Sergei Rachkov began by acknowledging the constructive role played by the Dutch national delegation and the Assembly leadership in facilitating the Belarusian delegation’s attendance at the session.
«We are holding the current session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly amid an ongoing security crisis in Europe. The military conflict in Eastern Europe, the collapse of arms control mechanisms, the deepening political divide within the OSCE area and growing mistrust among states all indicate that the previous model of ensuring security on the European continent no longer works,» Sergei Rachkov said. «Unfortunately, many discussions in our organization remain focused on the consequences of what is happening. Yet without an honest conversation about the root causes of the crisis, it is impossible to find sustainable solutions and ensure lasting peace.»
According to Sergei Rachkov, over the past decades, the principle of indivisible security has gradually lost its practical meaning. «Increasingly, the security of some states was ensured without regard for the interests of others. As a result, the cooperative space built by generations of politicians and diplomats has been undermined, and the OSCE itself is increasingly becoming a platform for exchanging mutual accusations rather than for dialogue and the search for compromise.»
«It is clear that neither sanctions pressure, nor military infrastructure buildup, nor a policy of isolation can deliver lasting peace and stability. On the contrary, such approaches only entrench confrontation and reduce the prospects for diplomatic resolution of crises. We are convinced that it is time, including within the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, to return to a serious discussion about the future of European and Eurasian security. Such a dialogue must be based on the equality of states, respect for sovereignty, a rejection of exclusionary policies and a readiness to take into account the legitimate interests of all participants,» Sergei Rachkov said.
He noted that Belarus consistently advocates for a new security architecture in the Eurasian space. «This is not about replacing existing mechanisms with new bloc‑based structures, but about creating a system that would ensure security for all states and eliminate the practice of strengthening one’s own security at the expense of others.»
«We propose to focus efforts on restoring professional political and military‑political dialogue, developing confidence‑building and transparency measures, resuming expert‑level contacts and seeking mutually acceptable solutions on the most sensitive security issues. Our conceptual proposals are set out in the document ‘Charter of Diversity and Multipolarity in the 21st Century,’» Sergei Rachkov said.
Regarding the documents submitted for consideration at the current OSCE PA session, Sergei Rachkov said he believes that the additional resolution on Belarus initiated by a Swedish parliamentarian has an anti‑Belarusian orientation and is clearly biased and politically motivated. «We strongly urge the sponsors of the draft resolution on Belarus to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs of our country under the guise of alleged concern for human rights and regional security, and to withdraw this document,» Sergei Rachkov concluded.
On 4-6 July, the delegation of the National Assembly of Belarus to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, led by Chairman of the Standing Commission on International Affairs of the House of Representatives Sergei Rachkov, is taking part in the 33rd Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, themed «International Law and Shared Principles: Foundations for Security and Co-operation in the OSCE Area» which is taking place in The Hague, Netherlands.
