Environmental impact of conflicts and post-conflict rehabilitation to be discussed at 8th OSCE Economic Forum

VIENNA, 5 April 2000 - The Eighth Economic Forum of the OSCE will take place in Prague from 11 to 14 April 2000. The Forum will consist of two parts: a session on 11 April to review the implementation of commitments related to the economic dimension of security as undertaken by OSCE participating States, and a second part which will take place from 12 to 14 April and address the theme of "Economic Aspects of Post-Conflict Rehabilitation: the Challenges of Transformation."

The purpose of the review session on 11 April is to examine how OSCE participating States are implementing commitments in the areas of economics, environment, science and technology as contained in various OSCE documents, notably the Helsinki Final Act, the Charter of Paris, and the 1990 "Bonn Document" on economic co-operation in Europe.

The agenda of the general theme on 12-14 April covers topics that are relevant to long term stability and security, such as economic restructuring and the next steps in transition; environmental impact of conflicts and rehabilitation measures; and experiences with post-conflict rehabilitation efforts. OSCE States will be represented by high-level delegations, many at ministerial level. Speakers include representatives of OSCE States, as well as representatives of other International Organizations, NGOs and the private sector.

The President of the Republic of Tajikistan, Emomali Rachmonov, will deliver a keynote address to the opening plenary on 12 April at 10:00.

The Forum was established as an annual meeting at the Helsinki Summit of 1992 in order to address issues relating to economic aspects of security and to promote cooperation in economics, science, technology and the environment. The OSCE believes that co-operation among States in these fields greatly contributes to building and maintaining comprehensive security and stability in Europe.

Press Arrangements:

Venue/Accreditation: Czernin Palace, Loretánské nám. 5, 11800 Prague 1 Please present press identification card.

Access: The opening sessions on 11 and 12 April and the closing session on 14 April are open to the press. The first plenary meeting is scheduled to start at 15:00 p.m.

Press Briefings: A press briefing will be held on 11 April at 14:30 as well as on 14 April at 13:00.