OSCE Chairperson welcomes Ukraine's active role in Organization during visit to Kyiv

KYIV, 7 February 2011 – The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis, said he appreciates Ukraine's active role in the OSCE as its 2013 Chairmanship approaches during meetings today with top officials in Kyiv.

"I welcome the OSCE Ministerial Council decision to give the OSCE Chairmanship in 2013 to Ukraine. Holding the chairmanship – leading 56 States that promote security through consensus - is a demanding job, but it is also rewarding. By taking on this responsibility, Ukraine will help to strengthen the OSCE role as a forum for dialogue and platform for action," Ažubalis said.

"The Lithuanian OSCE Chairmanship and, I am sure, also next year's Irish Chairmanship, look forward to your increased participation in setting the OSCE agenda over the coming years and to co-operating more closely as 2013 approaches."

He also welcomed Ukraine’s support in the Transdniestrian settlement process, saying the country’s contribution was “indispensable”.

“We have pledged our support for an early resumption of formal ‘5+2’ negotiations during our Chairmanship,” he added.

In meetings with President Viktor Yanukovich, Prime Minister Mykola Azarov, Parliament Speaker Volodymyr Lytvyn and Foreign Minister Konstantin Hryschenko, Ažubalis also discussed OSCE activities in Ukraine. He highlighted the crucial work by the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine and expressed appreciation for the close co-operation between the authorities and the Project Co-ordinator.

Ažubalis said he appreciated that the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights had been invited to contribute to the drafting of new election legislation, adding that the OSCE Project Co-ordinator in Ukraine could bring additional expertise and resources.

“Let me also emphasize the importance of media freedom for any democracy. I encourage Ukrainian authorities to continue working with the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media in this crucial field,” he said.

He also welcomed progress under a major OSCE-Ukraine project to eliminate the country's 16,000-tonne stock of a Soviet-era toxic rocket fuel component stored in deteriorating containers across the country. So far, more than 3,600 tonnes have been removed, and the remainder is set to be removed by the end of next year.

Ažubalis also had meetings with representatives of political parties. He emphasized the special role non-governmental organizations and human rights defenders play in helping the 56 OSCE participating States live up to the commitments they have made voluntarily as part of the Organization.

"As OSCE leaders agreed in the Astana Commemorative Declaration, adopted in December during the OSCE Summit in Kazakhstan's capital, civil society and free media play an important role in helping us to ensure full respect for human rights, fundamental freedoms, democracy - including free and fair elections - and the rule of law," he said.

He added that the OSCE’s institutions – the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the Representative on Freedom of the Media and the High Commissioner on National Minorities - were useful resources for all participating States in this regard.

Ažubalis travels to Chisinau tomorrow.