OSCE and Council of Europe hold 7th high-level meeting

STRASBOURG/VIENNA, 21 November 1999 -- The Chairman of the Council of Europe Committee of Ministers, Icelandic Foreign Minister, Halldór Ásgrimsson, and the OSCE have held their seventh high-level meeting.

Concerning Kosovo, they agreed to strengthen co-operation in training judges, local government officials and police officers, and in promoting the protection of human rights, notably the creation of an Ombudsman institution. The OSCE welcomed the Council of Europe's contribution, particularly the long-term secondment of experts to its Field Mission.

Both organizations play an active role in the implementation of the Stability Pact for South-Eastern Europe, which was launched by the European Union and placed under the auspices of the OSCE. Specific projects will be carried out regarding democratization and human rights, including protection of national minorities, Roma and Sinti and freedom of the media.

Concerning Armenia and Azerbaijan, they agreed to reinforce contacts with the perspective of these countries' future accession to Council of Europe membership in mind. The prospects for a peaceful settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict were discussed.

On Georgia, they agreed to support the country's efforts to find a solution to the questions of the status of Abkhazia and South-Ossetia within Georgia.

Protection of national minorities in Europe remained a priority issue for both Organizations.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the development of their relations.

The OSCE gave information about the preparations for its Istanbul Summit, 18-19 November 1999.