OSCE Chairman-in-Office presented priorities to U.S. Helsinki Commission

WASHINGTON, D.C., 3 February 2022 – The OSCE Chairman-in-Office and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland, Zbigniew Rau, participated in a congressional hearing with the U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe today.

Minister Rau presented the main priorities of the 2022 Polish OSCE Chairmanship with a special focus on current tensions and developments concerning a growing threat to Ukraine. He emphasized the necessity to comply with the fundamental principles of the peaceful relation between states, as agreed in the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, the Paris Charter for New Europe and subsequent OSCE documents.

"There is a need to compare notes about understanding the concept of indivisibility of security and its relationship with other OSCE principles, such as the freedom of adherence to alliances. I believe that this is an enormous opportunity for the OSCE to show its relevance and effectiveness in the 21st century," said the Minister.

The Polish Chairmanship will strive to support and apply a human-centered perspective and continue advocating for the promotion and protection of human rights, fundamental freedoms, and democratic institutions in the OSCE area.

"I am confident that we will successfully manage through the current problems together by showing our unity, cohesion and resolve," Chairman Rau stated.

The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, monitors compliance with the Helsinki Accords and advances comprehensive security through promotion of human rights, democracy, and economic, environmental, and military cooperation in the OSCE region.