Skopje, 16 January 2023 (MIA) – North Macedonia as OSCE Chair remains engaged in finding a way to restore the Organization’s presence in Ukraine, said Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairman-in-Office Bujar Osmani during Monday’s visit to Borodyanka in the Kyiv area, which has been heavily hit during the conflict.  

Osmani pointed out that communication with Russia will depend on the position it will take in relation to the Organization’s principles and commitments, regarding which he will not allow any compromise as OSCE Chairman, MIA reports from Kyiv. 

“The devastation caused by the military aggression against Ukraine is heartbreaking. The destruction of vital infrastructure and the suffering of the Ukrainian people must stop. Urgent action is needed to end this madness and provide aid to those in need. We must work to end the suffering and rebuild the devastated areas,” said Osmani.   

At the beginning of his visit to Borodyanka, he said his thoughts are with all the innocent victims and thousands of Ukrainians who had to flee their homes to avoid the devastating consequences of Russian military aggression.  

“All of us who support Ukraine are on the right side of history, on the right side of humanity and respecting the right to life,” Osmani stressed during the visit, which took place among ruins, destroyed residential buildings and institutions.  

He noted that schools, hospitals and other critical infrastructure has been destroyed, which unfortunately continues.  

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office condemned the Dnipro apartment building attack two days ago which killed more than 40 people and left more than 70 injured.   

“There is no justification for continuous shelling of civilian targets. Nothing can justify the killing of civilians, obstructing the transport of water and food, hampering the work of humanitarian convoys. Nothing can justify leaving children and pregnant women with no heating, with insufficient food,” Osmani said.   

He stressed that unprovoked aggression is a violation of international law, potential threat to the region, as well as a source of fear and uncertainty for the whole world. He added that the Organization will use all mechanisms and tools to help in efforts to put an end to such suffering and destruction.  

Osmani’s visit to Kyiv is part of the OSCE Chairmanship priorities – the situation in Ukraine, with a focus on the people mostly affected by the military aggression, said the Foreign Ministry. During the visit, Osmani is scheduled to meet with Ukraine senior officials.