OSCE PA Statement by Mr Björn Söder in the General Debate of the 30th Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Vancouver 30th June to 4 July 2023.
Mr Chair,
The OSCE works on the belief that peace and security in our region will benefit our participating states in creating humanitarian and economically stronger societies. As parliamentarians, one of our most important tools is the interparliamentary dialogue that we are able to conduct in the OSCE PA’s forums. Through dialogue, we find both compromises and solutions to the problems we face.
In the shadows of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine there are unfortunately other still ongoing conflicts in the OSCE-area.
For too long the conflict in Nagorno Karabakh has been ongoing. As the conflict continues, we must not forget the immense human suffering that happens as a cause of the dispute. The Lachin corridor has served as a last connection between Nagorno Karabakh and the outside world supplying the inhabitants in the region with essential food, energy and medical supplies.
However, as unrest plagues the area, we get reports on how the delivery of resources risk not reaching Nagorno Karabakh. This leads to immense human suffering and incapacitates the people to exercise their rights to a decent standard of living, and freedom of movement.
I want to circle back to what I mentioned earlier, interparliamentary dialogue is one of the most important tools we have to resolve international disputes. In order to find a solution to the conflict in Nagorno Karabakh, it is important that Armenia and Azerbaijan work together to find mutually acceptable solutions. Solutions on which Armenia and Azerbaijan both mutually can support would help prevent further manifestations of hatred and enmity. I believe that the OSCE-PA can serve as a platform from which the discussion focused on the solutions can start to take root.
Because we must not forget the immense humanitarian crisis the conflict results in. As the dispute continues without a resolve, the people of Nagorno Karabakh get trapped in the crossfire. As parliamentarians who stand up for the values this organization embraces, we must all work to ensure that the human rights of the people in Nagorno Karabakh are secured.
Thank you.
