OSCE Chairperson representative in Minsk for meetings

Lithuanian Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Evaldas Ignatavičius, representing the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, is in Minsk on 16 February 2011 for meetings with Belarusian officials and representatives of civil society.

The main topic of the meetings is OSCE and Belarusian co-operation.

The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Lithuanian Foreign Minister Audronius Ažubalis, reiterated his deep regret over the decision of Belarusian authorities to terminate the mandate of the OSCE Office in Minsk in his speech to the UN Security Council yesterday. The mandate expired on 31 December 2010. The OSCE has maintained a presence in Minsk since 1998.

Lithuania’s 2011 OSCE Chairmanship is committed to furthering discussions with Belarus and other OSCE participating States with the goal of continuing the Organization's important work in the country. The Chairmanship has emphasized the valuable assistance the Office has provided to the Belarusian government in its work to strengthen institutions, consolidate the rule of law and foster relations with civil society in accordance with OSCE principles and commitments.