YouSaid · the spoken record

Osmani

lines on the record: 62
first: 2023-02-24
most recent: 2023-10-23
sittings or episodes: 4
sources: un-security-council

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“But we will not let them have it. As we all know, democracy and freedom always prevail. That is because nothing can stand in the way of a freedom-loving nation. No matter how high the hurdles, no matter how thorny the road and no matter how painful the sacrifice, the people of Kosovo will never, ever give up on their freedom.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“There is only one truth that can be evidenced: that Kosovo has been a victim of an act of aggression by Serbia; that Serbia is terrorizing the Serbs who live in Kosovo for the sake of stopping their integration within Kosovan institutions and society; that Serbia wants Kosovo’s territory, which they will never get; that Kosovo is the constructive party in the dialogue, with a track record of implementing the vast majority of its undertakings, while Serbia’s list of non-implementation is so long that it would take us many hours to go through it; that we want the full and swift implementation of the entirety of the Brussels Agreement of 27 February in a fair and balanced way, but while we were committed to peaceful talks with Serbia, it resorted to the use of force; that we want justice and accountability, while Serbia wants denial and impunity; and that we want peace, and unfortunately Serbia showed on 24 September that it wants war.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“A resolute message at this point would underscore a commitment to safeguarding peace and security throughout the region, and also on the entire European continent. Most importantly, it would showcase that the democratic world does not stand idle in the face of autocratic and hegemonic regimes. As President Biden recently said, history has taught us that, when terrorists do not pay a price for their terror and dictators do not pay a price for their aggression, they cause more chaos, more death and more destruction. They keep going, and the cost and the threats to the rest of the world keep rising. We must not let propaganda win. We must fight for the truth.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“In the face of such hybrid actions through the act of aggression by Serbia, we ask our international partners for strategic clarity and determined actions to prevent acts of aggression by Serbia from ever happening again. In a resounding call for peace and security, our plea is clear and unyielding: Kosovo needs substantial security guarantees within the Euro-Atlantic security framework. As we move forward, we should focus on halting Serbia’s support for terrorist activities against Kosovo, urging it to cooperate in the investigation of the recent terrorist attack and hand over to us the terrorists involved. Moreover, we must increase security around Kosovo’s border with Serbia and adopt clear measures against Serbia’s leadership as a deterrence.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“That approach obscures the fundamental values and principles upon which democracies are built, namely, justice, human rights and the rule of law. In doing so, it opens the door to manipulation and deceit by authoritarian regimes, who exploit the reluctance to take a strong, principled stand against their actions. We have seen it in our part of the world, and we are seeing it in Ukraine. Authoritarians exploit the grey areas created by “bothsidesism”, using it as a tool to sow confusion and weaken democratic institutions. In the face of an ever-growing bond among the world’s autocrats, democracies must stand firm in their principles and values, for that is the only way to preserve their resilience and protect democratic freedoms.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“Unfortunately, as long as there are dictators who search for more territory rather than care about their people, we will continue to face the challenges of tyranny. In the face of such challenges, we should never fall into the trap of “bothsidesism”. We are witnessing a tendency to apply the principle of “bothsidesism” when confronted with complex issues. That approach aims to appear balanced and impartial by giving equal weight to opposing perspectives. However, it also more often than not risks leading to a fallacy that undermines the very essence of democracy. When we fail to unequivocally call evil by its true name, we risk creating space for a moral equivalence between right and wrong and between virtue and vice.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“176) He ends his opinion with the following: “States transformed into machines of oppression and destruction ceased to be States in the eyes of their victimized population. Thrown into lawlessness, their victims sought refuge and survival elsewhere, in the jus gentium, in the law of nations, and, in our times, in the Law of the United Nations. I dare to nourish the hope that the conclusion of the present advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice may conform the closing chapter of yet another long episode of the timeless saga of the human kind in search of emancipation from tyranny and systematic oppression.” (ibid., para. 240) We all had the hopes of Judge Cançado Trinidade.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“nor perpetrate them on the assumption of State sovereignty, nor commit atrocities and then rely on a claim of territorial integrity notwithstanding the sentiments and ineluctable resentments of the ‘people’ ... victimized. What has happened in Kosovo is that the victimized ‘people’ ... has sought independence, in reaction against systematic and long-lasting terror and oppression, perpetrated in flagrant breach of the fundamental principle of equality and non-discrimination. The basic lesson is clear: no State can use territory to destroy the population. Such atrocities amount to an absurd reversal of the ends of the State, which was created and exists for human beings, and not vice-versa.” (A/64/881/ Add.1, separate opinion of Judge A. A. Cançado Trindade, para.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“I would add that the Court’s opinion was requested by Serbia itself — yet they not only continue to deny it but also violate it through their constant acts of aggression. Given that today we are led by the Brazilian presidency of the Security Council, I would like to honour the memory and legacy of one of the greatest minds of international public law and international human rights law and a former Judge of the International Court of Justice, the late Judge Cançado Trindade of Brazil. In his separate opinion in support of the Court’s advisory opinion on Accordance with international law of the unilateral declaration of independence in respect of Kosovo, he said: “No State can invoke territorial integrity in order to commit atrocities ...”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“Its successful endeavours in building strong democratic foundations are an inspiration to the entire region and a symbol of what can be achieved when the pursuit of democracy takes centre stage. In the face of any challenge, our people’s resolve remains unshaken. We understand and cherish profoundly the value of our democracy and our independence, and we are fiercely proud of our State-building journey — a path marked by unwavering determination and sacrifice. Serbia constantly pretends that it has the authority to interpret international law. We all know that it does not. The final authority to do so lies with the International Court of Justice, which has unequivocally found that Kosovo’s declaration of independence has not violated any applicable rule of international law.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“Our commitment to human rights, the rule of law and good governance has garnered well-deserved praise, with many observers, such as Transparency International, the World Justice Project, the Freedom House, the World Press Freedom Index and the V-Dem Institute lauding Kosovo as a model for other countries of the region. Kosovo stands out today for its remarkable progress in the fight against corruption and for the rule of law, media freedom, political freedom and civil rights, as well as democratic elections. Obviously, those international organizations are showcasing the truth and not the propaganda that we heard from Serbia today. As the youngest democracy in the Western Balkans, Kosovo has embraced its State-building journey with an unparalleled dedication to fostering an inclusive, transparent and participatory democracy.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“Its remarkable journey has been recognized by international reports and publications, showcasing the incredible strides the country has taken. With a vibrant civil society, a flourishing economy and a resilient population, Kosovo stands as a testament to the transformative power of determination and the pursuit of democratic ideals. It is a story of resilience and hope that proves that even in the most challenging circumstances, the ideals of democracy can be ignited and can flourish. International reports and publications have consistently highlighted Kosovo’s remarkable democratic progress.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“As we navigate the path forward, we want to continue to build bridges and advance together towards a brighter tomorrow, one that not only fulfils our aspirations but also secures the well-being of all of our citizens and communities. In our efforts to advance the rights of every community and, in this case, the Serb minority community, I confirm that we are willing to do even more for the Serbs in Kosovo, but we will not give Serbia instruments through which they can destroy the lives of Serbs who live in Kosovo and try to continuously diminish our sovereignty and territorial integrity. Kosovo, once a symbol of suffering because of the genocidal war waged by Milošević, has emerged today as a shining example of democracy in the Western Balkans and beyond.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“Furthermore, it has now become a standard practice to have the presence of the international community in a monitoring capacity in all of these processes. But to put things in perspective and to speak of the actual cases that are classified as cases of inter-ethnic crime, I am very proud to say that since 2008, the year of our independence, when the annual level of inter-ethnic crimes was a total of 63 cases, we have witnessed a trend of constant reduction over the years. In 2023, the total number of inter-ethnic crimes thus far is 19, out of which almost 70 per cent consist of chanting, swearing and graffiti. But we are committed to bring that number down to zero. Let me be clear — in Kosovo we have a shared endeavour, one that unites us in a common cause to safeguard and strengthen our collective future.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“The rule of law is the bedrock of our governance. It is shameful, but also unacceptable, how Serbia attempts to label our rule-of-law efforts as acts against Kosovo Serbs. This false play of the inter-ethnic crime card to undermine our pursuit of justice is a strategy we fervently reject. We stand ready and firm in our resolve to combat crime and criminal organizations with an unwavering commitment that transcends ethnicity, religion or any other background. A criminal is a criminal, no matter their nationality. In our relentless pursuit of justice, we adamantly uphold and unwaveringly adhere to the highest standards of human rights. Anything contrary to that will never be acceptable to us. As President, I raise my voice every single time those standards are not upheld.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“Yet, as I speak of enhanced and advanced rights for Kosovo Serbs and every minority in Kosovo, ethnic cleansing through administrative means — as qualified by the Helsinki Committee for Human Rights — is ongoing in Serbia, more precisely in Preševo Valley. Through the passivization of residence addresses, the Serbian Government is tracelessly, that is, without issuing any written notice or document, wiping out Albanians from the civil registry of Serbia and, as a result, denying them all of their basic rights. Those violations of rights, also confirmed by United States Department of State reports and some of the latest resolutions of the European Parliament, are further exacerbated by the hate speech and discriminatory language that is routinely used by media and politicians in Serbia. Justice is the centrepiece of our every action.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“I want to work with each and every one of you to make it a home where you prosper and thrive and contribute to making it a better place for all.” The Constitution and legislation in force provide for strong protections on the rights of the Kosovo Serb community to use their language at all levels, both national and local. The Serb language has the status of an official language in all the territory of Kosovo, while education, as well as other services, are also guaranteed in their language. Recognizing the profound significance of cultural heritage, our Constitution guarantees the Orthodox Church a special level of protection in our country, further cemented by the Law on Special Protective Zones, while independent and professional assessments confirm that Orthodox churches in Kosovo enjoy a high level of security.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“That is to say that even if more than 90 per cent of the members of Parliament would vote in favour, nothing can pass without their consent. With the highest level of decentralization and vast decision-making powers granted to municipalities, at the local level, Kosovo’s law on local self-Government guarantees special rights for minority communities through enhanced municipal competencies in a great many areas. That all stands as a testament to Kosovo’s commitment to creating an inclusive and diverse society where the rights of all its citizens, including minorities, are protected and upheld. I keep repeating and will say this again to every Serb living in Kosovo: “Kosovo is your home as much as it is mine.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“I invite all the members of the Council to come to Kosovo so that they can witness first-hand the progress in my country. We have made significant strides in establishing one of the most advanced constitutional and legal frameworks in the world that steadfastly protects the rights of minority communities. In what I believe is hard to find in the vast majority of the countries around the world, the Serb ethnic minority in Kosovo, which comprises about 3 to 4 per cent of our entire population, holds veto power over amendments to the Constitution and any law deemed to be of vital interest, ensuring their say in key legislative decisions that relate to education, religion, rights of communities, local election reforms, municipalities, the use of language and symbols and other decisions.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“A clearer understanding of the situation also requires a better understanding of the mastermind behind it all. Autocratic leaders often master the art of projecting themselves as promoters of peace, all the while consolidating power behind a façade. Their narratives and propaganda make it challenging for some to discern the true nature or intentions of their leadership. Serbia’s Government cynically claims that what happened on 24 September was a righteous response of local Serbs against so-called “pressure and terror”. Let me be clear — what is happening is not a result of pressure and terror against Kosovo Serbs, but instead a clear reflection of Serbia’s strong and historic appetite for more instability — for more territory.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“In the past few months alone, Serbia, through its illegal gangs, abducted three Kosovo police officers within the territory of Kosovo, attacked countless journalists and 93 KFOR soldiers. And, as confirmed by the White House National Security Council, there has been “a large Serbian military deployment along the border with Kosovo”. Calling it a destabilizing development, the statement went on confirming “unprecedented staging of advanced Serbian artillery, tanks, mechanized infantry units”. Serbia pulled some of its troops from the border only after United States warnings that it could face punitive measures. But significant military force continues to be permanently based around in the area, with Serbia’s 48 forward operating bases around the border with Kosovo.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“Whether in the south or the north, the east or the west, the police’s unwavering mission is solely to instil trust, safety and security in neighbourhoods and communities across the entire country. While Vučić aims to conceal his true intentions, his acts reveal his underlying motives. He wants more territory. It is that simple. However, it is also that much more concerning. And to everyone acting in disbelief that anyone would do something like that and use 1990s tactics in 2023, I say that rationality always parts ways with autocrats. Rationality stands no chance among malign intentions, expansionist appetites and imperialist ambitions. It is utterly unfortunate that Serbia sees violence as a solution to everything.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“While condemning the act of those paramilitary and terrorist groups, the international community widely praised the Kosovo police’s reaction as very professional and fully coordinated with NATO forces and the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo. Today the Kosovo police stands proudly as the epitome of professionalism and diversity within the region’s law-enforcement landscape and beyond. It exemplifies a resounding success story that has unfolded over the two decades of our free republic. That remarkable achievement is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our institutions to the cause of law enforcement but also to the visionary partnership of our international allies supporting us in this regard.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“It was an attack on democracy and freedom, as well as the peace and stability that the Security Council helped build. We must therefore be in this together. The international community was united in responding by unequivocally condemning this terrorist act against Kosovo. The amount and types of weapons confiscated represented a significant threat to the safety not only of citizens of Kosovo but also of international personnel, including NATO troops. The United States, the United Kingdom, European Union member States and other countries have called for everyone involved in planning and carrying out the attack to be held accountable, and have stated that Serbia must fully cooperate.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“In addition to that, Serbia made sure to announce a day of mourning for the terrorists who killed a police officer while he was defending our country from aggression. And let us not ignore the massive propaganda and constant hints that were broadcast on the streets, at football matches, in interviews and all over Serbia ahead of the 24 September act of aggression. The infamous saying “When the army returns to Kosovo” appeared in graffiti all over Serbia and all the way to Russia. In the light of that evidence, we must make one thing clear. This is not just some quarrel between two countries or a blame game. What happened on 24 September was not merely an attack on Kosovo. It was a plan to destabilize the entire Western Balkans.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“The weapons and armoured vehicles were smuggled in through illegal routes and some came in through vehicles carrying false NATO signs that the terrorists put on their armoured vehicles, full of weapons and little-green-men uniforms. That sounds familiar, right? And finally, the fourth and perhaps most important element is the political support and the sheltering of terrorists in Serbia. Radoičić, the leader of the terrorist group, who openly admitted being in charge of this attack, is one of Serbia’s President’s closest collaborators and partners. He even sits in National Security Council meetings in Serbia right next to the Serbian President and is still free and walking around Serbia despite admitting leading that attack.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“As the investigation shows, there has been constant military-type training of those terrorist groups in the military bases of Serbia, including in Pasuljanske Livade and Rashka. There is video evidence of it, and Serbian State institutions, especially defence institutions, even proudly admit training those terrorist organizations. Moving on to the third element, the arming, the weapons that we confiscated from the terrorists on that day alone amounted to a quantity that could be used by as many as 400 people. Most of them were military- grade weapons that are manufactured only through Serbia’s State military industry. Many of them were produced in 2022, and some only six weeks before the attack.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“The two terrorist organizations known as Civilna Zaštita and Severna Brigada have continued to be financed by State institutions of Serbia. In fact, they do not even hide it. They are appointed as parallel, albeit illegal and criminal structures, to function in the Republic of Kosovo, and then given monthly payments. Before the terrorist act in September, those groups were engaged in terrorizing, intimidating and threatening Kosovo Serbs who live in Kosovo and in attacking NATO soldiers. Let me repeat that. They are paid and financed by Serbia to attack none other than Kosovo Serbs. I will now turn to the second element, the training of those terrorist organizations.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“As has been the case historically, Kosovo will continue to work closely with its allies and partners to counteract such acts and prevent them from ever happening again. But what we have heard from Serbia today is an extension of its recurring efforts to tone down the scale of this unprecedented security threat and act of aggression against Kosovo. They want to twist the entire truth that unfolded before the eyes of the world. They are trying to switch the place of the aggressor with that of the victim of the aggression. But the facts are irrefutable, and the evidence illustrates the contrary. Those terrorist groups and paramilitary forces have been financed, trained, armed and have received political support and shelter from one source — the Republic of Serbia. Let me turn to the first element.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“On the one hand, Kosovo’s commitment to protecting our sovereignty, promoting and advancing the rule of law and democracy and fostering positive neighbourly relations remains unwavering. On the other hand, Serbia’s determination to destabilize the region, occupy land and replicate Milošević and Putin’s playbooks is at its peak. What Serbia expected to happen that day was that it would succeed in its Crimea-style planned annexation of northern Kosovo. What took Serbia by surprise was the unwavering determination and professional response of the Kosovo police forces. During the attack and ever since, Kosovo institutions have maintained close coordination with the international security presence in the country.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“That day, Kosovo was the target of an act of aggression by Serbia through terrorist and paramilitary groups. Today I want to take a moment to honour the memory of Afrim Bunjaku, now a hero of Kosovo, whom we lost as he was defending the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our republic. Heroes such as Afrim Bunjaku remind us on a daily basis how precious freedom is and how vigilant we should be in defending it. May he rest in peace and his memory serve as a reminder to all of us of the imperative of standing up to authoritarian and malign forces not just in the Western Balkans, but all around the world. While everything has changed since 24 September, at the same time much has remained a constant.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“I am here to reaffirm the commitment of all of Kosovo’s institutions to preventing that setback, which would endanger the hard-won freedoms that we have achieved together with so many here — together with democracies from all over the world, because the sovereign and free Republic of Kosovo is one of the greatest successes in human history and a testament to what democracies can achieve when they stand together against autocracies and genocidal regimes. And that outstanding example of unity in the face of adversity is as important now as it was in the 1990s. That is why I believe this is not just another meeting of the Security Council on Kosovo. On 24 September the people of Kosovo woke up to the news that one police sergeant had been killed and another wounded in the early-morning hours.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“We decided to do so despite the fact that Serbia has never asked for forgiveness, never shown any sign of repentance for the crimes committed by the Milošević regime and never accepted a reality that happened before the eyes of the whole world. Instead, it has remained in a state of denial and has made every possible effort to take our region back to the 1990s. I am here to say that we will not let that happen. I am here to confirm the commitment of the people of Kosovo to moving forward, not backwards.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“Yet, once again, we chose to rise from the ashes, rebuild our lives and build a future in which all our people, no matter their background, can live in a country free of the fear, discrimination or propaganda that can spur violence; a country in which the principles of democracy, human rights and the rule of law are the main pillars on which we stand; and a country that values its alliances and partnerships as the bedrock of our success. We are also a country that has extended the hand of cooperation to our neighbour Serbia, and we are participants in a dialogue through which we want to peacefully resolve all our remaining differences.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“And it will be so for as long as the Earth circles the sun. I speak before the Council today as the President of a country that lost approximately 13,000 people in just a few months of war — with thousands left unaccounted for through enforced disappearance; the highest per capita number of children killed in any war in the former Yugoslavia; almost every house destroyed; thousands of people tortured as political and war prisoners; thousands of women raped as a tool of war; approximately 80 per cent of the people of Kosovo forced to leave their houses; and practically everything burned to ashes.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“Mr. Osmani-Sadriu: I had the honour of speaking before the Security Council at an Arria Formula meeting just a few days ago, giving voice to thousands of survivors of sexual violence from the previous war in Kosovo. It is when you speak of the pain of those who suffered the most that you are reminded, again and again, of the suffering that wars inflict upon the most vulnerable. But the story of the survivors of Kosovo is the story of their resilience, of turning their pain into strength and turning their agony into positive contributions to their society and country. As I said that day, the victims of sexual violence during the war in Kosovo chose not just to survive but also to thrive. That is their story and that is also the story of Kosovo — a free, independent, sovereign, democratic and thriving Republic.”
2023-10-23 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9450 (2023) · source
“The OSCE’s comprehensive concept of security and our tools and the United Nations global outreach and recognized capacity are mutually reinforcing. Building on our values and competitive advantages, working together, we must do our utmost to end the war against Ukraine and pursue our common endeavour for peace, stability and security.”
2023-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9421Resumption1 (2023) · source
“As an organization, we are committed to mitigating the fallout from this war and giving a helping hand to the people on the ground. Members of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine — people who serve the cause of truth and trust — are still detained. I would like to once again call for their immediate and unconditional release. After my initial visit to Ukraine in January, I am now planning a second trip as Chairman-in-Office to engage directly with people on site and hear their needs, hopes and fears. Our motto is, “It is about people”, and it is for the people of Ukraine and others in need around the globe that we must work together, do more and do better. Returning to where I started, there are valuable lessons and tools that the OSCE has and knows, and there are experiences and expertise that the United Nations possesses.”
2023-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9421Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Is there anyone who can explain who is gaining from this war? There are no gains with this war, only losses. Ukraine and its people are of paramount concern to the OSCE, as the world’s largest regional security organization. A new support programme for Ukraine has been designed as a vehicle of support in various fields. Those include humanitarian demining, the promotion of the rule of law and the mitigation of the consequential environmental and economic impacts. My Special Representatives and a team of OSCE professionals are already on the ground translating words into concrete actions while exploring avenues for further engagement. The OSCE can do a lot in times of war, and even more in times of peace. Its past engagement in Ukraine is solid proof of that.”
2023-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9421Resumption1 (2023) · source
“This war is destroying not just lives and livelihoods in Ukraine, people’s homes and hopes, but beyond that, it has an impact on the lives of people far beyond. Tectonic shifts are felt across the OSCE region and beyond. Within the OSCE, a regional organization under Chapter VIII of the Charter of the United Nations, which I chair at this pivotal moment in its history, we feel the impact of this war on the people of our region, on the politics between the regions and on the institutions created as platforms for dialogue and vehicles of peace. The impact and the loss of trust and dialogue will last beyond the war in Ukraine and its ongoing human suffering. Multilateralism itself is at risk of becoming a victim of this aggression, international forums like this being replaced by battlegrounds, arguments replaced by brute force.”
2023-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9421Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Earlier this month, I visited Calcutta and paid tribute to Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, better known globally as Mother Teresa, a native of Skopje, our capital, a citizen of the world and the embodiment of peace, compassion and solidarity. Allow me to convey her simple yet prophetic wisdom as a compass and an answer to our challenges: “I can do things you cannot; you can do things I cannot; together, we can do great things”. Indeed, the joint pursuit of peace depends on our collective engagement. With the world facing many serious trials, the Russian Federation’s war of aggression against Ukraine is the most pressing challenge we must address. It constitutes the greatest breach of, and challenge to, international rules and commitments that were written and undersigned by the same Russia that now scornfully tramples on them.”
2023-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9421Resumption1 (2023) · source
“Mr. Osmani: At the outset, let me thank the Albanian presidency for the invitation to address the Security Council. Our combined presence today is a strong sign of commitment and responsibility for two Balkan States. It is quite remarkable that, as we mark 30 years of cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), two neighbouring countries and partners — Albania and North Macedonia — stand at the helm of two key multilateral formats, which is our contribution to global peace based on our principled commitment to multilateralism. Those principles include dialogue, cooperation and solidarity. They are enshrined in our founding documents and, moreover, in our humanity.”
2023-09-20 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9421Resumption1 (2023) · source
“The OSCE is indeed a platform for dialogue among non-like-minded countries. Our role as Chairperson-in- Office is to be an honest broker of that dialogue. However, that dialogue takes place within the framework established by the principles and commitments of the organization, which we have voluntarily agreed to uphold and obey. They are non-negotiable. Our role as Chairperson-in-Office is to safeguard those principles and commitments. We will therefore function as an honest broker enabling a conducive atmosphere for dialogue in order to achieve and uphold those principles and commitments. Those commitments are related to respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of participating States of the OSCE, and to refraining from the violation of borders and the use of force to achieve political gains.”
2023-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9316 (2023) · source
“Mr. Osmani: Let me thank you once again, Mr. President, for giving me an opportunity to address the Security Council on North Macedonia’s chairpersonship of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), which has coincided with the thirtieth anniversary of the establishment of cooperation and coordination between the United Nations and the OSCE. I would also like to thank the representatives of the Security Council members for their kind words of support. They represent the wind at our back in boldly continuing to steward the organization during this challenging time. However, I would like to just briefly comment on some of the remarks by the representative of the Russian Federation regarding our non-status neutral position as Chairperson-in-Office of the OSCE.”
2023-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9316 (2023) · source
“In most cases, it is a deliberate human choice — the most wrong and terrible one — and it is our duty to repair this and do things right. Peace is the driving force of multilateralism and the most precious ideal of humankind. Therefore, we must join forces around our joint pursuit for peace. After all, it is all about people.”
2023-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9316 (2023) · source
“Let us remember that the OSCE is not just a platform for dialogue for non-like-minded countries — it is a community of nations that is supposed to share a common vision of peace and stability. We must work together in solidarity and unity to ensure that this vision became becomes a reality. Human lives are the most precious thing. As a medical doctor myself by profession, I have worked to save lives on a daily basis. I have seen the suffering provoked by illness and witnessed the natural fight of a human being for life. I would like to believe that war is not an inherent component of human nature. It is a manmade disaster that takes hundreds, even thousands, of lives in a moment. War is neither necessity nor destiny.”
2023-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9316 (2023) · source
“Despite all difficulties, we will continue to promote human security through support for sustainable economic growth and environmental cooperation, uphold basic human rights and promote tolerance and non-discrimination as prerequisites for comprehensive security. With all that said, I would like to add that we will spare no efforts nor energy to support a functional and flexible OSCE. The challenges facing the OSCE are significant, but they are not insurmountable. We will remain committed to the organization and work together to address the issues that threaten its effectiveness. This includes providing adequate funding, strengthening its institutions and ensuring that it has the support of member States.”
2023-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9316 (2023) · source
“In particular, I would like to commend the progress reached between Kosovo and Serbia in Ohrid, North Macedonia, under the auspices of the European Union. One encouraging fact is the readiness expressed by both sides to carry out their responsibilities related to the implementation of the annex to the agreement reached in Brussels. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, I will continue to promote the unity of voice and unity of purpose concept and reinforce the reconciliation and trust-building portfolio. The other priorities that are incorporated in our programme for the 2023 chairpersonship will largely depend on security developments.”
2023-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9316 (2023) · source
“These channels and diplomatic processes must remain open, not only to avoid further escalation, but also to deal with the consequences of the 2008 conflict. It was particularly significant to visit the Odzisi crossing and see first-hand the condition of the dividing lines and the consequences of the long-term closure of the crossing. It is unfortunate to witness that in the twenty-first century there is yet another wall of separation that divides the population affected by the conflict. The completely blocked freedom of movement of people in this area is unsustainable and contrary to the basic principles of the OSCE and civilization’s ideals. In the upcoming weeks I am planning to visit the OSCE field missions in South-East Europe. The visits are taking place at a crucial juncture for developments in the region.”
2023-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9316 (2023) · source
“As on the previous occasion, and while I was there, I also addressed the humanitarian concerns over the Lachin corridor and, in particular, the consequences that directly affect the local population. In the light of recent developments, I would like again to emphasize our commitment to the OSCE as a venue for resolving differences in the South Caucasus and call on all parties to rely on genuine dialogue and good faith negotiation. With regard to Georgia, I welcome the latest round of the Geneva International Discussions, held two weeks ago. As the OSCE chair, North Macedonia fully supports the continuation of this key venue for dialogue under the joint leadership of the United Nations, OSCE and European Union.”
2023-05-04 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.9316 (2023) · source