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By : Redaction – Le Courrier d’Afrique 54.
Democratic
resilience, he said, remains strong, noting that more than half the world voted
in elections last year. He also stressed that in this 50th anniversary year of
the OSCE, the Organization still very much has an important role to play. “Our
citizens look to us for solutions — for dialogue, progress, peace, and
security,” he said. The President noted in particular the role of the
Parliamentary Assembly within a unified organization.
“If dialogue is a prerequisite for security and our commitments and principles
are our end goal, then we, legislators, are more needed than ever in these
difficult times,” Pons pointed out. “Because without dialogue with all, there
can be no security for all.”
“Our Assembly — composed of 323 members representing over one billion
people from 57 participating States — carries a profound responsibility,” he
added. “As parliamentarians, we must work in the interest of our regions, but
always under the umbrella of universal values — dialogue, human rights, and
peace — which we must uphold, without double standards, from Vancouver to
Vladivostok.” Pons emphasized that this is why he works
to preserve the same values in Ukraine and in Gaza, in Georgia or in South East
Europe.
Pons
also stressed that the OSCE cannot fulfill its mandate and meet expectations
without the necessary financial, human, and political resources and assured the
Permanent Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly’s full support in
advancing comprehensive security across all dimensions.
He further emphasized the need for gender equality with real action, stressing the need to lead by example with more women in leadership and true inclusivity.
“More
women in leadership — and true gender parity in OSCE national parliaments — is
one of the most revolutionary steps we must take,” the President said. “Since
taking office, most of my new appointments have been women. But gender
leadership must extend to our organizations, parliaments, and governments.
Gender parity is not a slogan, it is a peace strategy.”
Continuing to stand with Ukraine is also paramount, he said, stressing that
Kyiv must be part of any future peace deal. “We want peace in Ukraine. And for
any solution, Ukraine has to be part of the negotiations, of any kind,” Pons
said.
He
also highlighted the plight of civilians in Gaza, condemning both the
atrocities committed on 7 October 2023 and the subsequent loss of civilian
lives. “Today I reaffirm the OSCE PA’s grave concern over possible war crimes
and other grave violations of international humanitarian law in the hostilities
in Gaza,” Pons said.
At
the same time, he noted that progress between Armenia and Azerbaijan recalls
that peace is possible. “I welcome diplomatic efforts aimed at advancing peace
and stability in the South Caucasus,” Pons said. “Peace brings progress, brings
prosperity, brings happiness.” He also stressed his support for Georgia’s
European path, calling for an end to violations of freedom of speech and
association.
In
the economic and environmental dimension, he stressed that a fair green
transition is essential.
Several delegations of OSCE participating States took the floor to congratulate
President Pons upon his election and to respond to his remarks, expressing
appreciation for the Parliamentary Assembly’s support and contribution to
comprehensive security in the OSCE area. The PA’s continued focus on Ukraine,
in particular through the work of its Parliamentary Support Team for Ukraine
(PSTU), was particularly welcomed by several respondents, including Kyiv’s
representative. During his stay in Vienna, together with the Secretary General
Roberto Montella, the President has held a number of bilateral meetings,
including with OSCE Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu and several OSCE
Permanent Representatives, underlining the PA’s readiness to engage with and
support the governmental side of the OSCE. It is important, he said, to act as
“one team OSCE” and preserve the functionality and effectiveness of the
Organization.; He also shared the work of the Parliamentary Assembly, in
particular the outcomes of the Annual Session held in Porto in July and the
incoming Autumn Meeting in Istanbul in November, including on various
activities of the parliamentarians. He focused on the election observation
missions (Moldova) this autumn and his planned visits (Kyiv, Sarajevo) before
the end of the year.
