OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General congratulate Christine Muttonen on her election as Parliamentary Assembly President

BERLIN / VIENNA, 5 July 2016 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Germany’s Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier and OSCE Secretary General Lamberto Zannier today congratulated Christine Muttonen, an Austrian parliamentarian, on her election as President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. They also thanked outgoing President Illka Kanerva from Finland for his work since July 2014.

“I congratulate Christine Muttonen on her election as President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE. As I highlighted during my recent visit to the Parliamentary Assembly’s Annual Session in Tbilisi, the Parliamentary Assembly plays a highly important role in carrying the OSCE’s activities into our societies and in fostering dialogue and constructive discussions among, but also within the participating States,” said Steinmeier.

“I am looking forward to continuing and deepening the important co-operation with the Parliamentary Assembly together with President Muttonen. I encourage Ms. Muttonen in her aim to use dialogue and discussion, also in difficult circumstances, for building trust and strengthening mutual understanding.”

“I also wish to sincerely thank Ilka Kanerva for his dedication and relentless efforts during his tenure as OSCE President. He was committed to building bridges and supporting mediation efforts in stormy times while also acting as a staunch defender of OSCE principles who did not shy away from clearly calling violations by name.”

OSCE Secretary General Zannier said: “Christine Muttonen, with her previous positions at the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, brings considerable experience and expertise to her new role. I welcome her stated goal to ensure that parliamentarians continue to play their important role in securing peace and stability, and look forward to strengthening synergies between the OSCE Executive Structures and our Parliamentary Assembly so that we can effectively address the security challenges facing the OSCE region together.”

“Kanerva’s leadership and commitment over the last two years are greatly appreciated for making the Parliamentary Assembly an invaluable platform for promoting inclusive dialogue and joint action among OSCE participating States.”

Muttonen was elected President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly at the close of the Assembly’s 25th Annual Session in Tbilisi today. Muttonen has previously served as OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Vice-President and Special Representative for Central and Eastern Asia, and is Deputy Head of the Austrian Delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly.