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Lithuanian Minister of Foreign Affairs Audronius Ažubalis, as the incoming OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, on December 31 expressed his deep regret over the non-extension of the mandate of the OSCE office in Minsk by the Belorussian authorities. This is more so disappointing in light of the commitments the Heads of State and Government have undertaken at the OSCE Summit in Astana. “Since 1998 the OSCE Office in Minsk has been providing valuable support to the government’s efforts to promote institution building, consolidate the rule of law and develop relations with civil society in accordance with OSCE principles and commitments, as well as develop activities in the economic and environmental dimension. Its mandate has not been completed. There is an important job for the OSCE to continue in Belarus”, Minister Ažubalis said.

In this light, he calls upon the Government of Belarus to review its position so, that OSCE presence in Minsk could continue.

Minister Ažubalis also stressed the importance of the work carried out by all OSCE field operations, in accordance with their respective mandates, in assisting participating states with implementing their OSCE commitments.

The mandate of the OSCE Office in Minsk was renewed annually by the 56 OSCE participating States and it expires on December 31.