OSCE Chair calls for remembrance of Second World War victims, renewed efforts towards resolving conflicts, building indivisible security community

WASHINGTON D.C., 8 May 2013 – The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Leonid Kozhara marks the days of 8-9 May known as the Time of Remembrance and Reconciliation for Those Who Lost Their Lives during the Second World War, urging participating States to step up co-operation to solve remaining conflicts, strengthen peace and security in OSCE region.

“On these historic days, we pay tribute to millions of people of all nationalities who fought against Nazism and lost their lives defending freedom and security of future generations,” said Kozhara. “It is our sacred duty to remember the victims and honour the veterans who are still with us.”

“Seven decades ago the international community joined efforts in withstanding the deadly threat of Nazism,” the OSCE Chairperson said. “The OSCE was created as part of this collective post-war commitment to prevent the recurrence of the atrocities of war and conflict."

“It is essential to do our utmost to ensure that this spirit of unity prevails in today’s relations between the participants of the Organization, and that we all work together to achieve genuine reconciliation, settle the remaining conflicts in our region peacefully, and to create a free, democratic, common and indivisible security community,” Kozhara said.

The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office continues his visit to the United States. The programme of his visit includes his address before the UN Security Council, meetings with the UN and US officials.