The Permanent Representative of Russia to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), Alexander Lukashevich, stated that Estonia is not ready to abandon its candidacy for the presidency of the organization. However, Russia and Belarus will not allow Estonia to assume this position.
Lukashevich, in an interview with Sputnik, said, “Until today, everyone is sticking to their positions. Russia and Belarus have reiterated their announcement that they will not allow Estonia’s candidacy to pass, and it is necessary to explore other options, which is logical.”
He pointed out that “the European Union and some other ‘tweeters’ insist that Estonia assumes the presidency,” while noting that Estonia has not officially submitted its candidacy in accordance with the organization’s rules.
Lukashevich clarified that Estonia has not submitted a request from its president and foreign minister to all member states of the organization. Only its representative has spoken several times about his country’s desire to assume the presidency of the organization without making an official request.
Earlier, Russia and Belarus refused to approve Estonia’s presidency in the OSCE. The presidency of the OSCE rotates annually among its participating states, and the process requires consensus among all member countries.
The rejection of Estonia’s presidency by Russia and Belarus underscores the ongoing tensions and differences within the OSCE. The organization plays a crucial role in promoting security and cooperation in Europe, and the presidency is an important position that entails coordinating various activities and initiatives among member states.
The dispute highlights the broader geopolitical dynamics in the region, with Estonia being a member of the European Union and NATO, while Russia and Belarus maintain their own strategic interests. The presidency of the OSCE is seen as a platform for influencing regional policies and promoting specific agendas.
As the issue unfolds, it remains to be seen how the situation will be resolved within the OSCE and whether alternative candidates will be considered for the presidency. The coming months will provide further insights into the diplomatic negotiations and power dynamics at play within the organization.
