Statement by the delegation of Armenia at the 1137th Meeting of the Forum for Security Co-operation: Security Dialogue: “Strengthening Compliance with the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security”

20 May, 2026

Mr Chair,

At the outset, I would like to express our appreciation to the Georgian Chairpersonship for bringing the topic on “Strengthening Compliance with the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security”, to the attention of the FSC. We also thank the speakers for their insightful presentations.

Armenia believes that more than thirty years after the adoption of the OSCE Code of Conduct on Politico-Military Aspects of Security, it remains one of the important documents of the OSCE, holding a special place within the politico-military dimension and providing a clear framework for all of us to follow. With its inter-State and intra-State elements, the Code has been developed as a significant tool for contributing to the comprehensive and co-operative security concept of the OSCE.

In this regard, we recall that under the Code of Conduct, participating States reconfirmed the continuing validity of their comprehensive concept of security, as initiated in the Helsinki Final Act, which relates the maintenance of peace to the respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. This linkage remains highly relevant today, as stability and security cannot be detached from the full respect for international law, human rights and fundamental freedoms.

One of the key aspects of the Code of Conduct is the democratic control of armed and security forces. Armenia continues to advance its security sector reform agenda in close co-operation with international partners, with a view to enhancing national security and resilience, as well as strengthening the effectiveness and accountability of security institutions operating under civilian control, in accordance with human rights and the rule of law. The OSCE has been a valuable partner in these efforts, for years contributing through an ExB project to the strengthening of security sector governance in Armenia. In the framework of this project the multi-stakeholder Platform on Democratic Oversight of the Security Sector was established as an advisory body to the National Assembly Standing Committee on Defence and National Security.

The Code of Conduct embeds the fundamental principles and obligations of international humanitarian law and international human rights law, which are complementary and mutually reinforcing. International humanitarian law strictly prohibits bodily harm, as well as cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment against all detainees. It further provides that prisoners of war must be released and repatriated without delay after the cessation of active hostilities. Respect for these obligations and accountability for violations are essential to alleviating human suffering and upholding the credibility of our shared politico-military commitments. They are also necessary in order to prevent, and not to perpetuate, violence, thereby consolidating the groundwork for reconciliation and sustainable peace.

The Code stresses the importance of both early identification of potential conflicts and joint efforts in the field of conflict prevention, crisis management and peaceful settlement of disputes. This commitment has always been at the core of the OSCE and we strongly believe that it should continue to guide our efforts in preserving and strengthening the relevance and vitality of this Organisation. The implementation of all our common commitments in good faith is another requirement of the Code that remains fundamentally important for stability and security, and consequently constitute a matter of direct and legitimate concern to all participating States.

Under the Code of Conduct, the participating States commit to develop sound economic cooperation. In this vein, Armenia attaches particular importance to the agenda of connectivity as a practical contribution to peace, stability and co-operation in the region and the wider OSCE area. We believe that the implementation of enhanced and inclusive connectivity projects and economic collaboration are indispensable in this regard. The initiative of the Government of Armenia on “Crossroads of Peace” has been developed to serve this very purpose.

Mr Chair,

Armenia remains committed to the full and effective implementation of the Code of Conduct and to continued co-operation within the OSCE framework in this regard.

Thank you.

MFA RA
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