OSCE Chairperson meets Helsinki Commissioners to discuss security challenges, U.S. engagement

WASHINGTON, 24 February 2009 - The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, met members of the U.S. Helsinki Commission today to discuss the Organization's work and the need to deepen dialogue between OSCE states on collective security challenges.

"It was encouraging to hear that we have the strong support of the Helsinki Commission for the work of the OSCE, which is the only forum that brings together all the states of the Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian regions," she said.

"U.S engagement in the OSCE is more important than ever if we are to address major questions such as the future of Euro-Atlantic security, and to use effectively the many tools provided by the Organization to address both 'hard' security challenges and 'soft' security issues ranging from human trafficking to climate change."

Bakoyannis met Chairman Benjamin Cardin, Co-Chairman Alcee Hastings and Commissioner Tom Udall. They discussed the OSCE field operations, in particular the OSCE's presence in Georgia.

OSCE election observation and the work of the Chairperson's newly appointed Personal Representatives to promote greater tolerance and combat racism, xenophobia and discrimination were also addressed.

Formally known as the Commission on Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Helsinki Commission is an independent U.S. government agency created to monitor and encourage compliance with the Helsinki Final Act and other OSCE commitments.

Bakoyannis also met National Security Adviser Gen. James Jones, John Kerry, Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, and other Committee members, and with the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

Tomorrow the Chairperson-in-Office will meet U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg, and will attend a working luncheon hosted by Under Secretary for Political Affairs William Burns.

She will address the UN Security Council in New York on 27 February.