Statement by the Permanent Representative of Brazil to the United Nations, Ambassador Ronaldo Costa Filho, on cooperation with the OSCE - May 4th, 2023

I thank the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister Bujar Osmani, for his informative and detailed briefing. Brazil follows the activities of the organization and acknowledges its work in conflict prevention. We are supportive of an active engagement between the United Nations and the OSCE, based on the 1993 Framework for Cooperation and Coordination.

Throughout its history, the OSCE has offered a platform for open discussions on security in Europe, helping in many instances to ease tensions between East and West and prevent the outbreak of armed confrontations. More recently, it played an important role in monitoring ceasefires in the Balkans, in the Caucasus and in other areas of the post-Soviet space.

Brazil also appreciates the OSCE’s efforts in combating transnational organized crime and strengthening the rule of law. We welcome, in this regard, the holding of the 23rd Conference of the Alliance against Trafficking in Persons, in April. We echo the participants’ call for decisive policies against the actions of criminal groups.

Mister President,

Although the OSCE has not always been successful in avoiding the resort to arms, as evidenced by the collapse of the Minsk agreements, it would be regrettable that this platform cease to be a forum for frank dialogue on issues of common interest. We lament the incident in the parliamentary session last February and hope that the impasse over the organization’s presidency in 2024 can be overcome.

The seriousness of the crises in Europe and Central Asia demands that OSCE members return to its traditional spirit of cooperation. Minister Osmani’s recent interactions in Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan provided him with an opportunity to assess the existing threats to the stability of the South Caucasus.

We take this opportunity, Mr President, to express Brazil’s concern with the escalation of tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan and with the signs of a deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Lachin corridor. The establishment of a checkpoint can exacerbate the complexity of the situation and hinder prospects for a peaceful resolution. The unimpeded movement of people and goods through the Lachin corridor is vital to prevent the collapse of the already precarious humanitarian situation. We encourage the governments of both countries to avoid rhetoric conducive to violence and to engage in dialogue with a view to a peaceful settlement of their differences.

Mister President,

Brazil believes that the OSCE could play a constructive role in the conflict in Ukraine. To do so, however, it will be necessary for its members to abandon the logic of isolation and engage in a sincere effort in favour of dialogue.

I thank you, Mister President.