OSCE co-operation model will build better future, Dutch Foreign Minister tells OSCE Permanent Council

VIENNA, 10 July 2014 - Dutch Foreign Minister Frans Timmermans today stressed his strong belief that the OSCE can lead the way in conflict resolution after showing its worth in the Ukraine crisis.

Speaking to the Permanent Council in Vienna, Timmermans said the crisis constituted a “serious blow” to the international community and underlined the importance of negotiation and co-operation to bring resolution.

“Let’s understand that we are all one community, strategic choices will have strategic consequences,” he stressed.

If the OSCE and its forerunner the CSCECSCE
Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, was able to calm tensions during the Cold War period, then it was able to do so now, he said.

“The OSCE is back on our agenda…I strongly believe in the OSCE’s mission, in the future of all nations talking to each other about their problems, being open about their challenges, being open about their disagreements, but also understanding that only in a co-operative way we will be able to deliver this world into the hands of our children and grandchildren in a better state than it is today."

Popular support and improving the levels of prosperity were important to successful transformation in Ukraine, he said, citing Poland as an example of a nation that brought about credible change in this manner. Such a change was no threat to neighbouring countries, he said.

Co-operative energy policies were also essential, and an area where the OSCE had the capacity and the mandate to bring states together. Another key element was disarmament: “More transparency and less spending on outdated ColdWar era weaponry is what we all need.”

Calling for countries to respect their human rights commitments, Timmermans shared his concern at the rising tide of anti-Semitism, Islamophobia and prejudice against Roma and other minorities. Addressing issues of women in conflict is another important priority for the Netherlands in the human dimension.

The Dutch Foreign Minister addressed the OSCE Permanent Council upon the invitation of the 2014 Swiss Chairmanship.

The OSCE Permanent Council is one of the main regular decision-making bodies of the Organization bringing together representatives of all 57 OSCE participating States. It convenes weekly in Vienna to discuss developments in the OSCE area and to make decisions.

Audio of the address is available at https://soundcloud.com/osce/frans-timmermans-address-2014