Skopje, 4 October 2023 (MIA) - Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairman-in-Office Bujar Osmani says the OSCE summit, set to take place on 30 November-1 December in Skopje, will probably decide the future of the organization, considering Russia's veto on decisions.

"This is the most difficult year in the history of OSCE. It has no budget, no chair, no one to hand over the chairmanship to in 2024. This is happening for the first time on record, because Russia vetoed Estonia's chairmanship, whereas the terms of OSCE's four executive leaders are expiring and consensus is required for their extension. I am in continued communication, and talked to (Russian FM Sergey) Lavrov a few weeks ago," Osmani told Telma.

He has alarmed counterparts that if a solution is not found, this might be OSCE's final year, adding that the decision will probably be made in Skopje.

"Therefore, the November 30-December 1 Ministerial Council will be a historic event, because we will either turn off the lights or secure the organization's future. There is an emerging consensus that North Macedonia should continue for one more year, but I cannot say if this will happen. It is up to us whether we accept," notes Osmani.

Photo: MIA archive