Rau: Increasing risk of war breaking out in the area covered by the OSCE

SARAJEVO, (Patria) - The risk of war in the area of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is greater than at any time in the last four decades, assessed Polish Foreign Minister Zbigniew Rau, presenting the priorities of Poland's chairmanship of that organization.

Rau, during his address to the OSCE Permanent Council, said that member states are facing numerous challenges to peace and security.

„The causes for growing fear in our societies are military confrontations, radicalization, terrorism, problems in the arms control regime, the pandemic, violations of individual freedoms“, Rau stated.

He emphasized that the attempt to resolve existing conflicts in the OSCE area will be the focus of Poland during its one-year chairmanship of that organization.

„We want to devote greater attention to increasing security, especially finding solutions to existing conflicts. The OSCE provides an opportunity for all sides to present their views“, Rau explained, as reported by agencies.

He stressed that it is necessary to focus on the peaceful resolution of the conflict in Ukraine, respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of that state, within its internationally recognized borders.

According to Rau, a solution also needs to be found for the conflict in Georgia, as well as to finalize the resolution of the conflict over Transnistria and Nagorno-Karabakh, which affect regional security.

He said that everything depends on the readiness of member states, adding that the OSCE is not just a platform for cooperation among 57 states, but a shared commitment to building peace and a future without conflict and war.

Rau said that history must be taken into account, so that mistakes from the past are not repeated.

„As a traumatized nation that has benefited from peace, we best know how to appreciate its significance“, he said.

Rau stated that Poland, during its chairmanship, will focus on preserving and establishing peace in the region from Vancouver to Vladivostok.

Poland took over the OSCE chairmanship from Sweden on January 1, and the OSCE Troika will include North Macedonia, which will chair that organization next year.