The discussion on the possible expulsion of Russia from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) could be considered “over”. This was stated at a press conference held by the current head of the international body and Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia, Bujar Osmani. TASS.
He noted that Yugoslavia was expelled from the organization in 1992 within the framework of the “consensus minus one” principle. According to the head of the foreign policy department, this decision was taken due to major human rights violations on its territory.
“However, we believe that this principle does not work today because there are different opinions in the OSCE,” Osmani emphasized.
As he noted, the OSCE has never been an organization of like-minded people. At the same time, the main purpose of establishing this structure was to unite states in different positions in order to ensure peace and stability in the region.
Answering the question about the possibility of Russia’s expulsion from the organization, the minister added, “Therefore, I believe that this debate has been resolved at least at this stage.”
From 30 November to 1 December, a meeting of foreign ministers of OSCE member states was held in Skopje. After the meeting of the heads of foreign affairs departments To agree It will appoint Malta as the next president of the organization and extend the term of office of the body’s secretary general, Helga Schmid.
Formerly at the Serbian Ministry of Foreign Affairs accused The OSCE applies double standards due to the situation in Ukraine and Kosovo.