Right of Reply at HDIM 2019 Working Session 18: Discussion of human dimension activities (with special emphasis on project work)
As delivered by Harry Kamian, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Mission to the OSCE
to the 2019 Human Dimension Implementation Meeting in Warsaw,
September 27, 2019
Thank you, Madam Moderator,
First, in response to the comments made by colleagues from the field missions in Bishkek and Ukraine, it is great to have you here. We really appreciate you coming to share your experience working together with ODIHR. It is fantastic to hear how you are working closely in the third dimension. We are a huge supporter of the work that you do. It is great that you are bringing these concrete project to here in Warsaw. So thank you very, very much.
Since my country was mentioned by the esteemed colleague from the Russian Federation, I would like to make a couple of points.
I agree with the Russian Federation that there is a big gap between principles and commitments on the one hand, and implementation on the other. I would encourage the Russian Federation delegate to take a close look at Moscow. There is no bigger gap between principles and commitments and implementation in the third dimension than in your country.
Secondly, we are pretty comfortable with ODIHR’s methodology. I think it is the gold standard for a reason. If you ask almost anybody around the world, they are pretty darn comfortable with the contributions that ODIHR makes in election observations. So, I respectfully note that you are in the minority on this one.
And then finally, I cannot tell you how happy I am to hear that you are concerned about the budgetary situation facing ODIHR. There is one great way to fix it. Stop holding up increases for ODIHR as part of the Unified Budget.
Thank you.
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