The United States thanks Chairmen Madden and the Informal Working Group on the OSCE Scales of Contribution for their diligent work and join our colleagues in supporting a rollover of the current scale levels for another three years. We believe that a rollover, together with timely adoption of the 2016 budget, will best ensure the organization’s stable financial footing and continued ability to carry out its critical work.
We note that U.S. contributions to the OSCE attest to the significance we attach to the organization and to its comprehensive approach to security and stability throughout the OSCE region. We have demonstrated over many decades and through our engagement and resources that the United States is deeply committed to European and Eurasian security.
We recall the significance of the concept of shared responsibilities (for both the Helsinki and Vienna scales), and intend to participate in future discussions on that basis. It also remains our view that all the criteria applied to scales remain of equal weight. Allow me to reiterate the U.S. position regarding the OSCE scales of contribution: if the scales of contribution are opened up for modification, the United States will insist that its scales of contribution are decreased on both scales.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
As delivered by Ambassador Daniel B. Baer to the OSCE Permanent Council, Vienna
