OSCE Secretary General has audience with Pope, discusses security, promoting tolerance

VATICAN CITY, 15 April 2009 - OSCE Secretary General Marc Perrin de Brichambaut had a private audience with Pope Benedict XVI today, where they discussed the state of security co-operation in the OSCE region, and promoting tolerance and non-discrimination.

They also discussed religious tolerance, in particular the work of the three Personal Representatives of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office on Combating Anti-Semitism, on Combating Intolerance and Discrimination against Muslims and on Combating Racism, Xenophobia and Discrimination, also focusing on Intolerance and Discrimination against Christians and Members of Other Religions.

The Holy See is a participating State of the OSCE, and de Brichambaut is the first OSCE Secretary General to have an audience with the Pope.

"The OSCE is founded on the idea that comprehensive security starts with respect for the inherent dignity of the individual. The Holy See was one of the original signatories of the 1975 Helsinki Final Act, and from the start has vigorously championed respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms," said de Brichambaut.

"Based on these shared values we and all the OSCE participating States have worked together, through difficult times and momentous changes, towards achieving sustainable peace and stability in our region."

Yesterday de Brichambaut met Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, the Vatican's Secretary for Relations with States.