Monaco meeting to underline the contribution of small States to international affairs

COPENHAGEN, 2 July 2012 – At a meeting in Monaco, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE PA), the world’s largest regional security organization, is set to vote on a resolution that will recognize the contribution of small states to international organizations.

Marion Kindle-Kühnis (Liechtenstein) has introduced a resolution welcoming the special efforts performed by the Principality of Monaco to organize the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s Annual Session on 5-9 July. The text also calls on the 56 nations of the Organization to help small states enforce OSCE standards, and maintain and guarantee their security and identity.

“Because of their unique history, small states have a special place in Europe,” said Kindle-Kühnis. “However, globalization requires additional efforts for them to maintain their own identity and the diversity of their economic and social systems.”

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly comprises members from Andorra, Liechtenstein, Monaco, and San Marino. In addition, the Holy See has non-voting representation at the Assembly.

“Hosting the Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly demonstrates our commitment to international co-operation,” said Jean-Charles Gardetto (Monaco), Vice-President of the OSCE PA and co-sponsor of the resolution. “This meeting is the occasion to illustrate that all OSCE participating States have equal rights and duties, as recognized by the 1975 Helsinki Final Act, regardless their size.”

The resolution is co-sponsored by 33 parliamentarians from 18 different countries. The full text can be accessed here.

Parliamentarians from across the OSCE region will vote on the resolution in Monaco. Resolutions adopted at the Annual Session along with the Monaco Declaration help to shape OSCE and national policy. The Annual Session, including committee debates and votes, are open to the press and public.

Media Contacts:
Olivier Wenden, Conseil National of Monaco, +377 97 77 41 16, mob: +33 6 41 89 18 63
Neil Simon, OSCE PA, neil@oscepa.dk, +45 60 10 83 80 mobile

This is a press release issued by the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly. The views expressed in this press release do not necessarily reflect those of the OSCE Chairmanship, nor of all OSCE participating States.

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly is comprised of 320 parliamentarians from 55 countries spanning, Europe, Central Asia and North America. The Assembly provides a forum for parliamentary diplomacy, monitors elections, and strengthens international cooperation to uphold commitments on political, security, economic, environmental and human rights issues.