In connection with the adoption of the agenda and modalities of the Annual Security Review Conference, the United States would like to make the following interpretative statement under paragraph IV.1 (A) 6 of the OSCE Rules of Procedure.
We welcome today’s adoption of the agenda of the Annual Security Review Conference (ASRC) and look forward to participating next week. The conference serves as the Organization’s pinnacle political-military event and allows us to discuss the unprecedented security challenges we face in the OSCE region.
Russia’s ongoing violations of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as its violations of other OSCE principles and commitments, draw increased attention to the ASRC.
We express our deep disappointment that a discussion on the resolution of the protracted conflicts was not included in the agenda. Growing tensions in the protracted conflicts, combined with regional instability stemming from Russia’s actions in Ukraine, make resolution of the protracted conflicts more important to the agenda of the OSCE now than ever before. Panelists and delegations should be prepared to discuss the protracted conflicts.
We trust that the Chairmanship will make every effort to ensure that protracted conflicts are appropriately addressed at the conference. We would welcome an annotated agenda that reflects this effort.
I request that this interpretative statement be attached to the decision and to the Journal of the Day.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
As delivered by Ambassador Daniel B. Baer to the OSCE Permanent Council, Vienna
