Russia blocks appointment of Malta as OSCE Chair for next year
Russia blocks the appointment of Malta as the OSCE Chair (photo: flickr.com/ukinaustria1)
Russia has blocked Malta's appointment as the head of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in 2024 during a meeting in Vienna, according to a report from Radio Free Europe correspondent Rikard Jozwiak.
He stated that Russia has blocked Malta's appointment as the chair of the OSCE, as well as four officials, including the secretary-general.
"They want Lavrov to be accepted next week in North Macedonia at the OSCE ministerial meeting to make a final decision," he added.
The appointment of a new OSCE Chair
This week, the Russian Federation, together with Belarus, vetoed the approval of Estonia as the next chair of the OSCE in 2024.
Afterward, the role of the chair was offered to Malta, which currently maintains neutrality regarding the war in Ukraine, although it has condemned Russian aggression and joined European sanctions.
In addition, Russia continues to veto decisions of the organization, impeding its normal functioning.
