Creating synergies, avoiding overlap key to strengthening work of OSCE and Council of Europe, says Foreign Minister Milososki

VIENNA, 10 June 2010 - The OSCE and the Council of Europe should strengthen co-operation and avoid overlap to promote security on the basis of democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Antonio Milososki, told the OSCE Permanent Council today.

Milososki, who currently chairs the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe, discussed his Chairmanship's priorities, including strengthening human rights protection, fostering integration while respecting diversity and youth participation.

He also highlighted OSCE and Council of Europe work in areas including review of electoral legislation and joint guidelines on the review of legislation pertaining to freedom of religion or belief, integration of national minorities and tolerance. Milososki emphasized that the two organizations should work towards joint goals by "strengthening cooperation, creating synergies and avoiding overlap".

"The Council of Europe and the OSCE complements each other almost ideally. They have both contributed to the creation of Europe, whole and at peace. All our member states and participating States deserve credit for the reconciliation and unity of Europe," he said.

The Permanent Council is a main decision-making body of the 56-country OSCE. It meets weekly in Vienna to discuss developments in the OSCE area and to make appropriate decisions.