Partnership, mutual respect and understanding key for OSCE, says Lithuanian President

VIENNA, 8 March 2007 - The concept of partnership should be at the heart of the OSCE's work, Lithuanian President Valdas Adamkus said today.

"Working together, in harmony and with a shared sense of responsibility, we can come considerably closer to achieving the vision of a 'Europe whole and free' that brought us together in the first place," said President Adamkus, addressing the OSCE Permanent Council, the Organization's main political decision-making body.

"I am certain that we can do more in creating the right conditions that will erase the dividing lines and remove the hurdles that still exist among us, both on the ground and in our minds," he added

President Adamkus underlined the significant role of the OSCE as a value-based organization and said countries should draw confidence from their shared past.

"For my country, the OSCE means 'us', not 'us and them'. The dichotomy of 'East of Vienna-West of Vienna' has no meaning for us," Adamkus said. "A common body of commitments lies at the core of the OSCE and these commitments are designed to act as a compass guiding our behaviour. They are a reason for pride, but they are also a responsibility to live to up to the aspirations to which we have all subscribed," he added.

The Lithuanian President stressed the importance of OSCE institutions and field operations that stand on the front line of the key OSCE mission to support all 56 participating States in implementing their commitments.

The President pointed to the increased role of the OSCE in promoting police reform, countering terrorism and organized crime, fighting discrimination and promoting tolerance, addressing the pressing issues of energy security, environmental protection and migration.

He said that in the last 15 years Lithuania has focused on preserving good neighbourly relations and building a region connected by strong co-operation at all levels.

"We believe that the OSCE should help advance the sub-regional co-operation where regional identity hardly exists and countries struggle to find a common ground for dialogue. Our experience says that, while having a robust and far-reaching vision, we should start with patience and first deal with challenges that are common to all," Adamkus added.

President Adamkus reconfirmed Lithuania's readiness to assume the Chairmanship of the OSCE in 2010.