OSCE Co-ordinator praises Belarus for environmental activities

MINSK, 16 November 2007 - The Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, Bernard Snoy, praised today the efforts of Belarus within the ENVSEC Initiative, which provides a framework for co-operation on environmental issues across borders and promotes peace and stability through environmental co-operation and sustainable development.

He also welcomed the wide range of joint projects developed in the last years by the authorities of Belarus and the Office in Minsk.

Bernard Snoy, who visited Belarus from 13 to 16 November, met Deputy Foreign Minister Valery Voronetsky, First Deputy Minister for Natural Resources Alexandr Apatsky, Vice-Minister for Economy Andrey Tur, and Acting Head of the Department on Energy Efficiency, Igor Kordubo.

They discussed a wide range of issues, including projects-related activities, policies relating to alternative energies developed in Belarus, and projects implemented under the Kyoto protocol.

"We should focus on developing projects relating to energy efficiency and energy management in Belarus to enhance its level of energy security," said Snoy. "Our Office in Minsk and my department in Vienna stand ready to assist Belarus in this respect."

During his visit, Snoy opened a seminar on combating money-laundering and the financing of terrorism, stressing "the importance of promoting international standards in the field of good governance".

The co-ordinator also met with the Rector of the International Sakharov Environmental University, Semen Kundas, and addressed the students.

The OSCE Co-ordinator also visited the natural reserve of Berezinskoye, to the north of Minsk.