OSCE chairman-in-office calls for revitalization and reform (01/23/05)

OSCE chairman-in-office calls for revitalization and reform

VIENNA - The OSCE chairman-in-office, Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, on January 13 called for the "revitalization, reform and rebalancing" of the 55-nation security organization.

In his first address to the Permanent Council of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe since Slovenia took on the chairmanship on January 1, the Chairman-in-Office singled out issues including fighting terrorism, developing a new border security concept, combating human trafficking, and encouraging migration and integration as key issues for 2005.

"The OSCE is faced with new security, political and economic challenges which are putting new pressures on the organization," he said. "The organization needs to be reformed; particularly in terms of redefining some of our priorities and refocusing our efforts."

Minister Rupel said more balanced attention and resources should be devoted to all three dimensions of the OSCE's comprehensive approach to security: the politico-military, economic and environmental, and the human dimension.

"At the same time, our commitment to the human dimension must remain," he said. "The human dimension is at the core of OSCE activities and we cannot afford to erode our common principles and commitments."

The chairman-in-office called for the completion of an OSCE border security and management concept, and continued efforts to combat terrorism. He also said the problems of surplus conventional ammunition, small arms and light weapons should be tackled.

"Changes in the security environment have influenced development of military doctrines. Let us consider possibilities to intensify our discussions in that regard," he added.

Minister Rupel said the OSCE's work in the economic and environmental dimension should be strengthened. "We are open for consideration of new initiatives in this area, such as for instance the proposal to convene a conference on energy security," he said.

The minister described the OSCE's 18 field missions as the "jewel in the crown" of the organization and said every effort should be made to ensure that they maintain their effectiveness.

Trafficking in human beings remains a concern. "This year we will pay added attention to the special needs of child victims of trafficking," he said.

The chairman-in-office said he was concerned about the continued lack of consensus on some key issues but encouraged by the tone of statements made at the Permanent Council meeting. "We must work together to prevent political fault lines from reappearing," he said.

Minister Rupel said the fact that his first two visits as OSCE chairman had been to Ukraine and Kosovo reflected the importance the chairmanship attached to the situation in both regions.

On Ukraine, he said there was now a good opportunity for the OSCE to strengthen cooperation across a range of issues, including freedom of the media, national minorities, democratization, the political-military dimension and regional security. "This opportunity should not be missed," he underscored.

Kosovo, home to the largest OSCE mission, would be another major issue in 2005. "The 2005 review of standards may influence the consideration of future status of Kosovo and, therefore, means a big investment for the OSCE," the chairman-in-office said. "It is clear to me that the OSCE should be actively involved in the standards review process and any re-structuring of the international presence in Kosovo."

In southeastern Europe generally the OSCE should promote solutions to issues with regional significance. "I am thinking in particular of issues such as refugee return, protection of national minorities, capacity building - particularly the judiciary and police - as well as elections," Minister Rupel said.

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