First meeting of the Economic and Environmental Sub-Committee of the Permanent Council

Vienna, 19 December 2001 - The first meeting of the Economic and Environmental Sub-Committee of the Permanent Council, established by the Ministerial Council in Bucharest, was convened today in Vienna.

The meeting was addressed by Daniel Daianu, National Co-ordinator of the OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities, representing the Romanian Chairmanship, and by Marc Baltes, Acting Co-ordinator of the OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities. They shared their views on the stage of discussions within the OSCE Economic and Environmental Dimension and briefed the participants on recent and future activities.

All participants welcomed the launch of the Sub-Committee and the opportunity it offers for a regular exchange of opinions and to examine economic and environmental issues relevant for security. They agreed to make full use of the new forum for discussion that the Sub-Committee provides. A number of topics were presented for discussion by the Sub-Committee.

The Sub-Committee would also focus on the preparation of the meetings of the Economic Forum, as well as on follow-up activities. A general consensus emerged on the need to consider ways and means aimed at ensuring practical implementation of different OSCE decisions and principles, including those referring to the fight against terrorism.

The need to involve in this process the OSCE field presences and to strengthen the co-operation with partner organizations was also emphasized.