Ann Linden on Confidence-Building Measures and Humanitarian Law in the Region

Baku/15.03.21/Turan: The authorities did not invite many journalists to today's briefing by the head of the OSCE, including a correspondent for foreign media. What motivated the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry for its decision is not clear. In practice, this led to the fact that the speech of the OSCE Chairman Anne Linden remained unknown to most of the press.

As for the small number of pro-government media outlets, they issued two insignificant paragraphs from Linden's speech.

It was possible to get acquainted with the speech of the head of the OSCE only in the evening, having asked her personally for the text of the speech.

So, the OSCE Chairperson noted that the priority of her chairmanship remains the concept of security in Europe, the issue of women and, in particular, UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on the agenda, as well as increasing the role of women in overcoming regional challenges.

Referring to the results of the meeting with the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan, she noted that the focus was on the situation in the region, which changed after the signing of a statement on November 10, 2020.

Compliance with the points of the statement, including  regarding of detainees, as well as respect for humanitarian law, will offer a basis for process ahead, Linden said. She also noted the importance of confidence-building measures  as well as  free access for the international  actors  on the ground.

“I fully support the work of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and my personal representative in their search for sustainable  resolution to the conflict.   Several outstanding issued remain to be resolved. The OSCE and the international community as a whole have an important role to play in  dealing with this and finding  ways forward, ”she stressed. -02D-