OSCE to be Headed by Malta Instead of Estonia Due to Russian Blackmail

The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has recommended that the foreign ministers of its 57 participating countries approve Malta as the head of the organization for 2024. This decision came after Russia and Belarus vetoed Estonia's chairmanship.

The announcement was made by the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Bujar Osmani, in Skopje.

"Huge decisions opening the path towards consensus on OSCE 2024 chair to be confirmed on MC30 in Skopje. Thank you Malta for your willingness to take on this vital role & to all colleagues for your flexibility and support," emphasized the chairperson.

Earlier, Russia, along with Belarus, vetoed the approval of Estonia as the next OSCE chair in 2024 during a meeting of the Permanent Council of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe.

"Through its actions, Russia is blocking the work of the entire organization, as for several years Moscow has not allowed approving the organization's budget, organizing official OSCE events, continuing field missions, and put an end to all OSCE field missions in Ukraine, which has become a victim of Russian aggression," noted Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.

Earlier this month, it was also revealed that Malta might lead the organization. It was reported that Russia is inclined to agree with this proposal, considering Malta a "neutral" country.

It is worth mentioning that Finland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated in May this year that the OSCE faces its most significant crisis and the risk of collapse due to the policies pursued by Russia and Belarus.

Currently, the OSCE is considered the world's largest organization for regional security. It includes 57 states from Europe, Asia, and North America, and its main goal is to discuss and take measures to prevent conflicts and control arms.

Despite constant pressure from Russia, the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly adopted a declaration this summer recognizing Russia as a state sponsor of terrorism. This decision was based on the Kremlin financing the Wagner military company with over one billion US dollars.