Ambassador Neil Holland thanks Minister Ian Borg for Malta's
leadership as President of the Committee of Ministers and Chair
of the OSCE in successive years.
"Thank you, Mr Chair. Let me start by adding my condolences for
the tragic shooting in Graz. Our thoughts are with the Austrian
delegation, the people of Austria and the families and friends of
the victims.
Minister Borg, welcome back to the Permanent Council, thank you
for your presentation and for Malta's commitment to
multilateralism. You stepped up to lead the OSCE when we needed
you. And as you celebrate 60 years since Malta's accession to the
Council of Europe, it is clear that you are treating your new
role as Chair of the Committee of Ministers with the same
dedication.
The longstanding relationship between the OSCE and the Council of
Europe is rooted in the promotion of human rights, democracy and
rule of law – values that the UK is firmly committed to uphold.
It is through these values that both institutions can- with their
respective expertise- protect against violence and oppression;
defend against democratic backsliding; utilise the opportunities
technology provides to enhance our security; build resilience
against the intensification of malign and destabilising hybrid
activities affecting many of our States; and support Ukraine.
The UK is fully committed to holding Russia to account for its
illegal and barbaric actions in Ukraine. We support the progress
in establishing a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression
against Ukraine at the Council of Europe and are keen for
progress to be made as soon as possible.
Minister Borg, the busy agenda you have outlined today reminds us
that our two institutions share much common ground and already
learn from each-other through regular exchange on areas such as
tackling organised crime and human trafficking, countering
terrorism and violent extremism, as well as promoting free and
fair elections, media freedom, and gender rights. You are right
to think about cooperation, particularly given the common
security challenges we are facing. We must continue to recognise
each institution's individual merits and distinctiveness - and to
work in a coordinated way to employ the unique set of tools which
each institution offers.
Minister, thank you for your leadership, and commitment to the
principles of the Council of Europe, the OSCE and the UN Charter.
By the end of this year, you will have completed the hat-trick!
On behalf of the UK, we offer you, and your team, our support for
your work throughout the remainder of your Presidency and
beyond."
