Stability, security and respect for human rights are shared UN and OSCE values, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon tells OSCE Permanent Council

VIENNA, 4 November 2014 – The OSCE plays a pivotal role in easing divisions, healing wounds and managing change, the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, told the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna today, and emphasized the close UN-OSCE partnership in enhancing conflict prevention and resolution.

“We are a world in transition. Civil conflicts, terrorism, organized crimes, illegal drug-trafficking, Ebola, are threatening millions of people. These dangers do transcend borders”.

The UN Secretary-General noted that the priorities of the 2014 OSCE Swiss Chairmanship for fostering security and stability, improving people’s lives, and strengthening the OSCE’s capacities to act would support both organization’s efforts to confront today’s transnational challenges.

He stressed the importance of the relationship between the UN and regional organizations, evoking the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. 

Referring to the situation in Ukraine, he said it remains a matter of deep concern and had created divisions that stretch beyond the region. “Lives are being lost both on land and in the sky, the crisis risks jeopardizing our collective ability to solve global problems,” said Ban.

He described the 2 November so-called ‘elections’ in Ukraine as “an unfortunate and counterproductive development.”

“I urge all concerned to urgently recommit to full implementation of the letter and spirit of the Minsk Protocol and Memorandum, designed to bring peace and stability to all of Ukraine,” he said.

Ban commended the OSCE for its early and active engagement, and its prominent role on the ground in Ukraine.

“We have a common responsibility to defuse tensions – and we have been working hand-in-hand. In addition to addressing immediate issues, we are committed to working alongside the OSCE and other international actors to provide long-term support to Ukraine to tackle the deep-rooted issues underlying the crisis,” he said.

The Chairperson of the OSCE Permanent Council, Thomas Greminger, said: “The UN’s operational support to the OSCE mediation efforts has been crucial while facing the crises in Ukraine.  Our co-operation in the field of Security Sector Reform, protection of refugees and displaced persons, deepened ties between our two organizations.”

Highlighting other areas of concern for the OSCE and the UN, Ban noted long-standing tensions in the South Caucasus and concerns over the impact of transition in Afghanistan on Central Asia. “Improving people’s lives is our shared objective. Peace and development are two sides of the same coin. If we want stability and security – we need sustainable development and respect for human rights”.

The OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier said: “We are committed to working closely with the UN, exploring ways to strengthen our co-operation as we often face complex and interrelated challenges, such as terrorism, trafficking of arms, drugs and people. And we must stay abreast of new challenges coming ahead.”