Romania begins OSCE Chairmanship for 2001

VIENNA, 3 January 2001 - Romania has taken on its mandate to carry out the roles and responsibilities of the Chairmanship of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe during 2001.

Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Dan Geoana will hold the position of Chairman-in-Office.

The OSCE Chairman-in-Office is vested with overall responsibility for executive action and co-ordination of current OSCE activities. This includes co-ordination of the work of OSCE Institutions, representing the Organization, and supervising activities related to conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation.

The Chairmanship changes annually, and the post of Chairman-in-Office is held by the Foreign Minister of a participating State. For the past 12 months, the OSCE Chairmanship has been held by Austria. In 2002, it will pass to Portugal.

The Chairman-in-Office is assisted by the previous and succeeding Chairmanships; the three of them together constitute the Troika. During 2001, the Troika is made up of Austria, Romania and Portugal.

The Chairman-in-Office may also form ad hoc steering groups and appoint personal representatives to deal with specific crisis or conflict situations.

Further information on the Romanian Chairmanship will be made available on the OSCE website, later in January.