OSCE Chairperson offers guiding principles for discussions on European security architecture

VIENNA, 19 February 2009 - The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, said modesty, consolidation and time were needed for the discussions on how to develop the European security architecture in a speech delivered at an OSCE Parliamentary Assembly meeting in Vienna today.

Noting that the topic had been discussed by 56 Foreign Ministers participating in the December 2008 OSCE Ministerial Council in Helsinki, Bakoyannis said the debate so far had "confirmed that the OSCE is the natural platform for pan-European discussion".

"Greece stands ready to organize meetings at any level with the aim of facilitating further dialogue," she said. "The OSCE's experience in this area is very flexible, and offers many different ways to take this process forward."

She said three principles could help guide the discussions.

"The first is modesty. We have come a long way since the Cold War. Walls have been torn down and families reunited. But the job is not done. Some participating States feel that we have not yet overcome all dividing lines in Europe. So let us take every invitation to dialogue seriously," she said.

The second principle was consolidation, she said, emphasizing that "our point of departure must be what we have already achieved".

"As we consider new initiatives, let us build on the ground that we have cleared already," she said.

The final principle was to make haste slowly, she said, keeping in mind that the 1975 Helsinki Final Act, which led to the creation of the OSCE, was preceded by lengthy discussions including 2,400 meetings and deliberations on 4,660 proposals.

"We should take the time required to prepare a positive agenda, to consider all options and consult widely," she said.

Referring to the crisis in Georgia, Bakoyannis reiterated that she was "deeply committed to maintaining a meaningful OSCE presence in the region." She welcomed a decision by OSCE participating States to extend the mandate of the Organization's military monitoring observers until June 30.

"I take this as a sign of good will and as recognition of the enduring need for the OSCE on the ground. But it is only a beginning. Let us build on this - here in Vienna and also in the Geneva Discussions, of which the OSCE is Co-Chair," she said.

She also lauded the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, which comprises 320 parliamentarians from the 56 OSCE participating States, saying it helped "to drive forward the political dialogue among participating States".