Romania Forbids Russia, Belarus from OSCE Annual Session in Bucharest

The Romanian authorities do not allow the participation of the delegations of Russia and Belarus in the annual session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, which will take place in Romania between June 29 and July 3, announces the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MAE) on Saturday, June 15.

Delegates from over 50 OSCE member states will attend the event in Bucharest.

The Romanian authorities decided not to allow the Russian Federation delegation to participate in the annual session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, held in Romania from June 29 to July 3. The measure will be applied to all members of the delegation, parliamentarians and technical staff.
The decision of the Romanian parties is based on the known and consistent position of Romania in relation to the Russian Federation in the context of the ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine. Also, some of the members of the Russian delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly are targeted by restrictive measures at the level of the European Union. The decision also targets Belarus, a supporter of the war started by the Russian Federation.

Radu Filip, spokesperson of Romania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) is the world’s largest regional security organization, working for stability, peace, and democracy across Europe and beyond. With 57 participating states, it serves as a platform for dialogue and cooperation on various security threats, including conflict prevention, arms control, human rights, and promoting good governance.

The OSCE’s work is multifaceted, encompassing:

• Conflict Prevention and Crisis Management: The OSCE deploys observers to monitor tensions and support peaceful resolutions.
• Promoting Democracy and Human Rights: The organization advocates for free and fair elections, media freedom, and the protection of minorities.
• Arms Control and Confidence-Building Measures: The OSCE facilitates agreements on conventional weapons and military transparency.
• Economic and Environmental Security: The organization addresses issues like cybercrime, trafficking, and sustainable resource management.

Through its comprehensive approach, the OSCE plays a vital role in maintaining stability and fostering cooperation across the Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian regions.