Minister Shaheen Urges OSCE Parliamentary Assembly to Take Firm Stand Against Israeli Actions

Minister Varsen Shaheen met with Pia Kauma, President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, and her delegation to discuss the latest developments in the occupied State of Palestine.

Minister Shaheen welcomed the OSCE delegation and emphasized the organization’s vital role in promoting global peace and security. She highlighted the grave humanitarian crisis facing the Palestinian people due to Israel’s continued policies of mass displacement and genocide. She also addressed the colonial measures of the Israeli occupation in Jerusalem, which aim to change the historical status quo of the city and work towards its Judaization.

Minister Shaheen called for urgent international intervention to halt these actions, ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and secure the release of Palestinian prisoners. She urged the OSCE to include the Palestinian issue on its agenda and engage in dialogues focused on human rights and security in the Middle East and the Mediterranean. The Minister also stressed the importance of UNRWA’s mandate and increased funding to support Palestinian refugees amidst growing attempts to undermine the agency’s work.

For her part, Ms. Kauma expressed hope for a ceasefire in the near future, the protection of innocent civilians, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Also, Ms. Kauma noted that the OSCE is working within its mandate with partner states to promote security, dialogue, and human rights principles in the region.

Minister Shaheen concluded by calling on the OSCE to uphold its commitments under international law and take a firm stance in support of ending the Israeli occupation.