OSCE Chair-in-Person Edi Rama has offered to mediate in the Belarus crisis, following days of mass protests against the government.
Rama is also Albania’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs.
In a press statement on Monday, the OSCE Chairmanship expressed their concern about elections in Belarus and use of force against protesters:
“We reiterate our concerns about the conduct of the Presidential election on 9 August 2020, which could not be observed by the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, and the disproportionate use of force against peaceful protesters, widespread detentions and alleged torture and mistreatment by the security forces.”
Rama called for constructive dialogue and offered his and the OSCE support.
“A formal offer has therefore been submitted to the government of Belarus for a visit by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Prime Minister and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Edi Rama, and the incoming OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Ann Linde – to meet with the government and representatives of the opposition.”
The OSCE Chairmanship stressed the urgent need for all sides to comply with OSCE principles and commitments, including the protection of human rights and freedoms, and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
