President Pia Kauma of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly recently addressed the Permanent Council, receiving a warm welcome from the United States. The U.S. expressed appreciation for the Parliamentary Assembly's ongoing efforts to uphold shared principles as they approach the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act. Emphasizing the importance of parliamentary roles in implementing OSCE commitments, the U.S. acknowledged this crucial partnership.
The U.S. commended the Parliamentary Assembly for holding Russia accountable for its actions against Ukraine. Since 2014, numerous resolutions have highlighted Russia's violation of commitments under the Helsinki Final Act. In her November address, President Kauma described Ukraine's severe challenges, noting "hundreds of thousands of lives lost, millions fled and displaced," and highlighting a significant impact on civilians with "far-reaching consequences including within the OSCE." The U.S. also praised efforts by both the Parliamentary Support Team and the Assembly to secure freedom for OSCE officials Vadym Golda, Maxim Petrov, and Dmytro Shabanov.
The United States was pleased with the Parliamentary Assembly's observation of its elections last November but expressed disappointment over Belarus' failure to invite OSCE observers for their elections, hindering transparency and impartial assessment.
Concerns were shared regarding Georgia’s October 2024 elections as outlined in an OSCE report. Both parties agreed that it is not yet appropriate for an official visit by the Parliamentary Assembly to Georgia.
Finally, support was voiced for continued collaboration between the Parliamentary Assembly and OSCE institutions on election observation matters. The U.S. anticipates engaging further during next month's Parliamentary Assembly Winter Meeting in Vienna.