Work of the Finnish OSCE Chairmanship to continue, says new Finnish Foreign Minister

HELSINKI, 4 April 2008 - Alexander Stubb was appointed as Foreign Minister of Finland today. The new Minister, serving also as the OSCE Chairman-in-Office, pledged to push ahead with Finland's Chairmanship priorities.

"The work of any Chairmanship is the product of a large team effort involving the OSCE Task Force and Vienna delegation, Special Representatives and the OSCE's Vienna Secretariat as well as OSCE field operations and Institutions," said Stubb.

"My team will continue the work started by my predecessor Ilkka Kanerva. I warmly thank Mr. Kanerva for a strong and active contribution."

The Finnish Chairmanship will pursue the detailed schedule of work that builds on the OSCE's strengths as a forum for dialogue and a platform for action across Europe," the new Chairman-in-Office said.

Minister Stubb, 40, is scheduled to visit Vienna on 10 April to brief the OSCE's Permanent Council, a decision-making body chaired this year by Finland.

Priorities of the 2008 Finnish OSCE Chairmanship include progress towards resolving the region's protracted conflicts, enhancing engagement with Afghanistan as well as co-operation on maritime and inland waterways, combating trafficking in human beings, promoting tolerance and non-discrimination and gender equality.