OSCE Chairman meets NGOs, says promoting diversity crucial

VIENNA, 11 January 2007 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos, told non-governmental organizations today that promoting diversity and participation in pluralistic societies will be a priority of his chairmanship.

"Diversity enriches our societies; it is an asset and has been recognized as such by the 56 OSCE participating States," said the Chairman-in-Office during a meeting with NGO representatives in Vienna.

"Diversity is a fact of life in all our societies. Cultural, linguistic, religious and racial diversity are here to stay."

Ambassador Christian Strohal, Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, added: "Civil society is an indispensable part of stability, security and respect for human rights in the OSCE region. Now that human rights defenders and non-governmental organizations are under increased pressure in some participating States, it is more important than ever that we work closely with them."

Minister Moratinos stressed the need to involve the young generation in OSCE projects and give them a voice in promoting the values of tolerance, respect, non-discrimination and understanding.

He also said an OSCE conference devoted to fighting discrimination against Muslims will be held in the Spanish city of Cordoba later this year. In June 2005, the city hosted an OSCE Conference on Anti-Semitism and Other Forms of Intolerance.