On anniversary of Elysée Treaty, OSCE Chair stresses the importance of confidence building and promoting reconciliation

CHISINAU, 22 January 2013 – The OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Leonid Kozhara, speaking on today’s 50th anniversary of the Elysée Treaty between Germany and France, underlined its historic importance in reconciliation in Europe and stressed that it should inspire greater efforts in confidence building throughout the OSCE region.

“Joining the peoples of France and Germany in celebrating of the anniversary of this historic agreement I want to stress its importance for the reconciliation as it profoundly changed relations between the two peoples. I want to pay tribute to the foresight of the leaders who initiated and signed the Treaty to the benefit of all,” Kozhara said.

The Elysée Treaty, also known as the Treaty of Friendship, was signed in Paris on 22 January 1963 by the Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Konrad Adenauer and the President of the French Republic Charles de Gaulle.

“This historic document was a key step in the rapprochement of Germany and France, having put an end to a centuries-old rivalry,” OSCE Chairperson added. “It laid foundation for increased exchanges at the political, economic and social levels between the two peoples, and helped build confidence and strengthen security in Europe as a whole.”

“It is impossible to overestimate the importance of reconciliation for post-conflict rehabilitation, as well as for conflict prevention and resolution, the areas where the OSCE works as a primary organization for the peaceful settlement of disputes within its region,” Kozhara said.

“In the OSCE region we are seeking to create a genuine security community between 57 countries. We all share the vision of a free, democratic, common and indivisible Euro-Atlantic and Eurasian security community stretching from Vancouver to Vladivostok, rooted in agreed principles, shared commitments and common goals. The Franco-German Elysée Treaty can undoubtedly offer important practical insights and inspire us in making progress towards our common goal.”

The Chairperson is in Chisinau on an official visit.