Deputy Ambassador James Ford thanks Director of OSCE's Conflict Prevention Centre for the institution's work across the region, which remains crucial in the face of Russia's malign activities.
Thank you, Mr Chair. And thank you, Director for this report and presentation. You hold a crucial and busy role in what you accurately described as a volatile and unpredictable security environment. Also, for several weeks in this period, you executed these responsibilities while also ably deputising as Officer-in-Charge. We are grateful to you and the many colleagues who have supported you.
The operating environment for the Conflict Prevention Centre (CPC) is more challenging today than it has been at any point since it was created in 1990. Russia's war in Ukraine and its malign activities across the Euro-Atlantic area continue to be the primary challenges.
Through the CPC and its tools, over many years, the OSCE sought to reduce tensions and contribute to a lasting peace in Ukraine. Regrettably, Russia consistently undermined and stymied this work before launching its full-scale invasion in 2022.
It is essential that the OSCE supports Ukraine to deal with the consequences of Russia's illegal war and to build its democratic and societal resilience. We are grateful, therefore, to the CPC's role in coordinating the Support Programme for Ukraine.
Mr Chair, the Russian Federation has a long track record of establishing frozen conflicts on its periphery which it uses as tools to manipulate and control. Georgia has been under hybrid attack from Russia since the 2008 war which saw 20% of Georgian territory effectively annexed. We reaffirm our full support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. In Moldova, the UK is strengthening its commitment to defend democratic institutions from increasing levels of malign interference from Moscow.
We call on Russia to respect the territorial integrity of Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova, and rebuild the trust that underpins the OSCE and our common security.
More positively, we congratulate Armenia and Azerbaijan on the progress made towards a peace agreement and the normalisation of relations, including the meeting between both leaders held on 10 July in Abu Dhabi. It is important that both parties maintain and build upon this dialogue. Finalisation of this peace treaty is the best route to delivering security and stability in the South Caucasus, and we urge both parties to seize this historic opportunity.
Mr Chair, we welcome the technological advancements described in the Director's report and the suggestion that the CPC explores the use of emerging technology to enhance its capabilities. The CPC has pioneered the use of technology to support confidence-building measures, transparency and peace agreements. It is right that the OSCE should continue to be at the forefront of these innovations and to be ready for the day when they are needed.
However, the CPC needs to be adequately resourced if it is to do this work and fulfil its mandate. The assessment in Ms Fearon's report on how the chronic lack of financial sustainability is negatively impacting the work of the CPC is sobering and concerning. The lack of agreement on a Unified Budget continues to severely constrain all parts of the organisation in delivering their mandates. And we again urge all participating States to engage constructively with budget proposals and ensure the organisation is resourced to carry out its work effectively in line with the OSCE principles we have all signed up to.
Director, your report is a reminder of the value and necessity of the OSCE's unique conflict cycle toolbox. I would like to thank you, your staff, and the field presences for your ongoing support to participating States facing conflict situations. Thank you.
