The OSCE Secretariat bears no responsibility for the content of this document PC.DEL/860/26 and circulates it without altering its content. The distribution by OSCE 18 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
United States Mission to the OSCE
Recommitting to Meaningful Dialogue As prepared for delivery by Ambassador Darrell Owens to the Permanent Council, Vienna September 17, 2026
Now that I have settled in Vienna and joined several sessions of the Permanent Council, I would like to share an impression and make a request.
As we have said, peace and security across the OSCE area remain a top priority for the United States. This Council—together with our colleagues across the OSCE—must be prepared to confront the challenges of today and prepare this organization for the challenges we will face tomorrow.
We cannot accomplish this if we continue to talk past each other. I have heard many statements that appear to be a rote recitation of standing lines or press points. This will not bring us closer to solutions. There also are participating States whose rhetoric has become increasingly aggressive, confrontational, or personal.
It’s not the first time there have been major disagreements between participating States.
For years, the United States and Soviet Union sat across from one another and voiced our serious disagreements while still seeking to work together in this organization. The challenges were real and palpable. Even then, OSCE found a way to continue working for our common benefit to strengthen comprehensive security in this region.
Ending the bloodshed in Ukraine remains an utmost priority for the United States. Security and stability must be restored to this region through sincere dialogue focused on bringing a durable resolution to the conflict. And we must work together to ensure that when there is peace between Russia and Ukraine, the OSCE is prepared to support it on day one. To do this, we need to engage in genuine dialogue despite our real disagreements in order to counter threats, deescalate, and promote peace. Engagement is not an endorsement of any government’s conduct; it is the central tenet of diplomacy.
I ask everyone here today to recommit to meaningful dialogue, to taking the temperature down, depersonalizing the rhetoric, and refraining from statements that could be construed as personal attacks. Let’s have discussions, not accusations. Let’s focus on solutions, not just problems.
The United States remains committed to working with all participating States to reform this organization, to end this war, and to ensure the security architecture of this region is fit for the challenges of today and tomorrow. I ask that all participating States join me in this commitment.
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