OSCE Secretary General  states that it "makes sense for Russia to remain member" of organization

OSCE Secretary General Helga Schmid said this in an interview with Welt.

According to her, it is indisputable that Russia attacked Ukraine and is the aggressor in this war. Thus, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba is right when he says that the fundamental principles of the OSCE - such as state sovereignty, territorial integrity and the prohibition of the use of force - have been trampled.

"Unlike the Council of Europe, the OSCE does not have a suspension mechanism that can be used to exclude Russia. This is also because we are not an organization of like-minded people like the EU or NATO. The OSCE arose out of the confrontation during the Cold War. It was founded by countries, who had very different interests but wanted to prevent escalation," Schmid said.

In addition, she emphasized that it makes sense for Russia to remain a member of the OSCE.

"At least from today's perspective, I think it makes sense for Russia to remain a member of the OSCE... One day we will need communication channels again," she said.