Building bridges, drawing on past achievements vital to facing collective security challenges, says OSCE Chairperson

WASHINGTON, 23 February 2009 - The OSCE remains a critical part of international efforts to establish security and stability from Vancouver to Vladivostok, said the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis in an address at the Brookings Institution today.

Bakoyannis, speaking on "Collective Security in the 21st Century: Building New Bridges", underscored the importance of strengthening ties between Europe and the United States and with Russia, as well as furthering the European integration of the Balkans.

"In our multi-polar world, security depends on more than just power. It depends on building bridges over troubled waters," she said.

Bakoyannis said the OSCE, with 56 participating States and 11 Partners for Co-operation, had an important role to play in collective security.

"There are several challenges in Europe that bring to light the real potential of the OSCE, particularly when it comes to crisis management," she said, citing recent successes in extending the mandate of OSCE military monitors in Georgia and mediating the resumption of natural gas supplies to areas in South Ossetia.

Referring to prospects for a dialogue on European security, Bakoyannis said: "Few would question the need for joint co-operation in order to enhance and further strengthen security in the wider European region."

"Even as we explore new paths, our point of departure must be what we have already achieved. The area is rich in experience and with organizations mandated to develop common security. The OSCE has a special place in this architecture. As we consider new initiatives, let us build on the ground that we have cleared already," she said.

Bakoyannis is in Washington to meet U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, National Security Adviser Gen. James Jones and other officials on 24 and 25 February. She will address the UN Security Council in New York on 27 February.