26th Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Minsk

MINSK, 4 July (BelTA) – The OSCE PA session in Minsk reaffirms the importance of Belarus in European affairs, Sergei Kizima, PhD in Politics, Head of the International Relations Department at the Academy of Public Administration under the aegis of the President of Belarus, said in an interview with the STV channel on 4 July, BelTA has learned.

This year the OSCE PA session is dedicated to enhancing mutual trust and cooperation for peace and prosperity in the OSCE region. It will be held in Minsk on 5-9 July. “This is a positive fact that reaffirms the importance of Belarus in European affairs as the center of Europe, as a donor of security,” Sergei Kizima said.

President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Christine Muttonen, who arrived in Belarus on 4 July, suggested setting up an ad hoc committee on fighting terrorism during the 26th session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. Political analysts believe that this initiative will contribute to the development of the cooperation in this challenging area.

As it was reported, the agenda of the session comprises reports of three general committees: on political affairs and security; on economic affairs, science, technology, and environment; on democracy, human rights, and humanitarian affairs. Resolutions to be adopted as a result of the discussions will lay the foundation of the Minsk declaration, which will formulate recommendations for national governments, parliaments, and the international community on response to pressing challenges and threats.

The declaration will also include several additional resolutions initiated by individual MPs. The resolutions target a large number of matters, including counter-terrorism, migration challenges, prevention of interfaith enmity, stronger energy security, and many other things.

Belarus has prepared the resolution “Development of timely and effective legislative, regulatory, administrative measures to respond to the emergence of new psychoactive substances.” Besides, the Belarusian side has co-sponsored several resolutions developed by foreign counterparts. These documents, for example, relate to the fight against terrorism (Russia), problems of intolerance and discrimination on religious grounds (Russia), prevention of sexual exploitation of children on the Internet (United States), democratic development values of multiculturalism (Azerbaijan).

Up to 700 delegates will attend the OSCE PA events in Minsk.

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly was established in Madrid, Spain in April 1991. It comprises 323 MPs representing 57 nations. The OSCE PA is focused on assisting with interparliamentary dialogue, supporting democratic institutions in the OSCE member states, enhancing cooperation and security in the region. The annual summer session is the key event in the OSCE PA’s work. During such sessions, top OSCE PA officials are elected and declarations and resolutions are adopted.