Interpretative Statement under Paragraph IV.1(A)6 of the Rules of Procedure of OSCE
As delivered by Deputy Chief of Mission Katherine Brucker
to the Permanent Council, Vienna
September 7, 2023
In connection with the adoption of the decision on the Appointment of the External Auditor, I would like to make the following interpretative statement under paragraph IV.1(A)6 of the OSCE Rules of Procedure. I am making this statement on behalf of the United States.
The United States would like to express its appreciation to the Austrian delegation and the Austrian Court of Audit for its offer to provide external audit services to the OSCE. The external auditor plays a critical role in the healthy functioning of this organization.
We therefore deeply regret the Russian Federation’s opposition to Austria’s generous offer to serve as the OSCE’s external auditor for a three-year term. A one-year term, as Russia proposed, is inefficient. It exacerbates the financial instability in this organization and is contrary to the spirit of financial regulation 8.01 which states that the “tenure of office shall normally be three years.”
Furthermore, the appointment is technical in nature. We deplore the abuse of technical decisions for political gain by participating States. It is the responsibility of all participating States to move expeditiously to secure the appointment of an external auditor for the sake of the organization.
Mr. Chair, I request that this statement be attached to the decision and the journal of the day.
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