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Political power that disregards the will and expectations of the vast majority of its citizens and is concerned only with its own egoistic interest loses democratic legitimacy and trust of its people and is not sustainable, Lithuania’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Raimonda Murmokaitė said at the UN Security Council Debate on 24 February.

The Ambassador of Lithuania called on the UN Security Council to support the Ukrainian people’s striving for freedom and democracy, and to help the state adhere to the principles of respect for human rights and justice.

“Lithuania welcomes the ongoing democratic change in Ukraine and the determined leadership of the Verkhovna Rada in this historical process,” R.Murmokaitė said. She also stressed that Lithuania remained firmly committed to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity.

The situation in Ukraine was discussed with Didier Burkhalter, Swiss Foreign Minister and the Chairperson-in-Office of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) at the UN Security Council Debate. The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office informed members of the UN Security Council about the decision to appoint a Personal Envoy on Ukraine and the initiative to establish an international contact group to support Ukraine. D.Burkhalter also announced about an initiative to send a Mission of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) to Ukraine to register and report about human rights violations committed during the last few weeks.

As regards the possible OSCE contribution to the enhancement of democratic processes in Ukraine, R.Murmokaitė stressed that the OSCE, in particular ODIHR, had an important role to play in the process of preparing for and observing the new elections in Ukraine.

The Debate also focused on other important issues of cooperation between the United Nations and the OSCE. The Lithuanian Representative highlighted that the joint effort of the UN and the OSCE to address consequences of the 2008 war in Georgia offered a good example of cooperation, which was of key importance and must be continued. R.Murmokaitė called on the OSCE to further facilitate cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan, and stressed its importance for the region’s security and stability.

“The OSCE work in the counties of Central Asia deserves special attention, especially in the area of democratic reforms and human rights. These activities are relevant and should be further continued,” R.Murmokaitė said.

The Ambassador pointed out that there could not be lasting security and stability without respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Therefore, Lithuania consistently supports the work of the independent OSCE institutions related to the implementation of OSCE human rights commitments. According to the Ambassador, one particular area where OSCE needs continuous engagement is freedom of expression and media freedom, as well as the protection of journalists.

The Ambassador welcomed the OSCE focus in addressing transnational threats, including energy and cybersecurity threats, the fight for human rights and sustainable use of natural resources, especially water.

R.Murmokaitė highlighted the importance of the OSCE’s cooperation with the UN, NATO and the European Union, and assured the Swiss Chairperson-in-Office of Lithuania’s continued support to his work and the Swiss Chairmanship.