OSCE PA: Lack of mutual trust among OSCE countries prevents collective decisions

President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Petros Efthymiou noted the lack of mutual trust among the OSCE member countries, KazTAG reported.

But it is no secret that today the OSCE is facing an identity crisis - and the roots of this crisis can thankfully be identified. The political dialogue that had sustained our organization since its inception has failed to steer us to a common direction.

"Moreover, the lack of mutual trust prevents our collective decisions and undermines our ability to deal with the regular workload of the Organization. This lack of trust is even more serious when we have to resolve crises, respond tochallenges, or exploit opportunities," he said.

"Thus, we find ourselves here, in Astana, contemplating Hamlet's proverbial question at the Elsinore Castle: "To be or not to be?".- or, even, how to be. In politics, this question needs an answer linked with a plan for the future. Only in such a case can we enter a new historical phase for our Organization - and this decision is in our hands today," he added.

Efthymiou believes change must begin at the political level, with true political initiatives.

"We all appreciate the Permanent Council, and the contribution of prominent diplomats in all its ranks - from the post of Secretary General to the heads of our 18 field missions. Yet, the workings of the Permanent Council require transparency and accountability - they can no longer take place behind closed doors," Efthymiou said.

"Change on the political level must be matched by change in our operations. A strong and effective Parliamentary Assembly is critical for our organization. As a forum of open dialogue between elected parliamentarians, the Assembly upholds the principles of transparency and accountability that are essential to democratic governance. It provides original ideas and proposals on issues across all three dimensions. The work of the Parliamentary Assembly has continuously facilitated interparliamentary dialogue in the OSCE area, which is an important parameter in building trust. The Parliamentary Assembly is an important asset to the Organization and should be put to better use by its structures," Efthymiou said.

"There is no doubt about how much lies at stake here in Astana -and we don't have the luxury to let it fail. We need this unique organization because protracted conflicts and their consequences still effect the future of the OSCE, and because force is unfortunately still made use of. We also need this organization because internal strife and division in the OSCE area remains a grim reality and serious violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms remain commonplace," he said.

"This organization is also needed because democratic development is uneven and at times even reverses; because climate change, illegal migration and technological advancement present us with new challenges and opportunities; and because instability also remains a problem in neighboring regions. We need it to make a real difference, with its comprehensive, inclusive and indivisible concept of security. As a matter of fact, if the OSCE did not exist, we would have to invent it."


/Trend/