The OSCE Secretariat bears no responsibility for the content of this document FSC.DEL/318/26 and circulates it without altering its content. The distribution by OSCE 17 September 2026 Conference Services of this document is without prejudice to OSCE decisions, as set out in documents agreed by OSCE participating States. ENGLISH only
STATEMENT by Ambassador Andranik Hovhannisyan at the 1145th meeting of the Forum for Security Co-operation Opening session 16 September 2026
Mr. Chairperson,
Armenia warmly welcomes the United Kingdom on assuming the Chairmanship of the Forum for Security Co-operation. We thank Lord Wood of Anfield, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, for his opening address and Secretary General Feridun Sinirlioğlu for his remarks.
Armenia attaches great importance to the continuation of dialogue within the OSCE on the military- political aspects of security. Such dialogue keeps alive the ideals of comprehensive and indivisible security, which we consider essential to the European security architecture.
We further believe that, when circumstances permit, continued dialogue can help translate these ideals into their full application. This would be considerably more difficult to achieve in the absence of a dialogue at a platform specifically dedicated to it. As Lord Wood has put it today - the security cannot be taken as granted, nor the organisations that take care of it. It is in this context that the work of the FSC and the responsibilities of its successive Chairmanships become particularly relevant.
Against this background, we thank the UK Chairmanship for selecting relevant and timely topics for the Security Dialogue. These topics provide an ample setting for exchanges on the implementation of our shared politico-military commitments, as well as on responses to ongoing and emerging security challenges.
We attach particular importance to the Security Dialogue on the Code of Conduct, international humanitarian law and accountability. The Code of Conduct reflects fundamental principles and obligations stemming from international humanitarian law and international human rights law, which are complementary and mutually reinforcing.
Respect for these obligations, together with accountability for violations, is essential to alleviating human suffering and upholding the credibility of our shared politico-military commitments. It is also indispensable for preventing, rather than perpetuating, violence, and for creating the conditions necessary for reconciliation and sustainable peace.
Mr. Chairperson,
The UK Chairmanship can count on Armenia’s constructive engagement and support. We are confident that its able team, led by Ambassador Neil Holland, will skilfully guide the work of the Forum throughout its tenure. We once again express our gratitude to the outgoing Georgian Chairmanship for its dedicated efforts. We warmly welcome Greece as the newest member of the Troika and thank France, which is leaving the Troika, for its valuable contribution and commitment to the work of the Forum.
Thank you.