Statement by the Delegation of the Republic of Azerbaijan 1156th Meeting of the Permanent Council, 31 August 2017

in response to H.E. Mr. Thomas Greminger, the Secretary-General of the OSCE Mr. Chairperson,

The Delegation of Azerbaijan would like to take this opportunity to extend its sincere congratulations to H.E. Mr. Thomas Greminger on his election as the Secretary-General of the OSCE. We thank him for his substantive inaugural remarks.

Mr. Secretary-General,

Your assumption of this highly responsible post takes place against backdrop of deteriorated security situation in the OSCE area marked with serious lack of trust and confidence among the participating States. As a direct consequence of gross violations of the Helsinki Final Act Principles in inter-state relations, rules-based international order in the OSCE area is shaken as the sovereignty, territorial integrity and inviolability of frontiers of OSCE participating States remain violated due to unresolved conflicts.

At this critical juncture, the OSCE’s role as a platform for dialogue among its participating States is ever more important. OSCE has to fulfill its functions as the only pan-European security organization to generate sustainable solutions to threats and challenges facing the participating States.

In this context, the Secretary-General has an important role to play as a bridge builder and facilitator of dialogue and cooperation within the Organization. We are confident that rich experience and knowledge your have acquired in the OSCE and on its region throughout your remarkable career as a Swiss diplomat will be valuable assets for you to meet these expectations in an exemplary professional manner. For that aim, You can count on support and cooperation of the Azerbaijani Delegation.

In conclusion, we once again thank Mr. Secretary-General for his presence today and wish him every success in this very important post.

Thank you, Mr. Chairperson.