Thank you, Mr. Chair,

Mr. Chair,

Iceland warmly congratulates Spain on assuming the Chairpersonship of the Forum for Security Cooperation and thanks Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Bueno for presenting Spain’s priorities for the upcoming trimester. Let me also express our gratitude to Denmark for their steadfast Chairpersonship and their firm adherence to the rules of procedures, and to welcome Estonia as the incoming Troika member.

We welcome the program of work as set out by the Spanish FSC Chair, particularly the topics of the planned Security Dialogues, which address matters of concern to our common security and stability. In particular we appreciate the focus on women in security. As we get closer to the 25^th anniversary since the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, we believe the WPS agenda is an essential cornerstone for the comprehensive security of the OSCE. We look forward to the dialogue on this subject.

The Russian Federation’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine has fundamentally altered European security. It has shaken the OSCE’s security architecture to its core and is a blatant attack on our collectively agreed principles and commitments. Russia’s aggression is not only an attack against Ukraine, but also an attack on our collectively agreed principles and commitments, as stipulated in the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act. It is regrettable that we would have to mark the 50^th anniversary of the adoption of the Helsinki Final Act, while its principles being scorned without second thought by some of its participating States.

As this conflict approaches its third year, Iceland continues to stand united with Ukraine and is committed to uphold international law and fundamental principles of the UN Charter and the Helsinki Final Act. We urge the Russian Federation to cease its hostilities immediately and withdraw from the entire territory of Ukraine.

Mr. Chair,

The FSC is the OSCE’s primary platform for dialogue on security concerns and co-operation. Its purpose is to increase military security and stability in Europe. This unique platform has never been as essential as it is today. Iceland condemns any attempts to obstruct or undermine its work and calls on all participating States to work constructively in this forum.

In closing, let me assure the Spanish chair of the full support of the delegation of Iceland in your efforts to Chair the Forum and preserve it for diplomatic dialogue during your chairpersonship.

I wish you every success.

I thank you, Mr. Chair.