Baku: OSCE’s inaction forced us to restore sovereignty ourselves

At the Helsinki+50 conference marking the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, Azerbaijan sharply criticized the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) for its failure to uphold its founding principles, particularly in addressing longstanding regional conflicts.

In a statement issued by the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the OSCE, and cited by local media, Baku underscored that while the 1975 Helsinki Accords emphasised the inviolability of borders and the rejection of force as essential to peace and security in Europe, the selective application of these principles over the years has seriously undermined trust, stability, and cooperation within the OSCE region.

Drawing on its own experience, Azerbaijan stressed that it had suffered from gross violations of the Helsinki principles and was ultimately forced to restore its sovereignty and territorial integrity unilaterally, due to the OSCE’s failure to fulfill its conflict-resolution mandate. “While the OSCE failed to respond adequately,” the statement reads, “Azerbaijan restored justice and legality, creating a historic opportunity for peace and stability in the South Caucasus.”

Azerbaijan emphasized that the return to internationally recognized borders and the end of illegal occupation in its territory has laid the groundwork for a peaceful future in the region. However, it warned that the OSCE's continued relevance depends on its ability to learn from past failures, adapt to new geopolitical realities, and function with greater flexibility and efficiency.

In this regard, Baku called for the closure of OSCE structures linked to the now-defunct Minsk process, arguing that they have outlived their purpose with the resolution of the conflict for which they were created. The Azerbaijani delegation further highlighted the need to enhance transparency, accountability, and budgetary discipline within the OSCE, asserting that its limited resources should be directed toward areas of real need.

Looking forward, the statement advocated for more targeted and practical cooperation within the OSCE framework, particularly in confronting transnational threats and non-military security challenges. Azerbaijan reaffirmed its support for effective multilateralism and reiterated its willingness to engage with OSCE institutions, provided such cooperation aligns with its national needs and priorities.

Despite past shortcomings, Azerbaijan expressed confidence that the OSCE still holds the potential to reform and reestablish itself as a vital platform for promoting comprehensive regional security.

By Tamilla Hasanova