OSCE Ministerial Troika meets in Warsaw

WARSAW, 31 October 1997 - The Ministers of the Troika of the OSCE, the Foreign Ministers of Poland, Switzerland and Denmark met today in Warsaw.

The Ministers discussed prospects for the Copenhagen Ministerial 18-19 December. They noted the developments during 1997 in the European Security Architecture, notably the enlargement processes set in motion within NATO and the European Union and the enhanced structures of co-operation established through the Euro-Atlantic Partnership Council, the NATO-Russia Founding Act and the Charter NATO-Ukraine. In the light of experiences gained since 1990, and with a view to the Copenhagen Ministerial, Ministers agreed that time is coming for the OSCE to take decisions stemming from the work so far on the Security Model and develop consensus on guidelines for a Charter for European Security. The Charter should contribute to creating a Europe built on common values of freedom and democracy. It should strengthen the OSCE's ability to assist States in living up to these values. It should complement on-going processes in European security.

Ministers reaffirmed their support for the OSCE budget reform proposed by the Chairman-in-Office.

Ministers confirmed that the OSCE will continue implementation of results from the 13-14 September municipal elections in Bosnia and Herzegovina, leading to their final certification by 31 December 1997. The OSCE will continue preparations for elections in Republika Srpska to be concluded on 23 November 1997. They stressed the need for full co-operation from the parties. The Troika expressed its support for the Chairman-in-Office for the appointment of the President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the OSCE, Mr. Javier Rupérez, as his Personal Representative to assess these important elections.

Ministers discussed developments in The Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. They once more urged the Government of the FRY to implement the recommendations made by Mr. Gonzalez and to declare its willingness to cooperate with the OSCE on democratic reforms. They reaffirmed their support for a new mission by Mr. Gonzalez as the Personal Representative for the Chairman-in-Office.

Ministers called on all the parties in Montenegro to accept the result of the election on 19 October and to refrain from acts of violence.

Ministers appealed to the FRY authorities to abstain from any further acts of repression and violence in Kosovo and urged the Albanians of Kosovo to reject any form of terrorism. They repeated their call to the FRY Government to cooperate with the Personal Representative for the Chairman-in-Office on the Kosovo issue, Mr. Max van der Stoel.

Ministers reiterated the need for continued progress regarding two-way return of refugees in Croatia and urged the Government of Croatia to cooperate fully with the OSCE Mission and other relevant international organizations.

Ministers noted with regret that since the signing in Moscow on 8 May 1997 of the "Memorandum on the Bases for Normalization of Relations between the Republic of Moldova and Transdniestria" no further political progress has been made. Persistent endeavours in order to implement the memorandum are called for. Ministers reaffirmed the readiness of the OSCE to continue its assistance in the process. Referring to the Lisbon Summit Declaration they stressed the need for a complete implementation of the Moldo-Russian agreement of 21 October 1994 on the withdrawal of the Russian troops.

Ministers expressed their expectation of an early conclusion of the negotiations on the technical modalities for the establishment of an Advisory and Monitoring Group in Belarus with a view to allowing the Group to commence its work soon.

Ministers confirmed their will to increase the OSCE's efforts in the field of democratization in Central Asia. The activity plan of the Central Asia Liaison office for 1998 and beyond and the 16 October 1997 agreement on ODIHR projects for democratization and strengthening of civil society represent important steps to this end.

Ministers recognized the need to strengthen the Secretariat to adapt to the operational requirements of the OSCE. They expressed support for the efforts of the Secretary General to this end and encouraged him to continue his work.