Full implementation of arms control agreements vital for confidence- and security-building measures, says Norway’s State Secretary of Foreign Affairs at OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation meeting
VIENNA, 9 September 2015 – Norway’s Chairmanship of the OSCE Forum for Security Co-operation (FSC), which will cover the third trimester of 2015, indicated that strengthening conventional arms control and confidence-building measures as a way of contributing to de-escalation of the crisis in and around Ukraine, as well as gender equality in the armed forces, would be part of the Norwegian priorities.
In his opening address at the 795th meeting of the Forum for Security Co-operation Norway’s State Secretary of Foreign Affairs Bård Glad Pedersen noted that the situation in Ukraine will continue to be prominent on the FSC agenda also this autumn.
“We need to continue to exchange views on developments on the ground, but also focus on how we can contribute to de-escalation and resolution of the conflict,” Pedersen said. He pointed to the political-military expertise of the FSC as an important contribution to the process.
Pedersen added that in the context of the changed European security environment the conventional arms control agreements, including the Vienna Document, the Open Skies Treaty, and the Treaty on Conventional Armed Forces in Europe, could prove vital for confidence building and de-escalation of disputes if implemented fully and not selectively.
The Norway Chairmanship will pay special attention to gender equality in the armed forces. In agreement with Serbia’s OSCE Chairmanship a joint meeting of the Permanent Council and the Forum for Security Co-operation will be devoted to the issue. Pedersen said that guest speakers from participating States will provide examples of best practices from their respective armed forces.
He also drew attention to emerging global security threats that are challenging the security situation in Europe. Pedersen stressed the need for more effective and coherent efforts to address terrorism, organised crime, piracy and cyber threats as important topics for the OSCE.
Norway is taking over the rotating Chairmanship of the Forum for Security Co-operation from Montenegro and preceding the Netherlands.