Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod commends the efforts of the Polish OSCE Chair at the launch of the Renewed OSCE European Security Dialogue

Statement as delivered by H.E. Jeppe Kofod, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark, at the High-level inauguration meeting of the Renewed OSCE European Security Dialogue on 8 February 2022 

Thank you, Mr. Chair. 

Allow me first to associate myself with the statement made by H.E. Stefano Sannino on behalf of the European Union. 

We remain deeply concerned by Russia’s military build-up near the borders of Ukraine and in Belarus. Combined with the heightened rhetoric and following the illegal annexation of Crimea by Russia, these aggressive actions threaten the security not only of Ukraine, but of Europe as a whole. We call on Russia to de-escalate, to abide by international law and to engage constructively in dialogue.

We see no alternative to the path of diplomacy and dialogue. This must be solidly based on the foundational principles laid down in the Helsinki Final Act, the Charter of Paris and other key documents: notably, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of States; the inviolability of internationally recognised borders; the freedom of countries to decide their foreign policy and to choose their own security arrangements and; refraining from the threat or use of force.

These principles are neither negotiable nor subject to revision or reinterpretation. Their violation is the greatest obstacle to a common, indivisible security space in the OSCE region.

We believe that the OSCE has the potential to play a key role in addressing the current crisis. The OSCE has a rich toolbox for increasing transparency, building trust and reducing tensions. We must be innovative and use the full potential but the necessary political will is required.

We would like to commend the efforts of the Polish OSCE Chair to swiftly initiate a substantial renewed OSCE dialogue on European security. This is a very timely initiative, which we fully support.

We will remain an active and constructive partner in the necessary efforts to strengthen the respect for our common OSCE commitments. 

Thank you, Mr. Chair.