OSCE Ministerial Troika meets in Warsaw

WARSAW, 21 January 1998 - The Ministers of the Troika of the OSCE, the Foreign Ministers of Norway and Poland and the Permanent Secretary of State of Denmark, met today in Warsaw. They had on their agenda the follow-up to the OSCE's December 1997 Ministerial Council Meeting in Copenhagen, OSCE field activities in Albania, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Croatia, the situation in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, Chechnya and other regional issues.

The Ministers welcomed the news that the Advisory and Monitoring Group in Belarus has begun its work, which in their opinion is vitally important for the promotion of democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights in that country.

The Ministers emphasized that the OSCE will give democratization high priority in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Organization will strengthen its programmes of confidence-building initiatives furthering dialogue and reconciliation between ethnic and social groups, the development of civil society through the media, political parties and development of non-governmental organizations, and the building of democratic institutions.

The Ministers strongly support the enhanced role of the OSCE in Croatia, especially after the expiry of the mandate of the United Nations Transitional Administration. They stressed the importance of full implementation of all obligations entered into by the Croatian authorities.

On the situation in the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, the Ministers remain concerned. The remedies for the democratic shortcomings in that country, clearly set out by Mr. Felipe Gonzalez in his Report, are not being sufficiently pursued by the Government. The Ministers took positive note of the recent transition of power in Montenegro which resulted from elections that the OSCE observers deemed acceptable. They support the work of a team from the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights which is providing assistance on revising the election and media laws in preparation for the upcoming parliamentary elections in Montenegro.

Serious concern was expressed over the rising tensions in Kosovo. The Ministers urged the parties to show moderation and seek dialogue. On Albania, Ministers expressed concern over lack of participation of the Democratic Party in parliament. They called on the DP to end their boycott and to participate in drafting a new constitution. They drew attention to tomorrow's visit to Tirana of parliamentarians from the Parliamentary Assemblies of the OSCE and Council of Europe as well as the European Parliament. The purpose of the visit is to put the drafting process back on track by convincing all parties to participate constructively in the work of the Parliamentary Commission.

The Ministers expressed their concern with the aggravation of the situation in Chechnya. They called for maximum restraint and appealed for the release of all hostages.

The Ministers expressed their support for the work programme proposed by the Chairman-in-Office for the developing of a Document-Charter on European Security.

The Ministers welcomed the appointment of Mr. Thomas Price (USA) as the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities.