OSCE Chairperson marks 40 years since Helsinki process with call to strengthen trust and confidence

KYIV, 3 July 2013 – Marking the 40th anniversary of start of the Helsinki process, OSCE Chairperson, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Leonid Kozhara called on the leaders of the OSCE participating States to take inspiration from this process's achievements and to work towards overcoming persisting divisions and mistrust.

The Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe (CSCE), OSCE predecessor, was launched in Helsinki on 3 July 1973 and laid grounds for Helsinki Final Act on 1 August 1975.

“Forty years ago leaders of 35 states initiated a process with the view to reduce tensions all across Europe and to ensure security and stability onthis continent,” said the OSCE Chairperson.

“The strategic vision of those leaders, who saw the possibility for co-operation even across deep ideological divides, has contributed to establishing a more open, secure and free space”.

“Now we are engaged in another process – Helsinki+40,” reminded Kozhara. “It aims at discussing what the current 57 participating States need to do in order to accomplish our work in building trust and confidence and to strengthen the effectiveness of our Organization as we approach the fortieth anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act.”
 
“The relations between our states are closer and more advanced than they were four decades ago. While building a security community which reflects modern needs and challenges, we should be inspired by the foresight of our predecessors and should strive for equally ambitious and forward-looking results,” the OSCE Chairperson said.