Ministerial Troika discusses terrorism, OSCE reform

LISBON, 26 June 2002 - Today's meeting, chaired by the Portuguese Chairman in Office, Foreign Minister Antonio Martins da Cruz, was attended by the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Romanian Secretary of State in their capacity as members of the OSCE Troika. The President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, the OSCE Secretary General and the Heads of the OSCE Institutions were also present.

This event was essentially a working meeting with two main objectives:

(1) an evaluation of the activities of the Organization and those of the Chair in the light of the working programme adopted at the beginning of the year;

(2) assess the perspectives for the next semester and discuss the preparations for the December Ministerial Council.

The agenda focused on the key aspects and dimensions of the OSCE's activities and interventions:

• in the first place, the prevention and combat of terrorism, with particular emphasis on the Conclusions of the 12 June meeting and on the OSCE Charter on the Prevention and Combat of Terrorism, which we expect to be adopted at the next Ministerial meeting;
• we also held an interesting discussion on the various issues related to the reform of the OSCE. This exercise does not intend to change the political nature of the Organization, rather it is aimed at improving the political and administrative management of the OSCE, transparency, efficiency and coherence;
• discussions were also centred on the activities of the OSCE in its three Dimensions (Political-Military, Economic and Environmental, Human): the debate was constructive and motivating, highlighting the projects underway as well as the Chairmanship's goal of strengthening the Economic and Environmental Dimension. We took note that today is the International Day Against Torture, an area where the OSCE efforts in support of the United Nations are fully recognized;
• furthermore, we had a useful exchange of views on the OSCE's line of action in regard to a number of regional issues. In particular, we noted the heavy election calendar in south-eastern Europe and the difficulties the OSCE faces in Belarus;
• strengthening co-operation with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly was addressed, bearing in mind the important role this institution plays in promoting democratic values throughout the OSCE area and in bringing the Organisation closer to citizens.