Italian EU Presidency stresses key role of OSCE

VIENNA, 10 July 2003 - Italy's Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Roberto Antonione, today stressed the importance the European Union attaches to the OSCE, saying the two organizations shared the same fundamental principles and commitment to conflict prevention, human rights and institution-building.

Addressing the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna on behalf of the EU Presidency, Mr Antonione said some countries were concerned that the enlargement of the EU to twenty-five members could stifle political debate in the 55-nation OSCE, marginalise countries that are not yet a part of Euro-Atlantic integration processes and create new divisions.

"Nothing is further removed from the truth," the Deputy Minister said.

The common goals of the EU and the OSCE were creating synergies, not competition.

"The European Union knows that it can count on the capabilities of the OSCE and on its specific operational instruments. The OSCE knows that it can count on the continuous support of the Union in its endeavours," Mr Antonione added.

"The OSCE Permanent Council must continue to be a forum for political dialogue among all its members, seeking consensus and transforming the will to co-operate into concrete initiatives."

The Deputy Minister said the OSCE had a key role to play in tackling unresolved conflicts, such as those in Moldova and the Southern Caucasus. "Overcoming unresolved conflict situations will constitute a test for this organisation, the demonstration that it is able to intervene constructively in the real world."

The OSCE's field presence was a valuable asset which it was essential to safeguard and enhance. "The Field Operations represent the most visible parts of the Organisation's web of institutional interconnections, but are also a tangible demonstration of international solidarity," Mr Antonione added.

After having contributed decisively to the re-unification of the Euro-Atlantic area, the OSCE continued to feature as the builder of a concept of comprehensive and co-operative security.

The Deputy Minister stressed the importance of the Mediterranean dimension of the OSCE, noting that European security could not be dissociated from that of the Mediterranean region.