Wilhelm Höynck appointed Personal Representative of Chairman-in-Office for Central Asia

BUCHAREST, 14 June 2001 (OSCE) - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office, Romanian Foreign Minister Mircea Geoana today announced the appointment of Dr. Wilhelm Höynck, career diplomat and former OSCE Secretary General, as his Personal Representative for tasks in support of the participating States in Central Asia.

As part of his mandate, Ambassador Höynck will identify future OSCE projects that could be implemented on a regional level in Central Asia. The OSCE has offices and missions in all five Central Asian OSCE participating States - Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

"Our co-operation with our Central Asian participating States is essential, as only concrete and clear-cut regional projects will have a significant contribution to the security and stability of the region," said the Chairman-in-Office.

Mr. Geona asked Ambassador Höynck to visit Central Asia from 17 to 28 June 2001 in order to follow up on the discussions already initiated by the Chairman-in-Office during his recent visit to the region.

Dr. Wilhelm Höynck joined the German federal foreign service in April 1964. His postings included Vietnam, NATO, the United Nations and positions in Bonn. From June 1993 to June 1996 he served as the first OSCE Secretary General. He is an expert on Central Asia, and in 1999 prepared a report on the enhancement of OSCE activities in the region.

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For further information, please contact Josue Anselmo, OSCE Spokesperson, mobile (+43) 664 325 3698, or the Press and Public Information Section of the OSCE Secretariat, tel.: (+ 43-1) 514 36 180, or e-mail: info@osce.org