OSCE Chairperson says continuing OSCE presence in Georgia is essential

MOSCOW, 21 January 2009 - The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, said today that the Organization's presence in Georgia remains indispensable.

In Moscow to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Bakoyannis said that the Greek Chairmanship would spare no effort to allow for the continuation of OSCE's activities in the region. She called on all OSCE participating States to demonstrate a constructive approach.

"The situation on the ground remains volatile. Incidents are happening on a frequent basis. I strongly believe that the current situation requires more and not less OSCE presence on both sides of the administrative boundary line. Strengthening security in the entire region is of utmost importance and the OSCE should continue to offer its unique experience on the ground, including through its 28 military monitoring officers," said Bakoyannis.

She added: "The OSCE's presence in Georgia is essential. Much remains to be done in this country in the fields of democratization, rights of minorities, and regional co-operation. This is vital for long term stability in the whole Caucasus. The OSCE can make a significant positive contribution to the lives of all people in the region, irrespective of their ethnic origin."

During her meeting with Lavrov, the OSCE Chairperson presented and discussed a new set of proposals on the continuing presence of the OSCE in the region. Recognizing the importance of the Russian Federation as a key player for regional stability, Bakoyannis said that she chose to come to Moscow for her first trip at the start of her tenure as OSCE Chairperson.

"I had fruitful meetings with Minister Lavrov. I trust these meetings will serve to create a sustainable platform for further dialogue," she said.

At the end of last year, the 56 OSCE participating States did not agree on extending the mandate of the OSCE Mission to Georgia, a decision that requires consensus.

In Moscow, Ministers Bakoyannis and Lavrov also discussed Russia's proposal on Euro-Atlantic security and on strengthening the legal framework of the OSCE. Bakoyannis said that such an exchange of views merits further consideration within the OSCE framework.