OSCE Chairman-in-Office: We must build consensus on OSCE leadership; I hope 57 participating states will assist in deciding before December

“We must build a consensus on which country will lead the organisation and find a suitable candidate,” Swiss Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Ignazio Cassis stated in response to a journalist’s question during a joint press conference with Georgian Foreign Minister Maka Botchorishvili.

Journalists asked Ignazio Cassis about Georgia’s submission to assume the future OSCE chairmanship. Specifically, what Switzerland’s stance would be towards supporting Georgia’s candidacy.

According to the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, he relies on the 57 participating states to assist in reaching a decision before December.

“Switzerland’s most vital role is its Chairmanship. We must forge consensus on which country will head the organisation and also identify the candidate. As the end of the year approaches, it is quite urgent. We have discussed these matters in depth and agreed that over the next few weeks we will continue exploring all possible solutions. We must establish a mechanism to enable a decision to be reached.

My goal is to settle this matter by the end of November, so that by the time the Ministerial Council meets in Lugano, the issue is resolved and no longer open for debate. However, this is merely my wish, and I cannot guarantee it. I hope the 57 participating states will assist me in deciding on this matter before December. Furthermore, this is vital for the OSCE’s stability to preserve the troika process comprising the former, current, and incoming chairmanships. This ensures stability and predictability for the future of the organisation,” Ignazio Cassis stated.

This copy was prepared based on simultaneous interpretation.