In the dispute over Russia’s participation, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) has made it clear that Austria must issue visas to all delegations. The Headquarters Agreement requires Austria to facilitate the participation of the participating delegations, “meaning that issuing visas is not a matter of discretion, but a matter of legal obligation,” the meeting said on Tuesday.
“Therefore, the winter session is expected to include the participation of the Russian and Belarusian delegations,” the OSCE body’s statement said. The Parliamentary Assembly will take place in Vienna on February 23 and 24 – on the anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Last week, 81 MPs from 20 countries called on Austria to prevent the Russian delegation from attending the OSCE conference in Vienna. The letter urges the federal government not to issue entry visas to Russian lawmakers who are under international sanctions.
Debate in the aftermath of the war in Ukraine
This year’s general debate has the motto: “One year later: Russia’s ongoing all-out war against Ukraine”. Speeches expected include the OSCE Special Representative for Eastern Europe, Daniela De Ridder, the OSCE Special Representative for Ukraine, Reinhold Lopatka (ÖVP), the OSCE Special Representative for Political Prisoners, Steve Cohen, and the Special Rapporteur on War Crimes in Ukraine, John Whittingdale.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
