OSCE "to-do list" expanding due to challenging developments in the region, Special Envoy says

PORTOROZ, Slovenia, 29 September 2007 - The OSCE's "to-do list" is expanding due to challenging developments in the region, said Josep Borrell, the Spanish OSCE Chairmanship's Special Envoy, today at the annual Fall Meetings of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly in Portoroz.

"OSCE parliamentarians play a key role as channels of influence and communication for OSCE values and interests in national assemblies," he said. "As the political climate among participating States and across the OSCE area becomes more complex, so this task gains in importance."

Special Envoy Josep Borrell, speaking at the opening of the annual Fall Meetings of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (Portoroz, 29 September-2 October) said the region's challenges "require that all participating States do their utmost to respect and implement OSCE commitments".

In light of the forthcoming Ministerial Council in Madrid on 29-30 November, the Special Envoy referred to priorities and preparations of the Spanish Chairmanship for the next months.

"In the run-up to the Ministerial Council in Madrid, the Spanish Chairmanship is actively working to get consensus for decisions on issues including environmental security, strengthening pluralistic societies and deepening co-operation in counter-terrorism".

Borrell underlined the Spanish Chairmanship's focus on addressing the region's protracted conflicts, and the importance of continuing negotiations.

"We are convinced that it is not enough to have official signatures on OSCE documents for peace to take root; existing mistrust between the parties needs to be overcome. Peace in the future requires preparations today," said the Special Envoy.

The Special Envoy referred to the important role of OSCE Missions in the field and their contribution to regional security. On Kosovo, Borrell emphasized the Organization's readiness to continue its work regardless of the outcome of an eventual status settlement.

"The OSCE is ready to stay in Kosovo and to continue its role in monitoring protection of rights of communities," he said.