OSCE shuts down projects in Ukraine because of russia's position
OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland Zbigniew Rau, and OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid said that the organization initiated measures to close the Office of the Project Coordinator in Ukraine because of russia's position.
It is stated in the OSCE statement.
"Regrettably, despite the overwhelming support from participating States for the continuation of the important work that the Project Co-ordinator has carried out for 23 years, no consensus on its mandate extension was reached due to the position of the Russian Federation," Chairman-in-Office Rau said.
He added that the Polish chairmanship of the OSCE would make every effort to preserve the invaluable experience and knowledge acquired by the Project Coordinator in Ukraine and ensure that the OSCE remains present and cooperates with Ukraine.
"Today, when the country is facing unprecedented challenges and hardships due to the ongoing war, our support is more important than ever," he stressed.
Secretary-General Schmid thanked, in particular, the mission members of the Project Coordinator for their work over the past 23 years.
"Not only have they [staff of the Project Coordinator] contributed to the steady transformation in the country for over two decades, but they also worked around the clock to support Ukraine and its people in these most challenging times. Even with the ongoing aggression against Ukraine, the Mission has continued its vital work–from countering trafficking in human beings, to helping build the country's humanitarian demining capacity, and to ensuring legal support for internally displaced people and vulnerable populations," she emphasized. "While we, unfortunately, have to close the mission, the duty of care for our staff will remain at the forefront of our efforts."
It is noted that the Office of the Project Coordinator in Ukraine will suspend all activities from July 1.
Chairman Rau underlined that the Polish Chairmanship would continue consultations with the participating States regarding the OSCE's future role and presence in Ukraine.
The OSCE Project Coordinator in Ukraine was established on June 1, 1999, following a consensus decision by all participating States.
The organization focused its mandated tasks on enhancing the country's security and developing its legislation, institutions, and practices in line with democratic standards.
Since its deployment, the OSCE Project Co-ordinator has supported Ukraine in its reform efforts by undertaking crucial work in many areas. These range from supporting persons affected by conflict and crisis, combating human trafficking, and supporting the country in its humanitarian demining efforts to environmental protection and media freedom.
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At the end of March, russia blocked the extension of the mandate of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission in Ukraine, which has existed since 2014.
Moscow insists that the Mission must cease to exist since there is no consensus to prolong the mandate and says that the OSCE should initiate the closure proceedings promptly.
At the regular OSCE Permanent Council, Michael Carpenter, the U.S. Ambassador to the OSCE, said he "deeply regretted" Russia's decision to block the mandate extension.
"It is irresponsible and unjustifiable, but I guess it's hardly surprising. No one will ever forget the actions of the Russian Federation that brought us to this point today: its prosecution of an unprovoked and barbaric war of aggression on Ukraine."
Carpenter said he "fully sympathized and concurred with the objections" that Ukraine expressed in opposition to closing the Mission.
