Enlarged EU sees OSCE as support for democratic development, says Irish EU Presidency

VIENNA, 22 January 2004 - As the European Union embarks on the next stage of a historic expansion, it will look to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe for continued promotion of democracy, human rights, the rule of law and institution-building, Ireland's Minister for European Affairs Dick Roche said on Thursday.

Outlining Ireland's priorities for its EU Presidency at the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna, he said enlargement from May 2004 would create a new European Union of 25 countries.

"Here in the OSCE, I am sure that you already hear the new voice which continues to be a resolute advocate for this body and its work to advance democracy, peace and justice in OSCE participating States," the Minister said.

Enlargement of the EU would strengthen the whole of Europe and offer new opportunities for communities in every corner of the region, the Minister said. "We are determined that enlargement will not lead to new dividing lines in Europe, or open up any gap in mutual understanding and shared values with neighbours near and far."

"As we enter a period when the European Union will encompass 25 member states, serving 450 million people, with a quarter of the world's GDP, it is clearer than ever that the Union is a global player, with important international responsibilities. In terms of strategic themes throughout our Presidency, support for effective multilateralism is at the top of that list."

Minister Roche congratulated Bulgaria on its assumption of the OSCE Chairmanship in 2004 and pledged that the EU would work closely with the Chairmanship to have a highly effective OSCE programme across all the dimensions of its work.

The Minister also said that by working together in close co-operation with relevant third parties, the EU and the OSCE could help to bring about solutions to conflicts in Georgia, Moldova and Nagorno-Karabakh.

"In Georgia, as in other countries within the OSCE region where democracy requires supportwe must engage on the side of democracy and peace," he said. "I commend ODIHR (the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights) for the great work they did in recent weeks in Georgia."

The Minister welcomed the Bulgarian Chairmanship s initiative to convene a meeting of mediators in the Moldova conflict in Sofia on 26 January. "We hope that this initiative will allow for a new constructive phase in the OSCE s ongoing work to support the search for a lasting and workable settlement for Moldova."

The Irish Presidency would also work to give renewed impetus to the Union's strategic partnership with the Russian Federation.

"Expert-level discussion about EU/Russia co-operation in the OSCE took place recently and there was clear agreement that there are many areas of concern on which we can work together in the months ahead," Minister Roche said.