Chairman-in-Office stresses need for OSCE reform during visit to Moscow

MOSCOW, 17 October 2005 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Slovenian Foreign Minister Dimitrij Rupel, and Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov, today underlined in their meeting in Moscow the need for strengthening the effectiveness of the OSCE.

"We have made significant progress on reforming the OSCE this year and we need to bring this process further before the Ministerial Council in Ljubljana this December," said Rupel.

"Strengthening the effectiveness of the OSCE has been a major theme for the Organization this year and it is time to translate our good intentions into action."

The Chairman-in-Office also stressed the need for maintaining momentum in the reform process, saying: "I urge participating States to use the time before the Ministerial Council to finalize a number of initiatives designed to improve the OSCE, and to strengthen the sense of common ownership among all participating States."

"The reform process will not end this year, but at the Ministerial Council we should note the progress that has been made and set common objectives for the future," he added.

Among other issues discussed were OSCE's legal personality, the consultative and decision-making process, financial issues, elections, and the Ministerial Council declaration. The Chairman-in-Office urged his host to continue Russia's constructive engagement in the reform process, particularly in relation to the scales of contribution.

In preparation for his visit to Moldova on 18 October, Minister Rupel exchanged views with Minister Lavrov on how to improve the situation in Transdniestria. The Chairman-in-Office expressed hope that negotiations would continue at the end of October, and would take on a new dynamic with the involvement of the EU and United States as observers.

The two Ministers also discussed the situation in South Ossetia, Georgia and what steps could be taken to stabilize and improve the situation in the region. Support was expressed for the work of the Joint Consultative Commission compromised of South and North Ossetia, Georgia, the Russian Federation and the OSCE.

"We need to re-double our efforts to bring sustainable peace to parts of the OSCE area like Transdniestria and South Ossetia that have been a source of instability for some time," said Minister Rupel. "This, along with reform, will remain a high priority for Slovenia's Chairmanship until the end of the year."

On 18 October Minister Rupel will travel to Chisinau and Tiraspol, followed by a visit to Kyiv on 19 October.