of the OSCE, as well as have over a third or 40 per cent of …
Read More» Countering Terrorism – Transnational Threats in the OSCE Area | Statement at the 2016 ASRC
Thank you, Mr. Chair. And thank you to all of our speakers for their presentations. As the tragic attack that occurred in Istanbul this week demonstrated, the scourge of terrorism is a deplorable reality that affects far too many of us, tears at the fabric of our societies, and causes the suffering of our citizens. …
Read More» Bolstering the OSCE’s Conflict Cycle Toolbox | Statement to the 2016 ASRC
Thank you to both of our speakers, Ms. Heidi Grau for providing a kind of framework for action, and General Rio for also giving us an example of one of the things that Ms. Grau talked about, which was making sure that we are doing our best to import the expertise of potential partners, etc., …
Read More» Right of Reply to Russia on Migration in the U.S. | Statement at the 2016 ASRC
The United States is a country of immigrants, and we’re proud of our record of integrating immigrants into our society and of the robust, independent civil society organizations that exist in our country that advocate for the rights and integration of immigrants.
Read More» On the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict | Statement to the PC
As we mark one year since the establishment of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict, it is important to recall that sexual and gender-based violence – in conflict as well as in peace – is a wide-spread and horrific crime. It perpetuates conflict, undermines the security, livelihood, and health of …
Read More» Reply to Russia on the Occasion of the 75th Anniversary of Nazi Germany’s Invasion of the Soviet Union | Statement to the PC
I just wanted to respond to our distinguished Russian colleague who said that he was surprised that we looked at this issue through a present perspective. I heard a number of statements that both reflected on the historical perspective and the present perspective, including the statement by the Russian Federation which went on at some …
Read More» On the Occasion of the 75th Anniversary of Nazi Germany’s Invasion of the Soviet Union | Statement to the PC
Nazi Germany’s invasion of the Soviet Union on June 22, 1941, marked a terrible escalation of the Second World War, which began in Europe when Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. We remember with deepest respect and sorrow the tremendous sacrifices made by the people of the multinational Soviet Union, which lost 24 million …
Read More» Response to Russia on the Geneva Discussions | Statement to the PC
Colleagues, I’d just like to call attention once again, since this has been a pattern, to the statement just made by our distinguished Russian colleague. When we see the continued denial of the reality of the situation that Russia is occupying territory that belongs to neighboring countries – and that’s countries plural, obviously – it …
Read More» Response on Freedom of Expression in Russia, as raised by the European Union | Statement to the PC
The United States would like to align itself with the statement made by the European Union, and we reiterate the importance of protecting freedom of expression online and off, consistent with our OSCE commitments. EU Statement on New Legislation restricting freedom of expression and access to information in Russia 1. On June 10, the Russian …
Read More» Right of Reply to Russia on its Ongoing Violations in Ukraine | Statement to the PC
I’ve appreciated listening to the discussion this morning, and in particular the exchange we just heard between our distinguished Russian colleague and our distinguished Ukrainian colleague – and the rest of us, because we’re all part of this conversation. I agree with our distinguished Russian colleague that, ideally, what we should aim for is that …
Read More» Reply to Uzbekistan regarding Response to the OSCE Project Coordinator in Uzbekistan | Statement to the PC
I’d like to thank our distinguished colleague from Uzbekistan for his update on recent interactions with respect to the cotton harvest and longstanding concerns about forced child labor and forced labor in the cotton harvest, and I’d also like to acknowledge his point that in this forum we should raise concerns that connect directly to …
Read More» Response to Russia on the Observer Mission at the Russian Checkpoints at Gukovo and Donetsk: Statement to the PC
I’d like to respond to some of the comments made by our distinguished Russian colleague. First, the repeated claim that observation of the international border between Russia and Ukraine is only possible because of a goodwill gesture of the Russian Federation: our Ukrainian colleague has just recalled the sequence of events, and the fact that …
Read More» Right of Replies to Russia on its Ongoing Violations in Ukraine: Statement to the PC
Our distinguished colleague raised a couple of points from the previous item on our agenda, and I wanted to respond here. First, with respect to the citation of President Putin’s words in the TV news conference, where he said that Russia had been engaged in the “military sphere,” I will go back and look at …
Read More»
On the Scales of Contribution: Statement to the Reinforced Meeting of PC
The United States thanks Ambassador Stefan-Bastl for her presentation and for her diligent efforts thus far on Scales of Contribution reform. As I’ve said to you before, I don’t envy your task. We remain committed to finding an appropriate, consensus-based mechanism for financing the OSCE’s vital work and will continue to engage constructively with all …
Read More» OSCE Needs Assessment Mission for General Elections in the United States: Statement to the PC
Following our invitation to the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, and participating States to observe the November 8 U.S. general election, the United States hosted representatives of ODIHR and the Parliamentary Assembly for a Needs Assessment Mission May 16-20. This was the result of weeks of close …
Read More» Reply to Russia on Harassment and Intimidation of the Political Opposition in Russia: Statement to the PC
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I just have a couple of quick comments. One, in answer to our distinguished Russian colleague’s question about my use of the term “violence.” Just to be clear: the definition that we would use for violence is any kind of physical attack, and I am very surprised to hear that the …
Read More» On the Extension of the Project Coordinator in Ukraine: Statement to the PC
In connection with the adoption of the Decision for the Extension of the Mandate of the OSCE Project Coordinator in Ukraine, the United States would like to make the following interpretative statement under paragraph IV.1(A)6 of the OSCE Rules of Procedure: The United States notes that Crimea remains an integral and internationally-recognized part of Ukraine, …
Read More» Replies to Russia on its Ongoing Violations in Ukraine: Statement to the PC
Reply 1: I appreciate the question from our distinguished Russian colleague and I think it gets right to the heart of Russia’s fundamental misunderstanding of the situation. Our distinguished Russian colleague has the unfortunate responsibility to represent a regime, an authoritarian regime, that has invaded a neighboring state. That is totally different from invited assistance …
Read More» Strengthening stability and security through cooperation on good governance: Closing Statement at the EEF
In addition to learning more about the fight against corruption, each of us has gained insight into what our countries must do to improve our investment climates, facilitate trade, strengthen security in supply chains, and effectively, safely, and humanely manage labor migration.
Read More»
Cooperating on Good Environmental Governance can Strengthen our Security
Faced with the realities of climate change, environmental issues are more pressing than ever, and tackling them in our interconnected world requires joint effort.
Read More» Strengthening stability and security through cooperation on good governance: Opening Statement at the EEF
Efforts to increase economic ties among OSCE participating States, particularly those in the Caucasus and Central Asia, can have a long-lasting positive impact on security and stability across our region.
Read More» Replies to the Holy See on the International Day against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (IDAHOT) | Statement to the PC
Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I’d like to respond to the statement just made by our distinguished colleague from the Holy See. I’m not sure – especially since he made clear that his delegation does not recognize this day – why he felt obliged to take the floor, but I’m glad that he did. …
Read More» Reply to Russia on Ongoing Violations by the Russian Federation in Ukraine: Statement to the PC
Just to respond to our distinguished Russian colleague: the Current Issue item under which we spoke this week, as it has been for many weeks now, was about Russia’s contraventions of its OSCE commitments with respect to its violation of the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of Ukraine. The issue that you raised about the …
Read More» Reply to Russia on the 71st Anniversary of the End of World War II: Statement to the PC
I’d like to respond as well briefly to say, once again, we try very hard to be careful and precise with our language, and the statement on behalf of the US delegation today was not improvised; it was a careful explanation of our position. And to make it more clear: I reject the notion that …
Read More» On the 71st Anniversary of the End of World War II in Europe: Statement to the PC
It is fitting that we, as participants in an organization committed to security and cooperation, reflect on a conflict during which an estimated 60 million people lost their lives.
Read More» Response to the Secretary General on the 2017 Program Outline: Statement to the PC
We welcome the release of the 2017 Program Outline and thank the Secretary General, fund managers, and their staff for the tremendous amount of work reflected in this important document.
Read More» Reply to Russia on Child Rights in Norway: Statement to the PC
We have to recognize how cynical it is for Russia to raise concerns where concerns don’t exist.
Read More» On the Release of the 2015 Human Rights Reports: Statement to the PC
Yesterday, Secretary of State John Kerry released the State Department’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices covering calendar year 2015. These reports, commonly known as the Human Rights Reports, document the human rights situation in 199 countries and territories around the world. Every year, diplomats and staff at U.S. embassies and consulates work with human …
Read More» Response to Russia on Certain Russian Citizens In Prison in the U.S.: Statement to the PC
The United States mission received the Russian-language version of this statement yesterday evening, and haven’t had time to fully consider it, and so I’d like to reserve the right to respond to Russia’s allegations in a future Permanent Council meeting. But I want to take this opportunity to clarify a few facts and to draw …
Read More» Reply to Russia on its Ongoing Violations in Ukraine: Statement to the PC
I just want to respond to a few points made by our distinguished Russian colleague. First of all, his statement that “responsibility lies entirely with the Ukrainian forces” for the deterioration on the ground is false. That statement is not borne out by the SMM reports, or by plenty of open source reporting, so I …
Read More» On the executions of Coy Wesbrook, Adam Ward, Joshua Bishop, and Pablo Vasquez: Statement to the PC
Thank you to our colleagues from the delegations of Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Mongolia, San Marino and Switzerland for raising their concerns. As they noted, on March 9, the State of Texas executed Coy Wesbrook for murdering Gloria Jean Coons, Diana Ruth Money, Antonio Cruz, Anthony Ray Rogers, and Kelly Hazlip in 1997. On March 22, …
Read More» Response to Chief of the Observer Mission at the Russian Checkpoints of Gukovo and Donetsk: Statement to the PC
Mr. Eugster, the United States warmly welcomes you for your final visit to the Permanent Council as Chief Observer of the OSCE Observer Mission at the Russian Checkpoints of Gukovo and Donetsk. We thank you for your service, and wish to express our appreciation for the work of all of the mission’s observers, which occurs …
Read More»
Abduction, Detention, and Sentencing of Ukrainian Citizens Russia: Statement to the PC
The United States condemns the continued detention of Nadiya Savchenko, Oleg Sentsov, Oleksander Kolchenko, Stanislav Klikh, Mykola Karpyuk, Akhtem Chiygoz, and all other Ukrainians unjustly held in Russia and in Russian-occupied Crimea. Human rights groups estimate that there are currently at least 20 such cases.
Read More» Terrorist Bombing in Ankara, Turkey: Statement to the PC
We offer our strongest condemnation of the February 17 attack and our deepest sympathy for the victims.
Read More»
Reply to Kazakhstan on its New NGO Law: Statement to the PC
Just to respond to the comments from our distinguished colleague from Kazakhstan, I would like to reiterate the U.S. concern that the law does not provide for the open space for civil society as represented by our colleague from Kazakhstan just now. And that is why we have urged a review by international experts, UN …
Read More» Criminal Proceedings against Islamic Revival Party of Tajikistan Members: Statement to the PC
The United States expresses deep concern over the criminal proceedings against at least 13 members of the Islamic Revival Party of Tajikistan and the lack of fair trial guarantees.
Read More» Reply to Russia on Threats Against the Political Opposition and Independent Voices: Statement at the PC
Right of reply to Russia on our permanent council statement: Threats Against the Political Opposition and Independent Voices in Russia
Read More» Reply to Russia on Department of Defense Investigations into Alleged Torture: Statement to the PC
Thank you, Mr. Chair. I appreciate the opportunity to respond to the statement just made by our distinguished Russian colleague. First of all, at the outset, I would like to say that the United States is very proud of our record as a world leader in respecting, promoting, and defending human rights and the rule …
Read More»
OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine’s Mandate Extension: Interpretative Statement to the PC
The United States welcomes the extension of the mandate of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine. In so doing, we reaffirm the interpretative statements we made upon adoption of the mandate on March 21, 2014, upon the first extension of the mandate on July 24, 2014, and upon the second extension of the mandate …
Read More» Reply to Russia (1) on its Ongoing Violations in Ukraine: Statement to the PC
Before responding to a couple of the specific points made by our distinguished Russian colleague, I just want to offer a general observation. Having listened to our distinguished Russian colleague, and having listened to the statements that represent the views of so many others around this table today, I think it is important for the …
Read More» Reply to Russia (2) on its Ongoing Violations in Ukraine: Statement to the PC
Thank you, Mr. Chair, just very briefly, our distinguished Russian colleague is correct that I did not read the entirety of Secretary Kerry’s remarks at Munich. I commend them to all of you. And as Secretary Kerry and many others have done many times, on behalf of my government, we have called for Russia and …
Read More»Show More ∨